Are you ready to impress your family with a dish so creamy and savory it’ll have them coming back for more? Today, I’m sharing my recipe for Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells. These jumbo pasta shells are filled with a delicious blend of chicken, cheeses, and rich Alfredo sauce. It’s a warm, satisfying meal that’s easy to make. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Convenient Ingredients: This recipe uses easily accessible ingredients, including rotisserie chicken, making it a quick meal option for busy weeknights.
- Deliciously Creamy: The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Alfredo sauce creates a rich and creamy filling that everyone will love.
- Hearty and Satisfying: Stuffed shells are always a filling choice, perfect for serving a family or guests at a gathering.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe by adding vegetables, using different cheeses, or trying various sauces to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 large jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
To make Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells, you need some key items. Jumbo pasta shells form the base. They hold all the tasty filling. Cooked chicken breast adds protein and flavor. You can use rotisserie chicken to save time. Ricotta and mozzarella cheese create a creamy texture. The addition of Parmesan cheese gives a nice bite. Finally, Alfredo sauce ties everything together, making it rich and delicious.
Seasonings and Garnishes
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Seasonings help elevate the dish. Garlic adds a fragrant aroma and depth. Black pepper and salt enhance the overall flavor. Fresh parsley is a lovely garnish, adding color and freshness. Don’t skip these details; they make a big difference!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps bake the shells evenly.
2. Next, boil salted water in a large pot. Cook the jumbo pasta shells until they are al dente. Follow the package instructions for timing. Once cooked, drain the shells and set them aside to cool a bit. Make sure they do not stick together.
Filling and Assembling
1. Now, let’s make the chicken and cheese mixture. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything until smooth.
2. Take a spoon and fill each pasta shell with the chicken and cheese mix. Pack it well to get a good amount in each shell.
Baking Process
1. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the Alfredo sauce on the bottom. This keeps the shells moist.
2. Place the stuffed shells in a single layer over the sauce. Make sure they do not overlap.
3. Pour the rest of the Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells. Cover them well to keep them from drying out. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top for a tasty crust.
4. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the heat in. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
5. After 20 minutes, take off the foil. Bake for another 10 minutes. Watch closely until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. When done, take the dish out of the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This makes it easier to dish out.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
To cook pasta shells perfectly, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This enhances the flavor of the shells. Add the jumbo pasta shells to the water. Cook them until they are al dente, which means they should be firm to the bite. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. After cooking, drain the shells and let them cool. This helps them hold their shape.
When making the filling, ensure all ingredients are well mixed. In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, garlic, black pepper, and salt. Stir until smooth. This helps each shell have a flavorful bite. A good mix ensures that every spoonful tastes amazing.
Baking Tips
To achieve a golden brown cheese crust, add plenty of mozzarella on top. This cheese melts and browns nicely in the oven. After covering the stuffed shells with Alfredo sauce, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly. This creates that delicious crust we all love.
Covering the dish with foil is very important. It keeps the moisture in while baking. This prevents the shells from drying out. Bake for 20 minutes covered. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. This helps the cheese get bubbly and golden. Enjoy your creamy, savory dish!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh herbs and quality cheeses to elevate the flavors in your stuffed shells.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the shells a day in advance and store them in the fridge, then bake when you’re ready to serve.
- Customize Filling: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the filling for added flavor and nutrition.
- Perfect Cheese Melt: For an extra cheesy topping, broil the dish for a few minutes after baking to achieve a bubbly, golden crust.
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can change up the cheeses in your Chicken Alfredo stuffed shells. Try using cheddar or pepper jack for a fun twist. These cheeses add a different flavor and richness. If you want more heat, pepper jack is a great option.
You can also swap the chicken for other proteins. Turkey is a lean choice that still gives good flavor. Shrimp adds a seafood touch that many love. Just make sure to cook the shrimp before mixing it in.
Sauce Alternatives
Making your own Alfredo sauce can be simple and rewarding. Just melt butter, add cream, and mix in garlic and cheese until smooth. This gives you control over the flavor and texture.
Adding vegetables to the filling can boost nutrition and taste. Spinach or mushrooms work well in this dish. They add color and a fresh flavor. Just sauté them lightly before mixing them in the chicken and cheese filling. This will help them blend well.
Storage Information
Refrigeration
To store leftover stuffed shells, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep the shells fresh. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover them well.
For best results, use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. These containers help prevent the shells from drying out. If you have extra Alfredo sauce, store it separately. This keeps the shells from getting too soggy.
Freezing Tips
You can freeze both unbaked and baked stuffed shells. If you freeze unbaked shells, prepare them as usual and place them in a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
To freeze baked shells, let them cool first. Cover them well with foil and place them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Before baking, make sure to remove any plastic wrap. Reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 30 minutes, or until heated through. This keeps the creamy goodness intact.
FAQs
Common Questions
Can I use gluten-free pasta shells for this recipe? Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta shells. Just make sure to follow the cooking time on the package. Gluten-free shells can taste just as good, and they fit well with the creamy filling.
How do I make my own Alfredo sauce from scratch? To make Alfredo sauce, melt 1/2 cup of butter in a pan. Add 1 cup of heavy cream and stir. Cook for 5 minutes on low heat. Then, mix in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. This sauce is rich and perfect for your stuffed shells.
Serving Suggestions
What pairs well with Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells? These stuffed shells go great with a simple side salad. A fresh Caesar or mixed greens salad adds a nice crunch. Garlic bread also works well for dipping in the creamy sauce.
How to reheat leftovers properly? To reheat, place the shells in an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of Alfredo sauce over the top. Cover with foil and heat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. This keeps them moist and tasty. You can also microwave them in a covered dish for a quicker option.
This blog post covered how to make delicious Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells. We looked at the key ingredients, from jumbo pasta shells to rich Alfredo sauce. You learned the steps to prepare, fill, and bake the shells. Plus, I shared tips on cooking and baking for the best results.
You can easily change ingredients or sauces to fit your taste. Proper storage tips help keep leftovers fresh. Enjoy trying this tasty dish and the variations that come with it!
