Irresistible Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

There’s something undeniably magical about chicken alfredo stuffed shells. Picture this: tender pasta shells cradling a creamy, dreamy filling of chicken and alfredo sauce, topped with melted cheese that stretches like a good joke. The aroma wafting from your kitchen will make your neighbors wonder if you’ve hired a chef, while your family gathers around the table, eagerly awaiting their first bite.

I remember the first time I made these delightful stuffed shells; my kids were convinced I had secretly transformed into a culinary wizard overnight. And who could blame them? These comfort food gems are perfect for family gatherings, cozy weeknights, or impressing guests at dinner parties. The anticipation builds as you prepare to dive into this rich and flavorful dish that guarantees to leave everyone asking for seconds.

The last time I whipped up these stuffed shells, my best friend declared them “life-changing,” which definitely sparked some friendly competition in our dinner group.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: These large shells hold all the creamy goodness; make sure they’re sturdy enough to withstand the stuffing.

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well; feel free to use leftover rotisserie chicken for ease.

• Alfredo Sauce: Store-bought works great but homemade will elevate the dish; consider adding garlic for extra flavor.

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Use plenty of mozzarella for that gooey top layer; who doesn’t love cheese?

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated adds a lovely salty kick; sprinkle generously on top before baking.

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley brightens up the dish visually and adds a fresh flavor contrast.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors; don’t skimp on these!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Bring it to a boil and add salt before tossing in those jumbo pasta shells. Cook them just until al dente—remember they’ll bake later!

Once you’ve got those shells cooking, take a moment to prepare your chicken. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and toss in diced chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through—about 6-8 minutes should do it.

While the chicken cooks, mix together your chosen alfredo sauce with cooked chicken in a bowl until combined. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some garlic or Italian herbs for an extra punch of flavor that will wow everyone at the table.

Now comes the fun part: stuffing those shells! Using a spoon or piping bag (yes, we’re fancy now), carefully fill each shell with that creamy mixture. Arrange them snugly in a greased baking dish as if they’re about to go on stage for their big performance.

Once all shells are nestled in their baking dish home sweet home, pour any remaining alfredo sauce over them generously. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top like confetti at a celebration—the more cheese, the better!

Cover with foil and pop into your preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Then remove the foil for an additional 10 minutes so everything can bubble happily away while turning golden brown.

Finally, when they emerge from the oven looking spectacularly cheesy and invitingly hot, garnish with fresh parsley for that touch of elegance—and don’t forget to take some photos before diving in!

These chicken alfredo stuffed shells promise layers of flavor that will have everyone raving long after dinner is over. Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven and boiling the pasta shells. While they’re cooking, prepare the creamy Alfredo sauce and chicken filling simultaneously. This ensures everything comes together perfectly without waiting too long.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your stuffed shells by adding spinach or mushrooms into the filling. You can also swap out chicken for shrimp or even roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version. The options are limitless!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.

Sharing my first attempt at making chicken alfredo stuffed shells still makes me chuckle; I ended up with more sauce than shells and had to improvise a pasta bake!

FAQ

How can I make chicken alfredo stuffed shells ahead of time?

Prepare everything in advance, assemble, and store uncooked in the fridge until ready to bake.

Can I freeze chicken alfredo stuffed shells?

Yes! Freeze assembled shells before baking for up to a month; just add extra cooking time.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?

You can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative if you prefer lighter options.