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.