Welcome to Comfort Food Heaven!
Hey there, fellow food lover! Are you ready to indulge in a dish that is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting? If you’re like me, the thought of chicken Alfredo stuffed shells probably makes your mouth water. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve whipped these up for a cozy dinner at home or impressing friends at a gathering! This dish is not only delicious but also super easy to make, and I can’t wait to share my recipe with you!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Chicken Alfredo stuffed shells are a wonderful blend of flavors and textures. You’ve got the hearty pasta, creamy ricotta, tender chicken, and a luscious Alfredo sauce, all baked to perfection. It’s comfort food that feels gourmet but is incredibly straightforward to prepare. And guess what? You can even make it ahead of time, making it a perfect dish for busy evenings!
Nutritional Benefits
I love that this dish combines goodness with rich flavors. The pasta gives you those energizing carbs, while the chicken is a great source of lean protein. Ricotta cheese is packed with calcium, which is fantastic for your bones. Plus, using fresh parsley isn’t just for looks—it’s full of vitamins and adds a subtle freshness that balances the dish’s creaminess. And if you want to sneak in a few veggies, tossing in some spinach or finely chopped bell peppers into the filling is a fantastic idea. Who says you can’t enjoy comfort food while being a little healthy?
Fun Variations to Try
Feeling like mixing it up? Here are a couple of fun ideas for variations to make this dish yours:
- Swap the Protein: Instead of chicken, why not use shredded turkey or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option? You can keep it versatile!
- Add Veggies: Sneak in some baby spinach, chopped broccoli, or even sun-dried tomatoes in that cheesy filling to amp up the nutrition.
- Swap the Sauce: If Alfredo isn’t your thing, try using marinara sauce or a simple white sauce. You can change things up with each new batch.
Let’s Get Cooking: Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (optional, for greasing the baking dish)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will make sure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake!
- Cook the Pasta Shells: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add those large pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until they’re al dente. Drain them and set aside to cool a little. You don’t want to burn your fingers stuffing them!
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, ricotta cheese, ½ cup mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix them all up nicely. Don’t forget to add garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to really boost those flavors!
- Stuff the Shells: Here comes the fun part! Take each cooked pasta shell and fill it generously with that tasty chicken and cheese mixture. Place them seam side up in your greased baking dish. (You can use olive oil for greasing, but cooking spray works just as well!)
- Add the Sauce: Pour the Alfredo sauce all over the stuffed shells, making sure to cover them well. Then sprinkle that remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese on top for a gooey finish!
- Bake the Dish: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it in your preheated oven. Bake for about 20 minutes, and then take off the foil for the final 15 minutes of baking. You’re looking for bubbly and golden cheese on top!
- Garnish and Serve: Once it’s baked, let it cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for that pop of color and freshness. Dig in while it’s warm!
Handy Tips for Success
- To keep things less messy, use a piping bag or a spoon to fill your shells quickly and neatly.
- If you want to prep ahead, you can assemble the whole dish a day before, cover it tightly, and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake!
- Leftovers? These stuffed shells keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Equipment Needed
Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- A large pot for boiling pasta
- A mixing bowl for your filling
- A baking dish (9×13-inch works great)
- Aluminum foil for covering the dish while baking
- A spoon or piping bag for stuffing the shells
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use fresh pasta instead of dried shells? Yes! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, since fresh pasta cooks faster!
- How can I make this vegetarian? Swap out the chicken for veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini, and leave out the meat.
- What if I want to make my own Alfredo sauce? Go for it! Simple homemade Alfredo is just butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese with a bit of garlic!
- Can I freeze these stuffed shells? Absolutely! Just assemble them and freeze before baking. When ready to eat, bake directly from the freezer (you might just need to add a few extra minutes).
- How do I know when the shells are done? Look for bubbly, golden cheese on top, and a gentle poke to test! If they feel soft and heated through, you’re good to go!
Your Turn!
Now it’s your turn to whip up this creamy, cheesy goodness! I’d love to hear how your Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells turned out. Don’t forget to share your photos and experiences with me! And if you loved this recipe, why not pin it on Pinterest for friends to see? Happy cooking!
