Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells. Imagine tender jumbo pasta shells, filled with a rich, creamy blend of chicken, cheeses, and Alfredo sauce, baked to bubbly perfection. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that delivers restaurant-quality flavors right in your home. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or hosting guests, this recipe will undoubtedly leave everyone impressed and satisfied.

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🛒 Ingredients

To make these mouthwatering stuffed shells, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Stuffed Shells:

• 21 jumbo pasta shells: These large pasta shells are perfect for holding the creamy filling.
• 1 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken. Shredding the chicken ensures it mixes well with the other ingredients and fills the shells evenly.
• 1 ½ cups cottage cheese: Cottage cheese adds creaminess to the filling, giving it a velvety texture.
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Cream cheese provides richness and a smooth, tangy flavor that complements the other cheeses.
• ¼ cup sour cream: Sour cream adds a slight tang and enhances the creaminess of the filling.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan brings a salty, nutty flavor that deepens the overall taste of the dish.
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Mozzarella cheese is used both in the filling and as a topping, ensuring every bite is gooey and delicious.
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley: Dried parsley adds a touch of freshness and color to the filling.

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 1 (15-oz) jar Alfredo sauce: The Alfredo sauce coats the stuffed shells in creamy goodness, making the dish rich and luxurious. If you have time, you can make your Alfredo sauce from scratch, but a store-bought jar works just as well.

For Topping:

• Remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese: Sprinkling extra cheese on top of the Alfredo sauce ensures a perfectly cheesy, golden-brown crust when baked.
• Additional parsley for garnish (optional): Adding fresh parsley on top of the baked dish gives it a vibrant, fresh finish.

👩‍🍳 Directions

Follow these detailed steps to create your Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells masterpiece:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Prepare the oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). This will ensure that your stuffed shells bake evenly and come out hot and bubbly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

1. Grease the baking dish: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This will prevent the shells from sticking and make cleanup easier later.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta Shells

1. Boil the pasta: Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions. Be sure to cook them until they are al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. You want them tender enough to handle but still firm enough to hold the filling without breaking.
2. Drain and cool: Once the shells are cooked, drain them and set them aside to cool slightly. You can spread them out on a baking sheet to prevent them from sticking together.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

1. Mix the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and dried parsley. Mix everything together until well combined and creamy. The filling should be thick but easy to spoon into the shells.

Step 5: Stuff the Shells

1. Fill the shells: Using a spoon or your hands, stuff each cooked pasta shell with a generous amount of the cheese and chicken mixture. The shells should be full but not overflowing. You want to be able to close the shells slightly over the filling.
2. Arrange in the dish: Place the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish in a single layer, with the open side facing up. This allows the filling to stay intact as it bakes.

Step 6: Add the Alfredo Sauce

1. Cover the shells: Pour the Alfredo sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, making sure they are completely covered. The sauce will keep the shells moist and add a layer of creaminess to the dish.

Step 7: Top with Cheese

1. Sprinkle mozzarella: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the Alfredo sauce. This will create a beautiful, golden-brown cheesy crust as the dish bakes.

Step 8: Bake the Stuffed Shells

1. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the shells are heated through. The top should be slightly golden and crispy.
2. Cool slightly: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve the shells without them falling apart.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

1. Add garnish: If desired, garnish the baked stuffed shells with additional parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
2. Serve hot: Serve the stuffed shells hot, allowing everyone to enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness. Pair with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

⏰ Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Servings: 8

📝 Tips for the Best Stuffed Shells

1. Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is an excellent option for this recipe because it’s already cooked and flavorful. You can also use any leftover cooked chicken, or poach a couple of chicken breasts and shred them for the filling.
2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: The pasta shells should be al dente so that they hold their shape after baking. Make sure to cook them according to the package instructions, and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process once they’re done.
3. Customize Your Cheese Mix: While this recipe calls for a mix of cottage cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Ricotta cheese can be used in place of cottage cheese, or you can add some gouda or fontina for extra richness.
4. Homemade Alfredo Sauce: If you have a little extra time, making your Alfredo sauce from scratch can elevate this dish even further. A simple homemade sauce with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese can take these stuffed shells to the next level.
5. Make Ahead and Freeze: These stuffed shells are perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, freeze the stuffed shells (before baking) in an airtight container for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, simply bake the frozen shells, adding about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are rich and indulgent, so pairing them with lighter side dishes can help balance the meal. Here are a few ideas:

• Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette will complement the creamy richness of the stuffed shells.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks for a classic Italian-inspired dinner.
• Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add a healthy and colorful element to the meal.

🧀 Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile, and there are many ways to switch things up depending on your taste preferences or dietary needs:

1. Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version.
2. Spicy Twist: Add a kick to the filling by mixing in some red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce.
3. Seafood Version: Replace the chicken with shrimp or crab for a seafood-inspired stuffed shell that pairs beautifully with Alfredo sauce.
4. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure that your Alfredo sauce and cheeses are gluten-free for a delicious gluten-free version of this dish.

🥳 Why You’ll Love These Stuffed Shells

• Easy to Make: Despite the luxurious flavors, this recipe is straightforward and easy to prepare. The filling comes together quickly, and stuffing the shells is a simple task.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults. The creamy cheese filling and Alfredo sauce make it irresistibly indulgent.
• Versatile: You can easily customize the recipe to suit your tastes, whether that means swapping out ingredients, adding your favorite herbs and spices, or making it vegetarian.

Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party or making them for a family meal, they’re sure to be a hit. The combination of tender pasta shells, creamy chicken filling, and rich Alfredo sauce creates a dish that feels both comforting and indulgent.

So go ahead, treat yourself to a million-dollar meal that’s worth every bite!