Indulging in a plate of Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells is like giving your taste buds a warm hug on a cozy evening. Imagine creamy Alfredo sauce enveloping tender chicken, all snuggled inside perfectly cooked pasta shells, topped with a sprinkle of melted cheese. It’s comfort food that transforms any ordinary dinner into a celebration, whether it’s a weeknight meal or a gathering of friends and family.
Picture this: the aroma of garlic sizzling in butter wafts through your kitchen, instantly making you feel at home. As you pull these delightful shells out of the oven, bubbling with cheesy goodness, you realize that this dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience filled with laughter, joy, and those oh-so-happy “mmm” sounds from everyone around the table. So grab your apron and get ready for an unforgettable flavor journey that will have your loved ones asking for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation makes Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions
- Rich and creamy flavors will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests
- Their eye-catching presentation makes them ideal for family gatherings or romantic dinners
- Versatile enough to swap ingredients based on dietary preferences or what you have on hand
Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Jumbo Pasta Shells: Approximately 20-25 shells are needed to hold all that tasty filling.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 2 cups of shredded chicken is perfect; feel free to use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Fresh Spinach: One cup of chopped spinach adds color and nutrition to the filling.
Alfredo Sauce: You can use store-bought sauce or make your own from scratch for extra richness.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: About one cup gives that melty topping we all crave.
Parmesan Cheese: A quarter cup for added flavor; fresh grated is always best!
Garlic Powder: A teaspoon elevates the filling with savory goodness.
Salt and Pepper: To taste; season generously but not too much.
For the Sauce:
Butter: Two tablespoons will help sauté the garlic and create a rich base for the sauce.
Heavy Cream: One cup provides that luxurious texture we love in Alfredo sauce.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray so those cheesy shells don’t stick around longer than necessary.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain them carefully; they can be slippery little devils!
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, chopped spinach, half of the mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed; this filling should be as comforting as a favorite blanket.
Step 4: Fill Those Shells
Take each cooked shell and stuff it generously with the chicken mixture—don’t be shy! Place filled shells upright in your prepared baking dish like soldiers ready for saucy battle.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add heavy cream. Stir continuously until it thickens slightly—about three minutes—and then mix in remaining mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Pour half of your creamy sauce over the stuffed shells in the baking dish. Top with remaining sauce and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Cover loosely with foil and bake for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly. Remove foil during the last five minutes to let that golden crust form beautifully!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or simply enjoying it on a quiet night in front of Netflix binge-watching your favorite series, Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells will undoubtedly become one of those go-to dishes everyone craves! Enjoy every bite!
You Must Know
- Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are not just a meal; they are a hug in a dish
- The creamy sauce and cheesy goodness create an irresistible comfort food experience
- Plus, these shells are perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties while being simple enough for weeknight dinners
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken to lock in flavor and moisture. While it cooks, prepare the pasta shells and get the Alfredo sauce simmering. Timing is key; multitasking ensures that everything finishes perfectly together.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out proteins, like using shrimp or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. You can also play with seasonings, adding garlic powder or Italian herbs for extra flavor. Don’t hesitate to throw in some spinach for added nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to keep them creamy and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To avoid overcooked pasta, undercook it slightly before stuffing
- Always taste your sauce before combining; adjust seasoning as needed
- Let stuffed shells rest for a few minutes after baking to enhance flavors and make serving easier
Sharing Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells with friends always brings smiles and compliments. One time, my neighbor said it was his new favorite dish, which made my heart swell with joy!
FAQs:
What are Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells?
Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a delicious pasta dish where large shell-shaped pasta is filled with a creamy chicken Alfredo mixture. The shells are typically baked in a marinara or Alfredo sauce and topped with cheese, creating a comforting meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
How do I make Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells?
To make Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells, start by cooking the pasta shells until al dente. Prepare a filling using cooked chicken, ricotta cheese, and seasonings. Once filled, place the shells in a baking dish, cover them with sauce, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden brown for a delightful dish that everyone will love.
Can I prepare Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells in advance! Assemble the dish up to the baking stage, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the assembled shells and bake them directly from frozen; just extend the baking time slightly to ensure they heat through.
What can I serve with Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells?
You can serve Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells with a variety of sides. A fresh green salad complements the richness of the dish well. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks also make excellent accompaniments. For an extra veggie boost, consider steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables to balance out the creamy flavors.
Conclusion for Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells:
In summary, Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells offer a fantastic way to enjoy creamy pasta with tender chicken in every bite. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to customize according to your tastes. Whether served for family dinners or gatherings, these stuffed shells promise satisfaction for all. Enjoy making this delightful dish that brings smiles around the table!
Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells, a comforting pasta dish where jumbo shells are generously filled with creamy Alfredo sauce, tender shredded chicken, and fresh spinach. Baked to perfection and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this delicious meal is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Enjoy the rich flavors and satisfying textures that will make it a new favorite at your table.
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups shredded boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter (for sauce)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for sauce)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Boil salted water and cook pasta shells until al dente, about 8-10 minutes; drain carefully.
- In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, spinach, half of the mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each shell generously with the filling and arrange them upright in the prepared dish.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter; add heavy cream and stir until thickened for about three minutes. Mix in remaining mozzarella until melted.
- Pour half of the Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells, top with remaining sauce and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly; uncover for the last five minutes to brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (about 230g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
