Cheesy Creamy Chicken Alfredo Shells

These stuffed shells filled with chicken and creamy Alfredo sauce offer a delightful twist on a classic Italian favorite. With just 30 minutes of prep time and an effortless bake, this dish is both comforting and crowd-pleasing. Picture your family gathered around the table, enjoying warm, cheesy pasta shells that practically melt in your mouth. It won’t just satisfy your hunger; it will bring everyone together for a cozy meal.

Stuffed Shells Chicken Alfredo

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Delightful stuffed shells filled with chicken and creamy Alfredo sauce for a comforting family meal.

• Author: anytimesrecipegmail-com
• Prep Time: 30
• Cook Time: 25
• Total Time: 55
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large eggs
• 2 ribs celery (finely chopped)
• 1/2 small onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 1 1/2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons heavy cream (divided)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
• 20 jumbo pasta shells (1/2 of a 12-ounce box)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 1/3 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Stir in the celery, onion, chopped chicken, cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons of cream, and a quarter cup of parsley until well combined.
2. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain once finished.
3. While the shells are cooking, melt the butter in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, cooking for about a minute while stirring continuously.
4. Add the flour and cook for another two minutes until it turns a light golden brown, stirring constantly.
5. Gradually whisk in the milk and remaining 1 cup of cream. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Continuously whisk for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Remove from heat and mix in the lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
7. Spread a thin layer of the sauce in the bottom of a cast iron skillet or baking dish. Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the chicken mixture and arrange them in the skillet. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the shells.
8. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and golden. Let cool for about 5 minutes before serving, garnished with extra parsley.

Notes

Make sure your filling is well-mixed but be careful not to overfill the shells to prevent spilling while baking. Can be made ahead of time and refrigerated.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 150mg

Why Choose This Creamy Wonder?

If you’re on the lookout for a family-friendly dish that combines ease with pure indulgence, look no further. This Stuffed Shells Chicken Alfredo makes dinner feel special yet simple, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays alike. Each bite is filled with tender chicken and rich cheese, making it a tested, trusted recipe everyone will adore.

How to Make Stuffed Shells Chicken Alfredo

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 2 ribs celery (finely chopped)
• 1/2 small onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 1 1/2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons heavy cream (divided)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
• 20 jumbo pasta shells (1/2 of a 12-ounce box)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 1/3 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

1. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Stir in the celery, onion, chopped chicken, cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons of cream, and a quarter cup of parsley until everything is well combined.
2. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain once finished.
3. While the shells are cooking, melt the butter in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, cooking for about a minute while stirring continuously.
4. Add the flour and cook for another two minutes until it turns a light golden brown, still stirring constantly.
5. Gradually whisk in the milk and remaining 1 cup of cream. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Continuously whisk for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Remove from heat and mix in the lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
7. Spread a thin layer of the sauce in the bottom of a cast iron skillet or baking dish. Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the chicken mixture and arrange them in the skillet. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the shells.
8. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and golden. Let cool for about 5 minutes before serving, garnished with extra parsley.

Serving Suggestions for Your Cozy Creation

Serve these stuffed shells warm, diving right into the creamy goodness. A light salad on the side and some garlic bread will complete your meal beautifully. It’s a dish that sparks conversation and laughter; perfect for sharing stories around the dinner table.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely because it’s that good!), simply cover them tightly and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, and you’ll find the flavors just as delightful.

Tips for Perfecting Your Stuffed Shells

• Make sure your filling is well-mixed but be careful not to overfill the shells; they can spill over while baking.
• For added flavor, consider adding spices like Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the creamy sauce.

Alternatives to Try

Feel free to switch up the filling! Substitute cooked spinach for chicken, or use a different cheese, like mozzarella. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can make it your own!

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! Assemble everything a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake it when you’re ready.

Can I use a different type of pasta? While jumbo shells are traditional, you could use manicotti or even large cannelloni for a fun twist.

Is this recipe freezable? Absolutely! Just freeze it unbaked and pop it in the oven when you need a quick meal. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from frozen.

Embrace the warmth and comfort that these Stuffed Shells Chicken Alfredo bring to your table. It’s not just a meal; it’s a moment , one worth sharing with the people you love.