Description
Creamy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious, Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a comforting twist on the classic Alfredo. With shredded rotisserie chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, all wrapped in jumbo pasta shells and baked with a rich homemade Alfredo sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It’s indulgent, flavorful, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Pasta and Filling:
- 20 large jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (optional for added nutrition)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (for a hint of warmth)
Topping:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (for melting on top)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for a crispy finish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish and color)
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta Shells:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook for 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- Drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process.
-
Prepare the Chicken Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth.
-
Season the Filling:
- Add salt, pepper, and minced garlic to taste. For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
-
Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt ½ cup butter over medium heat.
- Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and allow it to simmer.
- Add 1 cup Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg, whisking until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
-
Assemble the Dish:
- Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce at the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Stuff each cooled pasta shell with the chicken and cheese mixture.
- Arrange the shells in the dish seam-side up.
-
Add Sauce and Cheese:
- Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Top with 1 cup shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
-
Bake:
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to melt and brown the cheese
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half and half for heavy cream.
- Feel free to freeze any leftovers for a convenient meal later.
- If you prefer a gluten-free dish, make sure to use gluten-free pasta shells.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American