Description
Creamy chicken alfredo stuffed shells bring Italian comfort to dinner tables with irresistible cheesy goodness. Pasta shells packed with tender chicken and rich alfredo sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F, ensuring optimal temperature for baking the stuffed shells.
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Carefully add jumbo pasta shells, cooking until they reach al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and allow to cool slightly for easy handling.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Quickly sauté minced garlic until aromatic, avoiding browning. Transfer to a mixing bowl containing shredded chicken, ricotta, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, and seasonings. Blend ingredients until uniformly combined.
- Gently spoon the chicken-cheese mixture into each pasta shell, creating plump, generously filled pockets. Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, positioning them closely together.
- Drizzle Alfredo sauce evenly across the shells, ensuring complete coverage. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese over the top, creating a tempting cheesy layer.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let rest briefly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant finishing touch. Serve immediately while warm and deliciously creamy.
Notes
- Pick jumbo shells carefully to ensure they’re large enough for stuffing without tearing, avoiding frustration during preparation.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent shells from becoming mushy when baked, maintaining a perfect texture.
- Drain shells immediately and spread on a clean kitchen towel to stop cooking and prevent sticking, making filling easier.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving hack that adds extra flavor and reduces meal prep complexity.
- Pat chicken dry before mixing to prevent excess moisture from making the filling watery and losing rich creamy consistency.
- Customize the recipe by substituting ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter version or adding spinach for extra nutrition.
- Allow dish to rest 5-10 minutes after baking, helping cheese set and making serving cleaner and more manageable.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg