Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

Creamy million dollar chicken alfredo stuffed shells promise a culinary adventure that’ll make dinner feel like an indulgent celebration.

Pasta lovers rejoice as these decadent shells deliver pure comfort on a plate.

Packed with tender chicken and rich alfredo sauce, each bite feels like a warm hug.

Cheese melts beautifully around succulent meat, creating layers of irresistible flavor.

Simple ingredients combine to craft something truly spectacular that impresses without complicated techniques.

Weeknight meals just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Come hungry and prepare to savor every single delicious morsel.

Why You’ll Crave Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Why You’ll Crave Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
  • Craft Comfort Meal: A creamy, cheesy pasta dish that wraps you in warm, delicious comfort with every bite.
  • Master Complex Flavors: Blend of chicken, three different cheeses, and rich alfredo sauce creates a gourmet experience without professional cooking skills.
  • Quick Family Pleaser: Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make this recipe perfect for busy households craving a satisfying meal.
  • Versatile Dinner Solution: Adaptable to different preferences by easily swapping chicken with vegetables or using alternative cheese combinations for customization.

What’s In Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

For the Pasta:
  • Pasta Shells: Large shells perfect for holding the rich chicken and cheese filling.
For the Protein and Cheese:
  • Shredded Chicken: Tender, shredded meat that provides a hearty protein base for the dish.
  • Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that adds a smooth and rich texture to the filling.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that creates a gooey and stretchy topping.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Aged cheese that brings a sharp and nutty flavor to the mixture.
  • Egg: Binding ingredient that helps hold the filling together.
For the Sauce and Seasonings:
  • Butter: Rich base for creating a smooth and flavorful alfredo sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess to the sauce.
  • Pre-made Alfredo Sauce: Convenient sauce that enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Garlic, Minced: Aromatic ingredient that provides depth and warmth to the dish.
  • Parsley, Chopped: Fresh herb that adds a bright and herbal note to the filling.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides additional garlic flavor to the chicken and cheese mixture.
  • Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances the overall taste.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity to the dish.
  • Olive Oil: Used for greasing the baking dish.
  • Fresh Basil: Garnish that brings a fresh and aromatic finishing touch.

How To Cook Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 375°F and grab a large baking dish. Give it a quick olive oil rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells

Boil salted water and cook pasta shells until they’re perfectly tender. Drain and let them cool down a bit.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

Grab a mixing bowl and combine your filling ingredients:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Egg
  • Chopped parsley
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Whisk everything together until it’s beautifully blended.

Step 4: Craft the Alfredo Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and pre-made alfredo sauce, stirring until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Stuff the Shells

Carefully fill each pasta shell with the chicken-cheese mixture. Make sure each shell gets a generous, even serving of the delicious filling.

Step 6: Create the Base

Pour half of the alfredo sauce into the baking dish, creating a dreamy cream foundation.

Step 7: Arrange the Shells

Nestle the stuffed shells into the sauce, positioning them close together like little cozy pillows.

Step 8: Add Final Touches

Drizzle the remaining alfredo sauce over the shells. Sprinkle an extra layer of mozzarella cheese on top for that irresistible golden finish.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the dish out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle some fresh chopped basil on top and serve up this creamy, cheesy delight!

Best Tips For Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Best Tips For Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
  • Stuff Shells Perfectly: Use a small spoon or piping bag to fill pasta shells evenly without tearing them.
  • Boost Flavor Intensity: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to the chicken-cheese mixture for extra zest.
  • Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dish completely, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking for convenient meal planning.
  • Protein Swap Options: Replace chicken with ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or vegetarian alternatives like spinach and ricotta.
  • Lighter Version Trick: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use reduced-fat cheeses to create a lighter version without sacrificing taste.

Creative Twists For Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

  • Vegetarian Shell Swap: Replace chicken with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and ricotta for a meat-free version packed with earthy flavors.
  • Seafood Shell Delight: Substitute chicken with cooked shrimp or crab meat, adding a delicate maritime twist to the classic recipe.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure all sauces and cheeses are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Spicy Southwest Shell Remix: Add diced green chiles, swap parsley for cilantro, and incorporate pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flair.

What Matches Well With Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Choose a bright, acidic Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, creamy alfredo sauce and complement the cheesy chicken shells.
  • Serve with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a zesty side salad with peppery arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved parmesan to balance the heavy, indulgent main dish.
  • Match with Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up the extra alfredo sauce, adding a crunchy texture and complementary garlic flavor that enhances the overall meal experience.
  • Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus with olive oil and herbs, roasting them to provide a light, nutritious counterpoint to the rich pasta shells.

How To Store Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed shells will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual portions or entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen stuffed shells maintain quality for up to 2 months. Label container with date.
  • Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place shells in baking dish, add splash of water or extra alfredo sauce to prevent drying.

FAQs On Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare stuffed shells in advance. Assemble the dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking directly from the refrigerator.

  • Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, you can swap in alternatives like cottage cheese, provolone, or even goat cheese. Just ensure they melt well and complement the chicken’s flavor.

  • What if I don't have pre-made alfredo sauce?

No problem. You can make a quick homemade alfredo by whisking together heavy cream, butter, garlic, parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 55-65 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Pasta perfection meets creamy indulgence with million dollar chicken alfredo stuffed shells, a luxurious Italian-American dish that promises rich flavor in every bite. Cheese-laden shells packed with tender chicken and velvety sauce will transport diners straight to comfort food paradise.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

  • 20 large pasta shells
  • 1 package jumbo shells

Filling:

  • 2 cups shredded chicken
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Sauce and Topping:

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 cup alfredo sauce
  • 1/2 cup additional mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
  2. Cook pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. Whisk in the egg, chopped parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until thoroughly blended.
  4. Create a luxurious alfredo sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, then pour in heavy cream and pre-made alfredo sauce.
  5. Gently stuff each pasta shell with the chicken-cheese mixture, ensuring a generous and even fill.
  6. Pour half of the alfredo sauce into the prepared baking dish, creating a creamy base for the shells.
  7. Arrange the stuffed shells carefully in the sauce, nestling them close together.
  8. Drizzle the remaining alfredo sauce over the shells and sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top.
  9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  10. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.

Notes

  • Keep pasta shells slightly firmer than usual, as they’ll continue cooking in the oven to prevent mushiness.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for faster preparation and deeper flavor complexity.
  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, reducing overall calorie content.
  • Customize the dish by adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes into the chicken-cheese mixture for extra nutrition and flavor variation.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 720
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 52 g
  • Saturated Fat: 29 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 160 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star