Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this dish features jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a rich mixture of shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Baked until golden and bubbly, this dish is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or when you just want something indulgent and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 lb jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 jar (16 oz) Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the ingredients.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, half of the Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Stuff the Shells: Fill each pasta shell with the chicken mixture and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the shells and sprinkle with extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let the shells cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or ricotta cheese.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.
- Different Sauces: Try swapping Alfredo for marinara or a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Extra Crunch: Top with crispy bacon bits or seasoned breadcrumbs before baking.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked stuffed shells for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought shredded chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked shredded chicken works great for convenience.
2. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the stuffed shells, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. Can I freeze these stuffed shells?
Yes, freeze them unbaked in a covered dish. Bake straight from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
4. What type of pasta should I use?
Jumbo pasta shells work best, but manicotti tubes can be a substitute.
5. Can I use homemade Alfredo sauce?
Definitely! A homemade Alfredo sauce with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan will make this dish even more decadent.
6. How can I make this dish healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta, low-fat Alfredo sauce, and reduced-fat cheese. Add veggies like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrients.
7. What sides go well with this dish?
Pair it with a simple salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.
8. How do I prevent the pasta shells from breaking?
Cook them until just al dente, and handle them gently when stuffing.
9. Can I add more cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in ricotta cheese for extra creaminess.
10. What’s the best way to reheat without drying it out?
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes or add a splash of Alfredo sauce before microwaving.
Conclusion
These Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a rich, creamy, and cheesy delight that will impress everyone at the table. Whether you’re making them for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy the perfect combination of pasta, chicken, and Alfredo sauce in every bite!
Print
Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Indulge in these Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells, a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that combines tender shredded chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and gooey mozzarella inside jumbo pasta shells. Baked to golden, bubbly perfection, this easy-to-make meal is perfect for family dinners, holidays, or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Shells:
- 1 lb jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or pre-cooked works great!)
- 1 jar (16 oz) Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) while preparing the ingredients.
2. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Shredded chicken
- Half of the Alfredo sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
4. Stuff the Shells
- Fill each cooked pasta shell with a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Add Sauce & Cheese
- Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.
- Sprinkle with additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for extra cheesiness.
6. Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Serve & Enjoy
- Let the shells cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with extra parsley for a fresh touch.
Notes
- Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and shredding chicken from scratch.
- Prevent Shells from Tearing: Cook the jumbo pasta shells al dente and handle them gently when stuffing to avoid breaking.
- Homemade Alfredo Sauce for Extra Creaminess: If possible, make a homemade Alfredo sauce using butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan for a richer flavor.
- Enhance the Filling: For a creamier texture, mix ricotta or cream cheese into the filling.
- Add More Flavor: A pinch of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or nutmeg can elevate the filling.
- Don’t Skip the Foil While Baking: Covering the dish with foil for the first part of baking prevents the cheese from drying out and ensures even cooking.
- Make It a Casserole: If stuffing shells feels too tedious, layer the pasta, chicken mixture, and Alfredo sauce like a lasagna for a simple yet delicious alternative.
- Customize the Toppings: Add crispy bacon bits, crushed Ritz crackers, or toasted breadcrumbs for extra texture on top.
- Make It a Freezer Meal: Assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time, freeze unbaked, and bake directly from frozen with a few extra minutes added to the cook time.
- Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers taste even better the next day—perfect for lunch meal prep or an easy weeknight dinner.
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