The Best Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Creamy alfredo stuffed shells bring a luxurious twist to classic Italian comfort food.

Pasta lovers adore this decadent dish that combines rich cheese and smooth sauce.

Jumbo shells become perfect vessels for a delightful mixture of ricotta and mozzarella.

Melted parmesan creates an irresistible golden crust that beckons you to the table.

Each bite promises a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Simplicity meets elegance in this crowd-pleasing recipe that transforms an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

You won’t be able to resist diving into these cheesy, sauce-covered shells that promise pure culinary bliss.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, thaw chicken completely and pat dry before marinating to ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption.

• Is it okay to substitute broccoli with another vegetable?

Definitely! Cauliflower, spinach, or zucchini work great as alternative vegetables in this recipe.

• What type of cheese works best for the filling?

Mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan create a perfect cheese blend, but you can experiment with your favorite cheeses.

• How can I make this recipe more spicy?

Add red pepper flakes to the marinade, or include a dash of cayenne pepper in the sauce for extra heat.

Cheesy Chicken Shells: Comfort in a Bite

• Whip Up Comfort Food: Dive into a creamy, cheesy chicken shell dish that wraps you in pure comfort with every bite.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like chicken for shrimp or add different veggies to match your family's taste preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this delicious meal in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families craving a satisfying dinner.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Packed with kid-friendly flavors and cheesy goodness, this recipe guarantees clean plates and happy smiles around the table.

What You Need for Chicken Shells

• Chicken: Tender diced meat that serves as the primary protein in the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Flavorful aged cheese that adds richness and depth to the recipe.

• Cream Cheese, Heavy Cream, Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy ingredients that create a smooth and luxurious sauce and filling.

• Broccoli, Garlic, Olive Oil, Butter, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Fresh vegetables and aromatic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for stuffing with chicken and cheese mixture.

Chicken Shells, Step by Step

Step 1: Marinate Chicken

Grab diced chicken and coat it with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs.

Let the flavors mingle and develop for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Sauté Chicken and Broccoli

Heat a skillet with oil and butter.

Cook the marinated chicken until golden and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes.

Remove chicken from pan.

In the same skillet, quickly sauté broccoli until bright green and slightly tender.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

Melt butter in the pan and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

Pour in heavy cream and cream cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes thick and smooth.

Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese and additional seasonings like dried basil and red pepper flakes.

Step 4: Prepare Pasta Shells

Boil pasta shells in salted water until they reach al dente texture.

Before draining, carefully reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water to potentially adjust sauce consistency later.

Step 5: Combine Filling

• Mozzarella cheese
• Ricotta cheese

Gently mix ingredients and begin stuffing the cooked pasta shells.

Step 6: Assemble Baking Dish

Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.

Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer.

Top with additional sauce, sprinkle extra cheese, and dust with Italian seasoning.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Bake the stuffed shells for 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, with slight golden edges.

Chicken Shells: Cheesy Tips

• Boost Flavor Marinate chicken longer than 30 minutes to deepen seasoning penetration and enhance overall taste profile.
• Perfect Texture Remove chicken immediately after cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain juicy, tender meat quality.
• Sauce Smoothness Whisk cream cheese slowly into sauce to avoid lumps and create a silky, consistent texture.
• Pasta Water Magic Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed, helping bind ingredients smoothly.
• Customize Heat Level Adjust Italian seasoning and add red pepper flakes for a personalized spice experience that suits your palate.

Shells: Tasty Twists for Variety

• Gluten-Free Shells: Replace traditional pasta shells with gluten-free shell pasta or zucchini boats for a low-carb alternative.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with firm tofu or roasted cauliflower, maintaining the creamy cheese sauce and broccoli elements.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream, nutritional yeast, and dairy-free cream cheese to create a similar rich sauce for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, and include pepper jack cheese for a zesty flavor profile.

Serving Cheesy Chicken Shells

• Dinner Party Delight: Serve this cheesy chicken shells dish with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette for refreshing contrast.
• Hearty Side Companion: Pair with warm garlic bread or crusty French bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and complement the rich flavors.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to balance the creamy, cheesy notes of the dish.
• Veggie Balance Boost: Add a simple roasted vegetable medley on the side to increase nutritional value and provide a colorful plate presentation.

Storing Cheesy Chicken Shells

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Transfer cooled shells to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Classic Alfredo Stuffed Shells bring Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with rich ricotta and parmesan nestled in tender pasta shells. Melted cheese and herbed sauce create a luxurious meal you’ll savor with every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 1/4 block cream cheese

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 1 box jumbo shells
• 1 cup broccoli florets

Cheese and Dairy:

• 16 ounces (473 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) grated Parmesan
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) shredded Parmesan
• 1 cup (100 grams) mozzarella cheese
• 1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter

Seasonings and Oils:

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Sazon
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Olive oil

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Instructions

1. Infuse diced chicken with olive oil and robust seasonings, allowing flavors to meld for a minimum of 30 minutes at room temperature.
2. Sauté chicken in a blend of oil and butter for 6-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer chicken from pan. In the same skillet, quickly prepare broccoli until tender-crisp.
3. Create a velvety sauce by gently sautéing minced garlic in butter. Incorporate cream and cream cheese, stirring continuously until sauce thickens. Enhance with selected seasonings and freshly grated Parmesan.
4. Boil pasta shells to al dente perfection, carefully reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining to help bind sauce later.
5. Combine cooked chicken, broccoli, assorted cheeses, and prepared sauce. Generously stuff the mixture into pasta shells, ensuring each shell is full and flavorful.
6. Spread a thin layer of sauce across the baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells strategically, then drizzle additional sauce over top. Sprinkle with extra cheese and Italian seasoning for vibrant flavor profile.
7. Bake in preheated 375°F oven for 15 minutes until cheese melts and edges become slightly crispy and golden.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, ideally up to 2 hours in refrigerator.
• Use fresh broccoli for maximum crunch and nutritional value, chopping into small uniform pieces ensures even cooking.
• Try cheese varieties like mozzarella or sharp cheddar to customize flavor profile.
• For gluten-free option, substitute pasta shells with zucchini boats or cauliflower shells to reduce carbohydrates.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 750 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 55 g
• Saturated Fat: 30 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 50 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg