The Best Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

Creamy million dollar chicken alfredo stuffed shells might just become your new favorite comfort meal.

Pasta lovers appreciate how simple ingredients combine into something magical.

Cheesy shells packed with tender chicken create an irresistible dinner experience.

Ricotta and mozzarella melt together, forming a luxurious blanket around each delectable bite.

Kitchen novices and seasoned cooks alike can master this impressive dish with minimal effort.

Zesty seasonings and rich alfredo sauce guarantee a memorable meal that feels like a restaurant-quality treat.

What Makes Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells So Rich

• Craft Cheesy Comfort: Dive into a decadent pasta dish that combines creamy Alfredo sauce with tender chicken in every bite, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add personal touches like different herbs, spices, or protein options to make this recipe uniquely yours while keeping the core deliciousness intact.
• Master Gourmet Cooking: Impress family and friends with a restaurant-quality dish that looks complicated but comes together surprisingly simple, making you feel like a professional chef without endless kitchen time.
• Perfect for Gathering: Ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or special celebrations where you want a show-stopping main course that feeds a hungry crowd and leaves everyone satisfied.

Ingredients for Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Main Ingredients:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for stuffing with creamy chicken filling.

• Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken that provides a hearty and protein-rich base for the filling.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: A rich and creamy cheese combination that adds depth and flavor to the dish.

Sauce Ingredients:

• Butter, Heavy Cream: Create a luxurious and smooth base for the classic Alfredo sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp and nutty flavor to the creamy sauce.

Seasoning Ingredients:

• Salt, Black Pepper, Nutmeg: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Garlic, Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Basil): Provide additional aromatic and fresh notes to the chicken filling.

How to Prepare Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Boil Pasta Shells

Grab a big pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt to make the water taste great. Toss in jumbo pasta shells and let them dance in the boiling water for 8-10 minutes until they’re perfectly tender. Drain the shells and give them a quick cool water shower to stop the cooking.

Step 2: Create Magical Chicken Mixture

• Shredded chicken
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Mix everything until it’s smooth and dreamy.

Step 3: Elevate the Flavor

• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh herbs like parsley or basil (optional)

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Alfredo Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer gently. Whisk in Parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg. Keep stirring until the sauce becomes silky smooth.

Step 5: Build Your Culinary Masterpiece

Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce in a baking dish. Carefully stuff each cooled pasta shell with the chicken cheese mixture. Arrange the shells in the dish, creating a beautiful pattern.

Step 6: Finish with Cheesy Goodness

Drizzle the remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Your dish is ready to become a crowd-pleaser!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into a preheated oven and bake until the cheese melts and turns golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Swap ricotta for cottage cheese if you want a lighter option with similar texture and protein boost.
• Ensure pasta shells are completely cooled before stuffing to prevent them from tearing and maintain structural integrity.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving method that adds extra flavor without additional cooking effort.
• Season chicken filling generously with herbs like thyme or oregano to enhance overall taste profile and create depth.
• Allow Alfredo sauce to cool slightly before pouring over shells to prevent sauce from becoming too thin and watery.

Variations to Explore for Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Shells: Replace herbs with chopped jalapeños, add cumin and chili powder to filling. Top with pepper jack cheese and serve with salsa.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Shells: Mix chicken with feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano. Use lighter cream sauce with Greek yogurt and garnish with fresh basil.
• Spinach Mushroom Chicken Shells: Incorporate sautéed spinach and mushrooms into chicken filling. Use roasted garlic in Alfredo sauce and add extra Parmesan cheese topping.
• Pesto Chicken Shells: Blend pesto into chicken mixture, replace Alfredo sauce with homemade basil pesto. Sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top before serving.

Pairing Ideas for Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement the creamy Alfredo sauce, cutting through its richness with bright, refreshing notes.
• Serve with Garlic Roasted Broccoli: Create a perfect vegetable side that echoes the garlic in the dish while adding a crunchy texture contrast to the soft pasta shells.
• Match with Fresh Caesar Salad: Introduce a tangy, light salad with crisp romaine and zesty dressing to balance the heavy, cheesy chicken shells and cleanse the palate.
• Add Crusty Focaccia Bread: Provide a perfect vehicle for soaking up extra Alfredo sauce, with herb-infused Italian bread that enhances the overall Mediterranean flavor profile.

Storage Advice for Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep shells in a single layer to prevent sticking. Refrigerated shells stay fresh for 3-4 days.
• Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Place individual shells on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place shells in a baking dish, add a splash of cream or water to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, while jumbo shells work best for stuffing, you can try large pasta tubes or even lasagna sheets rolled up as an alternative.

• Is it okay to use rotisserie chicken for the filling?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option that saves time and adds extra richness to the dish.

• How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Use less expensive cheeses like cheddar or monterey jack, and consider using leftover chicken or canned chicken to reduce costs.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy million dollar chicken alfredo stuffed shells bring Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with rich, cheesy goodness. Cheese-packed pasta shells deliver a satisfying meal you can savor with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 20 large jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Optional Add-Ins:

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

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Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook jumbo pasta shells for 8-10 minutes until tender yet firm. Drain and rinse with cold water to halt cooking.
2. Create a creamy chicken mixture by blending shredded chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until uniformly incorporated.
3. Enhance the filling’s flavor profile by incorporating minced garlic, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
4. Craft the Alfredo sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Gently introduce heavy cream and allow it to simmer, then whisk in Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg until the sauce transforms into a silky, smooth consistency.
5. Prepare the baking dish by spreading a thin layer of Alfredo sauce across the bottom. Carefully fill each cooled pasta shell with the chicken-cheese mixture, positioning them seam-side up in the dish.
6. Generously drizzle the remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring complete coverage. Crown the dish with a layer of mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden brown, creating a bubbling, appetizing surface.

Notes

• Opt for jumbo shells that are unbroken and well-cooked to ensure smooth stuffing and even baking.
• When cooking chicken, choose methods like poaching or roasting for tender, flavorful meat that easily shreds.
• Drain ricotta cheese on paper towels to remove excess moisture, preventing a watery filling.
• Mix cheeses thoroughly to create a consistent, creamy texture throughout the stuffed shells.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for richer flavor compared to pre-packaged grated cheese.
• Allow shells to cool slightly before stuffing to prevent burning your hands and maintain shell integrity.
• Customize the dish by adding spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or herbs to the chicken mixture for extra depth.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use reduced-fat cheeses.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg