Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

43

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells! I remember the first time I tried these little pockets of joy; I was at a family gathering, and someone had brought a big dish of them. The moment I took my first bite, I was transported to cheesy, creamy heaven. I mean, who can resist a dish filled with tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and melty cheese? It’s like a warm hug on a plate!

This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. It’s rich, satisfying, and undeniably delicious. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it a go-to recipe whenever I want to impress people without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, these Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are bound to become a cherished favorite in your home as much as they are in mine!

Why You’ll Love Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Oh, where do I start with why you’re going to absolutely adore these Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells? First off, the creamy texture is to die for! Each bite is like a little cloud of comfort, thanks to that luscious Alfredo sauce mixed with tender chicken and a blend of cheeses. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in a warm embrace, making everything feel right in the world.

And the best part? It’s so easy to prepare! Seriously, you can have this dish ready in about an hour, which means less time stressing in the kitchen and more time enjoying dinner with your loved ones. Plus, it’s family-friendly! Kids and adults alike will be reaching for seconds, and you might even find yourself caught in a battle over the last stuffed shell. With simple ingredients and minimal fuss, these shells are perfect for busy weeknights or those special gatherings when you want to impress without breaking a sweat. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a staple in your home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 20–25 jumbo pasta shells – These are the big ones that can hold all that delicious filling! Don’t worry if they break; just use what you have.
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie recommended) – Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds amazing flavor. You can also use leftover chicken if you have some!
• 1 cup cottage cheese – This adds a creamy texture and a bit of tang. Make sure it’s well-blended for a smooth filling.
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened – You want it nice and soft so it blends easily. Take it out of the fridge ahead of time!
• 1/2 cup sour cream – This adds richness and a slight tang to balance the flavors. You can use plain Greek yogurt as a substitute if you prefer.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated is best, but the pre-grated stuff works too in a pinch! It adds that classic Italian flavor.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided – I love using a mix of mozzarella for melting and a little extra for that gooey topping!
• 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade) – You can go for store-bought for convenience or whip up a homemade version if you’re feeling adventurous!
• 1 tbsp dried parsley (plus more for garnish, optional) – A touch of dried parsley adds a nice flavor and color. Fresh parsley can be used for garnish if you have it on hand!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Pasta

First things first, let’s get those jumbo pasta shells ready! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, carefully add your jumbo shells. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually around 9-11 minutes. You want them al dente, so they’ll hold their shape when you stuff them later. Don’t worry if some break during cooking; it happens to the best of us! Just set them aside once they’re done and let them cool slightly before you handle them.

Making the Filling

Now, let’s whip up that delicious filling! In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, grated Parmesan, and dried parsley. Oh, and don’t forget a little salt and pepper to taste! Grab a spatula or a wooden spoon and mix everything together until it’s well-combined and creamy. If you want to make sure the filling is ultra-smooth, you can use a hand mixer for a few seconds. Trust me, you’ll want every bite to be just perfect!

Assembling the Dish

Time to bring it all together! Take a baking dish (a 9×13 inch one works great) and spread half of the Alfredo sauce on the bottom. This prevents the shells from sticking and adds flavor! Now, grab your cooled pasta shells and carefully fill each one with a generous scoop of that creamy chicken mixture. I like to use a spoon or even my hands for this — just be gentle! Once they’re all filled, place the shells in the baking dish, open side up. After they’re snug in there, pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the top and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella all over. It’s going to be cheesy and delightful!

Baking Instructions

Now it’s time to bake! Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent any burning, and pop it in your preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until everything is heated through and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges start to get a little golden and the cheese is melted and gooey. If you’re feeling fancy, you can remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to get that cheese nice and browned. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook. Once it’s done, let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors a chance to settle, and it’ll be easier to scoop out those heavenly stuffed shells!

Variations

You can have a blast customizing your Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells! One of my favorite ways to shake things up is by adding some veggies to the filling. Spinach is a fantastic option; just sauté it lightly first to reduce the moisture. You could also throw in some sautéed mushrooms or even diced bell peppers for a pop of color and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try adding a bit of cooked broccoli? It adds a nice crunch and pairs beautifully with the creamy filling!

Cheese lovers, rejoice! You can switch up the cheeses for an exciting twist. Instead of just mozzarella, why not mix in some provolone or even a bit of fontina for that melty goodness? If you want to make it a bit more gourmet, consider stirring in some crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy kick. And don’t forget about herbs! Fresh basil or oregano can elevate the flavors even more. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s so adaptable; you can make these stuffed shells fit your taste preferences or whatever you have on hand. Enjoy experimenting!

Serving and Storage Tips

When it comes to serving these Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells, the presentation is half the fun! I love to serve them hot out of the oven, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that pop of color. You can pair them with a simple side salad or some garlic bread to make it a full meal. Trust me, your family and friends will be raving about this dish!

As for leftovers (if there are any!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure they cool completely before sealing them up to keep that creamy goodness intact. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until they’re heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals until warm, but I find that baking helps keep the cheese nice and melty. Enjoy every last bite—you won’t regret it!

Helpful Notes

Here are a few tips to make your Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells even more delightful! If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, you can swap out the cottage cheese for low-fat cottage cheese or Greek yogurt. This will give you that creamy texture while cutting down on calories. You can also use a light Alfredo sauce to reduce the fat content without sacrificing flavor.

For a quicker prep, consider using pre-shredded chicken from the deli or leftover rotisserie chicken, which saves time and adds fantastic flavor. If you want to get ahead, you can prepare the filling and stuff the shells a day in advance, then just bake them when you’re ready to serve. This dish also freezes beautifully! Just assemble the shells, cover them tightly, and pop them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. Trust me, these little hacks will make your cooking experience even more enjoyable!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze these stuffed shells?
Absolutely! These Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells freeze wonderfully. Just assemble them, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and pop them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from frozen, adding about 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time.

2. What if I don’t have Alfredo sauce?
No problem! You can easily make your own Alfredo sauce at home with butter, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Just melt the butter, add minced garlic, then stir in cream and cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. It’s super simple! For more information on making sauces, you can check out this guide.

3. Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix it up. You can use a combination of mozzarella, provolone, or even add some crumbled feta for a unique twist. Just remember that the cheese should melt well for that gooey texture!

4. How long do leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure they cool completely before sealing them up.

5. Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes! Adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or even broccoli is a great way to enhance flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them first to remove excess moisture before mixing them into the filling.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, my friends! Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are not just a meal; they’re an experience filled with comforting flavors and heartwarming moments. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or impressing friends at a gathering, this dish is sure to steal the show. I can practically hear the oohs and aahs as you serve it up!

Don’t hesitate to get creative and make it your own with your favorite ingredients or variations. Trust me, once you take that first cheesy bite, you’ll understand why these stuffed shells are so special. I can’t wait for you to try them and hear all about your delicious adventures in the kitchen. Happy cooking!

Print