Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

Crafting a million dollar chicken alfredo stuffed shells dish promises pure culinary magic that will leave dinner guests speechless.

Creamy pasta pockets loaded with tender chicken create an irresistible comfort meal.

Pasta shells cradle a decadent blend of rich ingredients that sing with flavor.

Cheese lovers rejoice as each bite melts with luxurious alfredo sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality recipe with simple techniques and fresh ingredients.

Sophisticated yet approachable, these stuffed shells elevate weeknight dinners from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every single delicious morsel of this incredible pasta creation.

What Makes Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Shells Amazing

  • Conquer Complexity: This recipe transforms a potentially complicated dish into a straightforward cooking adventure, perfect for home cooks seeking a delicious challenge without overwhelming techniques.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap chicken for ground turkey, add spinach, or experiment with different cheeses to make this recipe uniquely yours, ensuring versatility for various taste preferences.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with creamy textures and rich flavors, these stuffed shells deliver a satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare components ahead of time, assemble quickly, and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish that saves precious cooking energy while delivering maximum flavor and comfort.

Ingredients For Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

For the Pasta:
  • Jumbo Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for stuffing with delicious fillings.
For the Protein and Dairy:
  • Shredded Chicken: Tender protein that adds heartiness to the dish.
  • Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that provides a smooth and rich texture.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds extra creaminess and helps bind the filling together.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp and salty flavor to enhance the overall taste.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a golden, stretchy topping.
  • Egg: Helps bind the filling ingredients and provides structure.
For the Seasonings and Liquids:
  • Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the filling.
  • Oregano: Provides a classic Italian herb note to the dish.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • Alfredo Sauce: Creamy base that adds richness and moisture.
  • Heavy Cream: Contributes to the luxurious and smooth sauce.
  • Olive Oil: Adds a final touch of richness and flavor.
  • Melted Butter: Provides additional richness and depth.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds color and fresh herb flavor.

Cooking Million Dollar Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Heat the oven to 375°F and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent any sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells

Boil jumbo shells in salted water until they reach al dente texture, typically 8-9 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Filling

Mix together in a large bowl:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Cream cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Minced garlic
  • Egg
  • Oregano
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Whisk alfredo sauce and heavy cream in a separate bowl until perfectly blended and silky.

Step 5: Stuff the Shells

Carefully fill each cooled shell with the chicken and cheese mixture, ensuring an even and generous portion in every shell.

Step 6: Arrange in Baking Dish

Place the stuffed shells closely together in the prepared baking dish.

Step 7: Pour the Sauce

Evenly distribute the alfredo cream mixture over the shells, making sure they’re completely covered.

Step 8: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the surface, creating a delicious golden layer.

Step 9: Initial Baking

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Step 10: Final Baking

Remove the foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until the cheese becomes bubbly and turns a light golden color.

Step 11: Rest and Settle

Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 12: Garnish and Finish

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top.

Step 13: Add Extra Richness

Drizzle with a touch of olive oil and melted butter for an additional layer of flavor.

Smart Tips For Stuffed Alfredo Shells

  • Cheese Blend Magic: Use room temperature cheeses for smoother mixing and more consistent flavor distribution throughout the filling.
  • Sauce Coverage Trick: Tilt the baking dish while pouring alfredo mixture to ensure every shell gets an even, luxurious coating.
  • Make-Ahead Mastery: Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready – perfect for meal planning and entertaining.
  • Texture Perfection: Let the dish rest for exactly 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make serving easier without losing moisture.

Variations For Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Shells

  • Seafood Shell Sensation: Replace chicken with succulent shrimp or crab meat for a luxurious ocean-inspired version.
  • Vegetarian Veggie Shells: Swap chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Shells
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, swap alfredo for enchilada sauce, and sprinkle with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.

Great Pairings With Alfredo Stuffed Shells

  • Enhance Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells with Culinary Companions
  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio that cuts through the creamy richness, balancing the dish's heavy texture with bright, acidic notes.
  • Create Fresh Side Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty, peppery contrast against the shell's creamy and cheesy profile.
  • Match with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare herb-roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts to add earthy, caramelized flavors that complement the chicken and cheese combination.
  • Select Complementary Bread: Serve warm garlic bread or focaccia to soak up the alfredo sauce and provide a delightful textural element to the meal.

How To Store Million Dollar Alfredo Stuffed Shells

  • Seal leftovers in an airtight container, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days. Ensure the container is completely sealed to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, labeling with the date to track freshness.
  • Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, place leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying.

FAQs About Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

  • What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken are perfect options. They’re pre-cooked, tender, and save you time in shredding meat for the stuffed shells.

  • Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the stuffed shells, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it great for meal prep or entertaining guests.

  • How do I prevent shells from tearing while stuffing?

Cook pasta just until al dente and handle gently. Allow shells to cool slightly before filling, which makes them more pliable and less likely to break.

  • Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Assemble the dish, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking.

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Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy million dollar chicken alfredo stuffed shells bring Italian comfort to your dinner table with luxurious cheese and tender chicken nestled in perfectly cooked pasta shells. Rich flavors blend seamlessly, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Shells:

  • 12 large pasta shells
  • 1 box jumbo shells

Chicken and Filling:

  • 2 cups shredded chicken breast
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Sauce and Topping:

  • 2 cups alfredo sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook jumbo shells in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-9 minutes, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, ricotta, cream cheese, parmesan, minced garlic, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper, blending until smooth and well-incorporated.
  4. Whisk alfredo sauce and heavy cream together in a separate bowl, creating a luxurious and creamy base for the dish.
  5. Carefully stuff each cooled shell with the chicken and cheese mixture, ensuring a generous and even fill.
  6. Arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish, nestling them close together.
  7. Pour the alfredo cream mixture evenly over the shells, ensuring complete coverage.
  8. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty surface.
  9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  10. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  12. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
  13. Drizzle with olive oil and melted butter for an extra layer of richness.

Notes

  • Opt for rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor complexity to the filling.
  • Drain ricotta cheese thoroughly to prevent watery stuffed shells and ensure a creamy texture.
  • Customize the dish by adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a nutritional boost and varied taste profile.
  • Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free jumbo shells and checking alfredo sauce ingredients for wheat-based thickeners.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 680
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 45g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 155mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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