Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells: A Cheesy Family Dinner

If you’re looking for stuffed chicken shells recipes that are creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, these Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a must-try! Filled with shredded chicken, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, then smothered in a rich garlic butter Alfredo sauce, this dish is the perfect comfort food for any occasion.

Whether you’re planning a football Sunday dinner, an easy dinner for a large family, or a romantic Valentine dinner idea at home, these creamy stuffed shells will impress everyone at the table!

Save

What Are Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells?

This stuffed shells Alfredo recipe features jumbo pasta shells filled with a cheesy, creamy chicken mixture, then baked in a luscious garlic butter Alfredo sauce until golden and bubbly. It’s a restaurant-quality meal made at home—rich, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy dinner.

Great for 4-course meal ideas dinners or quick meal prep, this dish elevates classic stuffed shells with a creamy Alfredo twist!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy, Cheesy & Delicious: Packed with three kinds of cheese and smothered in Alfredo sauce.
• Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: A great easy dinner for a large family.
• Great for Special Occasions: Perfect for Valentine dinner ideas at home or a comforting football Sunday dinner.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep in advance and bake when ready.
• Customizable: Swap chicken for shrimp, spinach, or a vegetarian filling.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Stuffed Shells:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick!)

For Garnishing:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Crushed red pepper (optional for heat)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for boiling pasta shells)
• Mixing bowls (for chicken filling and sauce prep)
• Baking dish (9×13-inch) (for baking the shells)
• Whisk (for Alfredo sauce)
• Spoon or piping bag (for filling the shells neatly)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well until fully combined.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly.
4. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
6. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread ½ cup Alfredo sauce in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Fill each cooked shell with the chicken and cheese mixture and place them in the dish.
4. Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden & Bubbly

1. Sprinkle extra mozzarella or Parmesan cheese over the top.
2. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
3. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

1. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
2. Serve warm with garlic bread or a fresh side salad.

Save

Tips for the Best Stuffed Shells Alfredo

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful filling.
• Don’t overcook the pasta shells—they will continue cooking in the oven.
• Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.
• For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using cold Alfredo sauce: Warm sauce helps the flavors blend better.
• Overstuffing the shells: Keep enough space so the filling stays intact.
• Skipping the egg in the filling: Helps bind the cheeses and chicken together.

Variations & Flavor Twists

• Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Shells: Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning to the filling.
• Vegetarian Stuffed Shells: Replace chicken with sautéed spinach and mushrooms.
• Shrimp Alfredo Stuffed Shells: Swap chicken for chopped shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Bacon Ranch Alfredo Shells: Add crumbled cooked bacon and 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning to the filling.

How to Store & Make Ahead

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Assemble the dish but do not bake—cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
• Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second bursts.

Serving Suggestions

These Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells pair well with:

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• A crisp Caesar or garden salad
• Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli
• A light soup, like tomato basil or minestrone

Save

FAQs

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

Yes! While homemade Alfredo sauce is richer, a good-quality jarred sauce works great for convenience.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.

How do I make a lighter version?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and part-skim ricotta for a lighter dish.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.

Conclusion

These Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are rich, creamy, and loaded with cheesy goodness, making them a perfect family dinner, special occasion meal, or make-ahead dish. Whether you’re hosting a football Sunday dinner, planning a romantic Valentine’s dinner at home, or just need an easy dinner for a large family, this recipe is a guaranteed hit!

Try this stuffed shells Alfredo recipe today and enjoy a cheesy, comforting, and flavorful meal that everyone will love!

Print