The aroma of creamy Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells wafts through the air like a warm hug on a chilly day. Picture this: plump pasta shells filled with savory chicken and a luscious Alfredo sauce that dances on your taste buds, all topped with a sprinkle of cheese that melts beautifully in the oven.
This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience that wraps around you like your favorite blanket while binge-watching your favorite show. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply indulging after a long day, Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells offer the perfect balance of comfort and delight. Get ready to fall in love with this flavor-packed dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
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- <p>These Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are as easy to prepare as they are delicious
- The rich flavors blend beautifully, creating an irresistible dish that looks stunning on any table
- They are perfect for weeknight dinners but elegant enough for special occasions, making them versatile for any meal
- Plus, they freeze well, so you can enjoy them anytime! </p>
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Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Jumbo Pasta Shells: Choose large shells that can hold a generous amount of filling; they should be sturdy enough to withstand baking.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts will do, but feel free to adjust depending on your serving size.
Fresh Garlic: Use firm garlic cloves for maximum flavor; minced garlic gives the dish an aromatic kick.
Heavy Cream: For the sauce, heavy cream provides richness and creaminess; don’t skimp here!
For the Sauce:
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty flavor to the sauce—opt for real cheese rather than pre-grated for better melting.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for cooking; it helps create a smooth and creamy sauce without additional salt.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs will enhance the flavor profile; use store-bought or mix your own from oregano, basil, and thyme.
End with: “The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.”
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, boil a large pot of salted water and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season the boneless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, melt some butter and add minced garlic until fragrant. Add chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides—about six minutes per side or until cooked through.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to low after removing chicken. Pour in heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Stir in Italian seasoning before removing from heat.
Step 4: Prepare Filling
Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and fold it into half of the Alfredo sauce you just made. Take care not to leave any chicken behind; we want every bit of flavor!
Step 5: Stuff the Shells
Take each jumbo shell and scoop generous amounts of the chicken mixture inside. Place stuffed shells in a greased baking dish side by side.
Step 6: Top It Off
Pour remaining Alfredo sauce over stuffed shells generously—don’t be shy! Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top if you’re feeling indulgent. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Now that you’ve conquered this culinary masterpiece, get ready to dig into these delightful Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells! With their creamy richness blended perfectly with savory chicken, they promise a taste explosion that will leave everyone raving about dinner long after plates are cleared away. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
You Must Know
- Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a delightful twist on traditional pasta
- These shells are not only filled with creamy, cheesy goodness but also make for an impressive dish that’ll wow your guests without requiring hours in the kitchen
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To create your Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells efficiently, start by searing the chicken until golden brown. While it’s resting, cook the pasta and prepare the luscious Alfredo sauce. This sequence ensures that everything is ready to assemble at once.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells! Swap out chicken for spinach or mushrooms for a vegetarian delight. Add some garlic powder for a kick or sprinkle red pepper flakes for extra heat. The possibilities are endless!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, preserving that creamy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always cook your pasta al dente; it will hold up better when stuffed and baked
- Let the chicken cool before shredding to avoid burns
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk to your sauce while reheating
Sometimes I whip up these Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells for family gatherings, and they disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!” The smiles on my loved ones’ faces make all the effort worthwhile.
FAQs:
What are Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells?
Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are large pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of chicken, ricotta, and Alfredo sauce. This delicious dish is baked until bubbly and golden. It’s a comforting meal that combines rich flavors and textures, making it a favorite among families. You can customize the filling with vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
How do you make Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells?
To make Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells, cook the pasta shells according to package instructions. Prepare a filling using cooked chicken, ricotta cheese, and Alfredo sauce. Stuff the shells with the mixture, place them in a baking dish, cover with more Alfredo sauce, and sprinkle cheese on top. Bake until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Can I freeze Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells?
Yes, you can freeze Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells! After assembling the dish but before baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then cook as directed. Freezing makes this dish convenient for meal prep or last-minute dinners.
What sides go well with Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells?
Pairing sides with Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells enhances your meal experience. Consider serving garlic bread for a crunchy contrast or a fresh green salad to add brightness. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or zucchini complement the rich flavors of the stuffed shells while adding nutrients to your dinner plate.
Conclusion for Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells:
In conclusion, Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells offer a delightful combination of flavors that are sure to please anyone at your dinner table. With creamy fillings and cheesy toppings, they represent comfort food at its finest. Whether enjoyed freshly baked or frozen for later use, this recipe is versatile and easy to prepare. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients to make it uniquely yours!
Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a delectable comfort food featuring tender jumbo pasta shells stuffed with savory chicken and enveloped in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce. Baked to perfection until golden and bubbly, this dish is a showstopper for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Each bite offers a delightful explosion of flavors that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Season chicken with salt and pepper; add to skillet and cook until golden brown, about 6 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken; in the same skillet, pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth; stir in Italian seasoning.
- Shred chicken and mix it with half the Alfredo sauce. Stuff each shell with the mixture and place in a greased baking dish.
- Pour remaining sauce over stuffed shells, sprinkle with extra Parmesan if desired, and bake uncovered for about 30 minutes or until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (250g)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
