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Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells fresh from the oven with golden melted cheese in a baking dish

Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Tender jumbo pasta shells stuffed with creamy chicken and cheese filling, covered in rich homemade Alfredo sauce and baked until golden and bubbly.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 20 jumbo pasta shells to 25 shells
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken rotisserie chicken works great
  • 1.5 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese for filling
  • 1 egg
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter for Alfredo sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese for Alfredo sauce
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg optional

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool for about 5 minutes.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and the mixture holds together when scooped.
  3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Gradually add Parmesan cheese to the cream, whisking constantly until melted and sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon, about 3-4 minutes. Add black pepper and nutmeg if using. Sauce should have a smooth, velvety consistency.
  5. Spread 1 cup of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Stuff each pasta shell with a heaping 2 tablespoons of chicken mixture and place in the dish, open side up.
  6. Pour remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese on top.
  7. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden brown with bubbling edges. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Rotisserie chicken saves time. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best sauce texture. Cook extra shells in case some tear. Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking. Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore sauce consistency.