Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells A Creamy Italian Dream!

July 13, 2025Maria

Introduction To Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

If you’re looking for a comforting, indulgent Italian-inspired dish that’s sure to wow your family and guests, look no further than Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells. This recipe takes jumbo pasta shells and fills them with tender shredded chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and creamy cheeses for a decadent meal that feels like a warm Italian hug. Baked to bubbly perfection and topped with more cheese, these stuffed shells are the ultimate comfort food that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.

This dish combines the luscious flavors of homemade Alfredo sauce, juicy chicken, and smooth ricotta cheese into a delicious filling that pairs perfectly with al dente pasta shells. It’s a great alternative to traditional lasagna, offering all the creamy, cheesy goodness in neat, individual portions that are fun to serve and eat.

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion, a cozy family dinner, or meal prepping for the week, Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells deliver creamy, cheesy satisfaction with every bite.

Why Is This Recipe So Popular?

The popularity of Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells is no surprise given its winning qualities:

Creamy and Comforting: The Alfredo sauce and cheeses create a luxurious, creamy texture.
Easy to Prepare Ahead: Stuff shells and refrigerate or freeze before baking.
Family-Friendly: Mild flavors kids and adults both adore.
Portion Control: Individual stuffed shells make serving easy and mess-free.
Versatile: Can be customized with different cheeses, herbs, or protein options.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

✅ Rich and Creamy – The homemade Alfredo sauce is velvety and flavorful without being overpowering.
✅ Hearty Protein – Tender shredded chicken adds substance and nutrition.
✅ Simple Ingredients – Uses pantry staples and basic dairy products.
✅ Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble in advance, bake when ready, perfect for busy schedules.
✅ Deliciously Layered Flavors – The cheeses and herbs create depth and complexity.
✅ Crowd-Pleasing – Great for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions.

Ingredients:

These ingredients come together to form a powerhouse of flavor:

🍝 20 jumbo pasta shells
🍗 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
🧀 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
🧀 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
🧀 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
🧄 3 cloves garlic, minced
🧈 4 tbsp unsalted butter
🥛 2 cups heavy cream
🥄 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
🧂 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
🌿 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or fresh basil/parsley, chopped
🍅 Optional: 1 cup marinara sauce for topping

Preparation:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells 🍝

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce 🧈🥛

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux. Slowly add the heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 3: Make the Filling 🍗🧀

In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, ½ cup mozzarella, ¼ cup Parmesan, and ½ cup of the Alfredo sauce. Mix until well blended.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells 🍝🧄

Carefully spoon the chicken Alfredo filling into each cooked pasta shell, filling generously but neatly.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake 🍅🧀

Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce or marinara sauce (if using) on the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells in a single layer. Pour remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over the shells. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve 🌿

Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Variation:

Customize this recipe to your taste and dietary preferences:

Vegetarian: Omit chicken and add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted veggies to the filling.
Spicy Kick: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the filling or sauce.
Creamy Tomato Alfredo: Use a mix of Alfredo and marinara sauces for a pink sauce variation.
Cheese Swap: Use provolone, fontina, or gouda for different cheesy flavors.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta shells and gluten-free flour for the sauce.

COOKING Note:

🍝 Do not overcook pasta shells; they will finish cooking in the oven and should hold their shape.
🧈 Whisk the Alfredo sauce continuously when adding cream to prevent lumps.
🧀 Freshly grate cheeses for best melting and flavor.
🍗 Use warm shredded chicken to keep the filling moist and flavorful.
🍽️ Let the casserole rest after baking for easier slicing and serving.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells with:

🥗 Crisp Caesar or garden salad
🥖 Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
🥂 A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon
🍅 Simple tomato basil salad for freshness
🧁 Light dessert like lemon sorbet or tiramisu to finish

Tips:

💡 Assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate; bake just before serving.
🧊 Freeze leftovers in airtight containers; reheat covered in the oven.
🍴 Use a spoon or piping bag to stuff shells easily and neatly.
🧂 Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper in the sauce.
🥄 For extra creamy sauce, add a splash of cream or milk after baking if needed.

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving Approx., 3 stuffed shells):

Calories: 480
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Sodium: 680mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g

FAQs:

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe and saves prep time.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the shells and sauce, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

What’s the best cheese combination?

Mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan are classic, but feel free to add or substitute others.

How do I prevent shells from sticking?

Rinse cooked shells under cold water and lightly oil or spray with cooking spray before stuffing.

Can I freeze the stuffed shells?

Yes, freeze before baking in an airtight container. Bake from frozen, adding extra baking time.

Conclusion:

Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells bring together the rich, creamy indulgence of Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness wrapped in tender pasta shells. This dish elevates comfort food with its luxurious texture and bold flavors, making it a perfect choice for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping. Easy to make and loved by all ages, these stuffed shells are sure to become a favorite Italian-inspired meal in your recipe collection.

Treat yourself and your loved ones to this creamy Italian dream, and savor every delicious, cheesy bite!