If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort with indulgence, these Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are the perfect choice. This recipe elevates traditional stuffed shells with a rich and creamy mixture of shredded chicken, cottage cheese, and Alfredo sauce, making it ideal for both family dinners and special occasions. With its mouthwatering flavors and satisfying texture, this dish will become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients:
21 jumbo pasta shells
1 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken
1 ½ cups cottage cheese
4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup sour cream
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 (15-oz) jar Alfredo sauce
1 tablespoon dried parsley
Directions:
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
Cook Pasta: Boil the jumbo shells according to the package directions. Drain and allow them to cool slightly.
Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and dried parsley. Mix until well blended.
Stuff Shells: Fill each cooked pasta shell with the cheese and chicken mixture, and arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour Alfredo sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are fully covered. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake: Bake the stuffed shells uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the shells are heated through.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let the dish cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional parsley if desired, and enjoy!
Serving Tips:
Pairing Options: Serve these Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells alongside a crisp Caesar salad or a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks make a perfect accompaniment, soaking up any extra Alfredo sauce on your plate.
Garnishing: Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil on top of the baked shells before serving to enhance the presentation and add a pop of color. A light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese also adds an extra layer of flavor.
Beverage Pairing: A glass of white wine, such as a buttery Chardonnay or a crisp Pinot Grigio, pairs wonderfully with the creamy, cheesy flavors of this dish. For a non-alcoholic option, consider serving with sparkling water infused with lemon or lime.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat in the oven at 350ºF (175ºC) until warmed through, approximately 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
Freezing: To freeze, prepare the stuffed shells through the assembly stage but do not bake. Place the filled shells in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen shells to a freezer-safe container or bag, and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place the frozen shells in a baking dish, cover with Alfredo sauce and cheese, and bake at 375ºF (190ºC) for 45-50 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
Make-Ahead: These stuffed shells are a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove the covering and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure it’s heated through.
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FAQs:
Can I use a different type of pasta shell for this recipe?
While jumbo pasta shells are ideal for stuffing due to their size, you can use other large pasta shapes if needed. Conchiglie (shell pasta) or manicotti can be good alternatives. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure the pasta is fully cooked but still sturdy enough to hold the filling.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells up to a day in advance. After stuffing the shells, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the covering and bake as directed. If baking from cold, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I freeze Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells?
Absolutely! To freeze, prepare the stuffed shells but do not bake them. Place the stuffed shells in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen shells to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, place them in a baking dish, cover with Alfredo sauce and cheese, and bake at 375ºF (190ºC) for 45-50 minutes or until heated through.
Can I substitute the Alfredo sauce with a different type of sauce?
Yes, you can use a different sauce if you prefer. A marinara or tomato sauce can provide a different flavor profile, though it will alter the overall taste of the dish. For a lighter option, you might try a white sauce or a cheese sauce. Adjust the baking time if using a different sauce to ensure the dish is heated through and bubbly.
Conclusion:
These Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are more than just a meal—they’re an experience. Rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, this dish is perfect for those moments when you want to serve something truly special. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, these stuffed shells are sure to impress.
📖 Recipe:
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Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells—a luxurious twist on classic stuffed shells. This dish features tender jumbo pasta shells filled with a rich blend of shredded chicken, creamy cheeses, and Alfredo sauce. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe delivers a decadent taste experience that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
21 jumbo pasta shells
1 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken
1 ½ cups cottage cheese
4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup sour cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 (15-oz) jar Alfredo sauce
1 tablespoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Cook the jumbo shells according to package directions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and dried parsley. Mix until well combined.
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese and chicken mixture and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the Alfredo sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake the stuffed shells uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the shells are heated through.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For a make-ahead option, assemble the stuffed shells up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
You can freeze the assembled shells before baking for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen with additional cooking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 400 kcal per serving
