The Creamiest Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe You’ll Love

Creamy chicken alfredo stuffed shells offer a delightful twist on classic Italian comfort food that will make your taste buds dance.

Pasta lovers appreciate how these plump shells cradle a rich, velvety filling.

Tender chicken mingles with smooth ricotta and parmesan, creating a luxurious blend of flavors.

Melted cheese bubbles across the top, promising a golden, crispy surface that hints at the deliciousness inside.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and these shells deliver with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Cheesy, indulgent, and guaranteed to impress, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal you’ll want to savor every single bite.

Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• Jumbo Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for stuffing with creamy chicken mixture.

• Chicken: Tender protein base for the stuffed shells.

• Alfredo Sauce: Creamy white sauce that provides rich flavor.
• Colby Jack Cheese: Melty cheese that adds a tangy and smooth texture.

• Salt: Enhances overall dish flavor.
• Optional Ingredients: Spinach, Mushrooms: Adds extra nutrition and depth to the filling.

• Water: Used for boiling pasta.
• Cooking Spray or Oil: Helps prevent sticking in baking dish.

Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Instructions

Step 1: Heat Things Up

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F. This warmth will transform your shells into a gooey, delicious masterpiece.

Step 2: Cook Those Shells

Boil a pot of water with a generous pinch of salt. Drop in jumbo shells and cook until they’re perfectly tender. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Star Ingredient

Get your chicken ready by cooking it in a skillet until golden and fully done. If you’re using pre-cooked chicken, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Create the Magical Filling

• Creamy Alfredo sauce
• Colby Jack cheese
• Optional mix-ins like chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms

Stir everything together until well blended.

Step 5: Build Your Masterpiece

Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and adds extra flavor.

Step 6: Stuff and Arrange

Carefully fill each shell with the chicken mixture. Nestle them into the baking dish, making sure they’re snug and upright.

Step 7: Sauce and Cheese Finale

Drizzle remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle a generous handful of additional Colby Jack cheese on top.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Step 9: Serve and Savor

Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to set. Serve alongside garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal that’ll make everyone smile.

Stuffed Shell Tips That Keep Chicken Alfredo Creamy

• Chicken-Saving Storage Tip: Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing bacterial growth.
• Sauce Consistency Hack: Warm Alfredo sauce gently to prevent separation, stirring continuously and using low heat to maintain its smooth, creamy texture.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Allow cheese to reach room temperature before sprinkling, helping it melt more evenly and create a beautiful golden-brown surface.
• Shell Stuffing Strategy: Use a small spoon or piping bag for precise and neat filling, preventing messy overflow and ensuring each shell gets equal amounts of delicious chicken mixture.
• Dietary Adaptation Trick: Substitute regular Alfredo sauce with light cream or Greek yogurt for a lower-calorie version, and use gluten-free pasta shells for a celiac-friendly alternative.

Save Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells with Ease

• Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring they are completely cooled before sealing.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date and contents.
• Thaw frozen shells in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.
• Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

What Goes with Chicken Alfredo Shells

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to cut through the creamy richness of the Alfredo sauce, providing a refreshing balance to the heavy dish.
• Create Herbal Side Salad: Toss mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette and fresh herbs like basil or parsley to provide a bright, tangy contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Match with Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Prepare roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus with olive oil and garlic to add a light, vegetable-based accompaniment that complements the cheesy shells.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Offer a warm, rustic Italian bread to soak up the extra Alfredo sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience with a traditional Mediterranean touch.

Alfredo Shell Dinner Styles

• Vegetarian Shell Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu, roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, or plant-based chicken alternatives for a meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells and ensure the Alfredo sauce is certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute pasta shells with roasted bell pepper halves or zucchini boats, using cauliflower-based Alfredo sauce for a lighter alternative.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap regular cheese with cashew-based or coconut cheese, and use dairy-free Alfredo sauce made from nutritional yeast and plant milk to create a creamy texture.

FAQs

• Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Simply shred or dice the meat and mix it with Alfredo sauce and cheese as directed.

• Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed shells, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if coming straight from the refrigerator.

• What if I can't find jumbo shells?

You can substitute with large pasta shells from other brands or use large pasta tubes like rigatoni as an alternative. The key is choosing a pasta that can hold the filling well.

• How can I make this recipe lighter or healthier?

Consider using lower-fat Alfredo sauce, reduced-fat cheese, and adding more vegetables like spinach or zucchini to increase nutritional value without compromising flavor.

Why Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Work So Well

• Effortless Cooking: Whip up this delightful dish with minimal cooking skills, perfect for beginners and seasoned home chefs alike.
• Versatile Meal Prep: Customize the recipe by adding vegetables, switching cheeses, or using different protein options to suit your taste and dietary needs.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with cheesy goodness and tender chicken, this recipe guarantees smiles around the dinner table and satisfies picky eaters.
• Comfort Food Champion: Creamy Alfredo sauce, gooey melted cheese, and hearty stuffed shells create the ultimate comfort meal for any mood or occasion.

Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cheesy chicken alfredo stuffed shells bring Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with creamy, luxurious pasta pockets. Rich ingredients combine for a hearty meal you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 packages chicken fajita meat (or 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken)

Pasta and Cheese:

• 1 box (12 ounces, 340 grams) jumbo pasta shells
• 1 block (8 ounces, 226 grams) Colby Jack cheese (shredded)

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 bottle (16 ounces, 473 milliliters) garlic Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup spinach (chopped)
• 1/2 cup diced mushrooms
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a toasty 375°F, creating the perfect environment for a bubbling, cheesy casserole.
2. Fill a large pot with salted water and gently cook the jumbo shells until they reach a tender al dente texture, then carefully drain and set aside.
3. Transform the chicken into a delectable filling by cooking raw meat in a skillet until fully done, or shred pre-cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
4. Combine the prepared chicken with Alfredo sauce and Colby Jack cheese in a spacious mixing bowl, folding in optional ingredients like vibrant spinach or earthy mushrooms for extra depth of flavor.
5. Create a protective base in a 9×13-inch baking dish by spreading a thin layer of Alfredo sauce, ensuring no shell will stick to the bottom.
6. Generously stuff each shell with the savory chicken mixture, arranging them carefully in the prepared dish with the opening facing upward.
7. Lavishly drench the stuffed shells with the remaining Alfredo sauce, ensuring every shell receives a creamy coating.
8. Blanket the entire dish with a generous sprinkle of additional Colby Jack cheese, creating a golden, melty topping.
9. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden-brown masterpiece.
10. Allow the dish to rest for a brief 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld and settle before serving alongside crusty garlic bread or a crisp, fresh salad.

Notes

• Choose skinless, boneless chicken breasts for the most tender and flavorful filling.
• Slightly undercook the pasta shells to prevent them from becoming mushy when baked.
• Use a rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving hack that adds extra flavor and reduces prep work.
• Consider making this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free jumbo shells and checking the Alfredo sauce ingredients.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 980 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg