Title Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

Okay, picture this: What is the It’s Sunday night, the aroma of garlic and creamy Alfredo is wafting through the house, and I’m feeling very guilty. Everyone’s gathered around the table practically drooling in anticipation. What happens when you make Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells? What are some of the best lasagna recipes? Forget fussy dinners, for This is pure comfort food elevated to something truly special, and I promise, it’s way easier than anything else.

What is Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells?

Think of it as the ultimate pasta bake, but instead of layers, we’re talking jumbo pasta shells. What are some good ways to eat chicken? Is it essentially individual portions of deliciousness swimming in a sea of rich Alfredo sauce? What is the “Million Dollar” part? Why is it worth a million dollars? Is this the kind of dish that makes you want to close your eyes and savor every single bite? My family calls it restaurant-quality, but shhh, it’s our little secret that it is actually restaurant quality. Is it easy to whip up a dish at home?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Okay, let’s get real about why you *need* this Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe in your life. First off, the flavor is insane. We’re talking juicy, seasoned chicken combined with creamy ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella, all nestled inside perfectly cooked pasta shells. Then, it’s all bathed in a luscious Alfredo sauce that’s so good, you’ll want to lick the plate clean. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can add veggies, swap out the chicken for shrimp, or even use a different type of cheese. It’s also surprisingly simple to make. While it looks fancy, it’s really just a matter of cooking the shells, mixing the filling, and assembling everything in a baking dish. Plus, it’s incredibly cost-effective, especially if you buy your chicken in bulk and make your own Alfredo sauce (which I highly recommend!). Compare it to ordering something similar at a restaurant – you’re saving a bundle and probably making it taste even better. This is a total crowd-pleaser, and leftovers (if there are any!) are amazing for lunch the next day. It’s also a fantastic freezer meal – perfect for busy weeknights when you just don’t have the time or energy to cook.

How do I make a million dollar chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells?

Quick Overview

How do you make Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells? What is the best way to cook pasta shells, whip up a delicious chicken and cheese filling, stuff the pasta with cheese, and serve it. Is it safe to eat shells, and then smother them in Alfredo sauce before baking to golden brown perfection? Don’t be intimidated by the steps – each one is simple and the end result is totally worth it. How easy is it to make a recipe from scratch? Is this a guaranteed hit?

Ingredients Notes

For the Pasta:
Jumbo Pasta Shells: These are the stars of the show! Make sure to cook them al dente, as they’ll continue to bake in the oven.
For the Filling:
Cooked Chicken: I usually use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience, but you can also cook and shred your own. What are chicken breasts Does ground chicken work?
Ricotta Cheese: This adds a creamy, slightly tangy element to the filling. Full-fat ricotta is best for flavor and texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor. Freshly grated is always the best!
Mozzarella Cheese: For that gooey, melty goodness. Shredded mozzarella works great.
Egg: Helps bind the filling together.
Garlic: Adds a punch of flavor. I love using fresh garlic, but garlic powder works in pinch.
Italian Seasoning: Gives the filling that classic Italian flavor.
Salt and pepper: To taste.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness.
What is the Alfredo Sauce?
Butter: Unsalted butter is best, so you can control the saltiness of the sauce.
Heavy Cream: This is what makes the Alfredo sauce so rich and creamy. Don’t skimp!
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is the way to go.
Why can’t you have too much garlic in Alfredo sauce?
Salt and pepper: To taste.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch adds flavor to any dish.

What is the step-

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. How do I clean a shell? I always use glass, but metal works, too. Just make sure it’s well-greased! What I learned the hard way after scrubbing for what felt like hours?

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells

Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package directions, but reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. You want them to be al dente, meaning they still have a slight bite to them. This is crucial because they’ll continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked shells will become mushy and fall apart. What are some ways to drain shells and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process? Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Filling

In a large bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese. What is the recipe for mozzarella cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper? Mix everything together until well combined. Don’t overmix, though – you want to keep the filling light and fluffy. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. I like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to my smoothies!

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Set aside. Add garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. How do you avoid burning garlic? Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out. If it’s too thin, just cook it a bit longer to reduce it.

Step 5: Stuff the Shells

What is the fun part? How do I spoon the chicken filling into each pasta shell using a spoon or your fingers? Don’t overstuff them, or they might bursten open during baking. I like to use a small cookie scoop to make the filling process easier. Place the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Alfredo Sauce: Pour the sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure to coat them evenly. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese, if desired. Cover a baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. When shells are heated through, they melt. I like to broil the cheese for the last minute or two to get nice and golden brown, but watch it carefully. How do you close your eyes so it doesn’t burn?

Step 7: Rest & Serve

Let the Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells rest for a few minutes before serving. How do you make a sauce that thickens? Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy! Is this the perfect time to sneak a bite before anyone else gets to them?

What should I serve it with?

Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a complete meal on their own, but they also come with roasted vegetables. Can you pair it with a variety of sides?For a simple side:What’s a good salad to serve with salad dressing? The acidity of the dressing helps to cut through the richness of Alfredo sauce.
For a Hearty Meal:What are some good ways to serve garlic bread with your favorite sauce? Steamed asparagus or broccoli are also great options for adding veggies to a meal.
For a Special Occasion:Pair with a glass of crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. A side of roasted vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or carrots, would also be a nice addition. I usually make a big Italian salad with homemade vinaigrette – it’s the perfect complement!
My family also loves it with a side of roasted garlic parmesan green beans. They’re super easy to make and add a nice pop of color to the plate.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Here are a few tips to help you make the best Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells ever:
Don’t Overcook the Shells: As mentioned earlier, it’s crucial to cook the shells al dente. Overcooked shells will become mushy and fall apart, which is not what you want.
Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the flavor. Use fresh, high-quality cheeses and don’t skimp on the heavy cream for the Alfredo sauce.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: This recipe is very versatile, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Add veggies, swap out the chicken for shrimp, or use a different type of cheese.
Make Your Own Alfredo Sauce: Homemade Alfredo sauce is so much better than store-bought, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Plus, you can control the ingredients and adjust the flavor to your liking. I always add a little extra garlic and parmesan cheese to mine! You can also try adding roasted garlic for a sweeter, mellower flavor.
Stuff the Shells Carefully: Don’t overstuff the shells, or they might burst open during baking. I like to use a small cookie scoop to make the filling process easier and more consistent. You can also use a piping bag for a cleaner and more precise filling.
Bake Covered, Then Uncovered: Baking the shells covered with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes helps to prevent them from drying out. Removing the foil for the last 10-15 minutes allows the cheese to melt and bubble and the shells to heat through. I always check the internal temperature with a thermometer to make sure they’re heated through. It should read 165°F (74°C).
If you want to get extra fancy, try adding a layer of spinach or artichoke hearts to the bottom of the baking dish before adding the shells. It adds a nice pop of color and flavor.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s how to properly store and reheat your Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells to maintain their deliciousness:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t leave these out at room temperature for more than a couple of hours. Because of the dairy, they’re best stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure they’ve cooled down completely before refrigerating them. I usually use a glass container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent them from drying out.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Alternatively, you can freeze the entire baking dish of shells. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then cover it with aluminum foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Instructions: To reheat refrigerated Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells, you can microwave them for a few minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat frozen Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them as described above. You can also reheat them directly from frozen in the oven, but it will take longer. Just make sure to cover them with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.

Glaze Timing Advice: For the best results, I recommend adding any extra cheese or garnishes right before reheating, especially if you’re microwaving them. This will ensure that the cheese melts properly and the shells don’t get soggy. Trust me, no one wants soggy stuffed shells!

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my go-to Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a show-stopping dish for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. And if you’re a fan of cheesy, saucy pasta bakes, you might also enjoy my lasagna soup or baked ziti recipe! I truly can’t wait to hear how yours turn out. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you try any variations, be sure to share them with me too! Happy cooking!