Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe
Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells bring together everything we love about creamy, cheesy comfort food but with a playful twist! Each jumbo pasta shell is stuffed generously with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and luscious Alfredo sauce, then nestled in rich tomato sauce for a casserole that’s as inviting as it is flavorful. Whether it’s a weeknight family favorite or a dish to impress at your next gathering, this recipe is bound to win over everyone at the table. Get ready to discover why these Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells deserve a spot in your regular dinner rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this recipe so irresistible is how it uses simple, familiar ingredients that transform into something magical together. Every component brings either richness, color, or a pop of flavor, creating a filling that’s creamy and satisfying all at once.
- Jumbo Shells Pasta (about 20 shells): Jumbo shells are perfect for stuffing and hold that flavorful filling like small edible bowls.
- Shredded Cooked Chicken Breast (2 cups): Using cooked chicken saves time and adds lean protein, making the filling hearty and satisfying.
- Alfredo Sauce (1 jar, 16oz): This creamy classic sauce is the backbone of the recipe, bringing together all the flavors with its velvety texture.
- Steamed Broccoli (2 cups): Broccoli adds a pop of green color and provides a fresh flavor plus a delightful crunch to the filling.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): This melts beautifully into the filling and offers sharp, cheesy goodness that holds everything together.
- Cooking Spray: A quick spray keeps the shells from sticking to the baking dish, making serving a breeze.
- Spaghetti Sauce (2 cups): The tomato base adds contrasting acidity and sweetness, balancing the rich Alfredo flavors perfectly.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, which gives you enough time to get all your fixings ready. Shred your cooked chicken, steam your broccoli until bright green, and have your cheeses and sauces pre-measured. A little prepping now makes assembling the Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells blissfully easy later!
Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells
Boil the jumbo shells according to the package directions, but shave off one minute from the total cook time. This slight undercooking keeps the shells firm enough to hold the filling and prevents them from getting mushy in the oven. After draining, rinse the shells gently with cool water so they’re ready to be handled.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly spray your baking dish with cooking spray to ward off any sticking, then spread an even layer of spaghetti sauce across the bottom. That red sauce acts as a cushion, adding a tangy layer under the creamy stuffed shells.
Step 4: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, mix together the Alfredo sauce, steamed broccoli, shredded chicken, and cheddar cheese. The result should be a thick, irresistible mixture that promises tons of flavor in every bite. Don’t be afraid to sample a small spoonful—you deserve a preview!
Step 5: Stuff the Shells
Using a spoon (or, let’s be honest, your hands), gently fill each shell with a heaping mound of the chicken Alfredo mixture. Place each stuffed shell in the baking dish, filling side up, tucking them snugly together so they support one another while baking.
Step 6: Bake
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake the Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells for 20 to 25 minutes, just until the filling is bubbling and the cheese is melty and golden. Enjoy those amazing aromas as they fill your kitchen—it’s a sign you’re almost there!
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Garnishes
Sprinkle your shells with freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of extra cheddar cheese just before serving. For a little more flair, try a bit of cracked black pepper or even a drizzle of extra Alfredo sauce over the top. These little touches make your platter of Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells even more mouthwatering!
Side Dishes
Pair these cheesy shells with a crisp green salad tossed in Italian dressing or some garlic bread for the perfect comfort meal. You could also serve them with roasted vegetables for added color and texture on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells in individual ramekins for dinner party wow-factor, or arrange them in a circular pattern in a round dish for a rustic family-style feel. If you’re serving a crowd, double the recipe and let guests assemble their own plates with extra garnishes and sides.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells store beautifully. Place any extras in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld overnight, so you might find yourself sneaking a shell or two for lunch the next day!
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the stuffed shells in a freezer-safe dish, but hold off on baking. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to two months. When ready to serve, bake straight from frozen—just add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to lock in moisture, until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, a few minutes in the microwave will do, though the pasta may soften a bit more.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for the filling?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds a bit of extra flavor thanks to its seasoning. Just make sure it’s shredded finely so every shell is evenly filled.
What if I don’t have Alfredo sauce?
No worries—if you’re in a pinch, you can make a simple Alfredo sauce by heating cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese until thickened, or substitute with a creamy white sauce from scratch.
Can I make Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells vegetarian?
Definitely! Skip the chicken and double up on the broccoli or add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or ricotta cheese for a comforting vegetarian version.
Should I cover the shells while baking?
It’s up to you! Cover with foil for the first 15 minutes to keep the filling extra creamy, then uncover for the last 5 to 10 minutes to get a golden, bubbly top.
Can I prepare Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
Yes—assemble them up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven (add a few extra minutes to the cook time if baking from cold).
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dinner that feels both comforting and a little bit special, Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells may become your new go-to. I promise, once you see those golden shells bubbling in the oven, you’ll know you’ve made something everyone will crave again and again—so dive in and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
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Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delicious Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells for a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Jumbo Shells Pasta:
about 20 shells
Shredded Cooked Chicken Breast:
2 cups
Alfredo Sauce:
1 jar (16 oz)
Steamed Broccoli:
2 cups
Shredded Cheddar Cheese:
1 cup
Cooking Spray
Spaghetti Sauce:
2 cups
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Lightly coat baking dish with olive oil.
- In a large bowl, combine the Alfredo sauce, broccoli, chicken, and cheese.
- Bake 20-25 minutes or until filling is hot.
Cook pasta according to directions on package, minus one minute. Rinse with cool water & drain.
Spread spaghetti sauce evenly in baking dish.
Spoon mixture into cooked pasta shells and arrange into baking dish, filling side up.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells, Pasta Recipe, Comfort Food, Family Dinner
