Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty dish that combines rich Alfredo sauce with tender chicken and pasta, Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are the perfect choice. This recipe features jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a creamy mixture of leftover rotisserie chicken, sautéed onions, and spinach, all drenched in a luxurious homemade Alfredo sauce. The combination of creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and the pasta’s soft, pillowy texture creates a meal that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, hosting guests, or meal prepping for the week, these stuffed shells are a delicious option that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The dish is a wonderful way to transform simple ingredients into a comforting and flavorful meal. The homemade Alfredo sauce is rich and velvety, made with heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese, which pairs perfectly with the chicken and spinach. The stuffed shells themselves are like little pockets of goodness, making each bite a delightful experience. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce with the heartiness of chicken and pasta. The homemade Alfredo sauce is creamy, cheesy, and perfectly balanced with garlic, butter, and a touch of salt and pepper. Using rotisserie chicken for the stuffing makes the recipe quick and easy while still delivering a fresh, flavorful result. The addition of spinach provides a burst of freshness and color, making this dish a little more nutritious without compromising on flavor. The stuffed shells are not only satisfying but also visually appealing, making them ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. If you’re craving comfort food that’s easy to prepare and absolutely delicious, these Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a must-try.

this …

Ingredients

Stuffed Shells Ingredients:

• Large shell pasta
• Butter
• Garlic
• Chopped onions
• Leftover rotisserie chicken (or cooked chicken breast)
• Fresh baby spinach

Alfredo Sauce Ingredients:

• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Butter
• Garlic
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Egg yolks
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Part-skim grated cheese

Variations

There are several ways you can customize this Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe to suit your tastes. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can swap the heavy cream for a combination of milk and a small amount of cream cheese to reduce the richness. You can also add more vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, for extra flavor and texture. If you prefer a spicier dish, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce. For a different protein, you can substitute the chicken with cooked ground turkey, sausage, or even shrimp. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of cheese, like mozzarella or gouda, to vary the flavor of the sauce.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the jumbo shell pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly. Be sure to cook the shells al dente, as they will continue cooking in the oven.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onions, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant. Stir occasionally to avoid burning the garlic.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Spinach

Add the shredded rotisserie chicken (or cooked chicken breast) to the skillet, and stir to combine with the garlic and onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes to warm the chicken through. Add the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts down, about 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and set it aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and 3 tablespoons of butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the mixture is hot but not boiling. Add the minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper, and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to soften.

Step 5: Add the Egg Yolks

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks. Slowly pour the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly to temper the eggs (this prevents the eggs from scrambling). Once the egg yolks are fully incorporated, pour the mixture back into the saucepan and continue to cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and part-skim grated cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Stuff the Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a small amount of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent the shells from sticking. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the chicken and spinach mixture, placing the stuffed shells in the baking dish. Once all the shells are stuffed, pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the top, ensuring that the shells are well-covered with sauce.

Step 8: Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the top to turn golden brown.

Step 9: Serve

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs or extra Parmesan cheese, if desired, and serve hot.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Be sure to cook the pasta shells al dente, as they will soften further during baking.
• When making the Alfredo sauce, be careful not to bring it to a boil, as this could cause the sauce to separate.
• If you have leftover chicken, this recipe is a great way to use it up and save time.
• You can prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time, cover them with foil, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking from the fridge, you may need to add 5-10 extra minutes of baking time.
• If you prefer a crispier top, you can sprinkle extra cheese over the stuffed shells during the last few minutes of baking.

How to Serve

Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a delicious and filling meal that pairs perfectly with a simple side salad and garlic bread. For an added burst of flavor, serve them with a fresh green vegetable like steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus. If you’re serving these for a crowd, consider offering a side of homemade breadsticks or a Caesar salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place the shells in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Freezing

To freeze, assemble the stuffed shells in the baking dish but do not bake them. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Reheating

To reheat frozen stuffed shells, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for a quicker option.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

Yes, you can use store-bought Alfredo sauce as a shortcut, but homemade Alfredo sauce gives the dish a richer, creamier flavor.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes of baking time if you’re baking from the fridge.

3. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?

Yes, frozen spinach can be used. Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the mixture.

4. Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with cooked ground turkey, sausage, or even shrimp for a different twist on the dish.

5. Can I use a different type of pasta?

While jumbo shells are the traditional pasta used for this dish, you can substitute them with other pasta shapes like manicotti or even cannelloni tubes.

6. How do I get the shells to stay intact while stuffing them?

Be gentle when stuffing the shells, and make sure the pasta is slightly cooled before handling to avoid breaking them. You can also cook the shells a bit shorter than the recommended time to prevent them from becoming too soft.

7. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, but the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.

8. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling when adding the egg yolks?

To avoid curdling, temper the egg yolks by slowly adding a small amount of hot cream mixture to the yolks while whisking constantly, then slowly incorporate the egg yolks back into the sauce.

9. How can I make this dish spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce for an added kick of heat.

10. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can leave out the chicken and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell

peppers, to make it a hearty vegetarian dish.

Conclusion

Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are the perfect comfort food for any occasion. With creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce and tender chicken, these stuffed shells are a satisfying and flavorful meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a special dinner, this dish is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a meal everyone can enjoy!

Print