Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are the definition of comfort food done right. This dish combines tender pasta shells, creamy Alfredo sauce, juicy chicken, and plenty of melted cheese into one rich and satisfying bake. I first made this recipe when I wanted something indulgent but still practical for a family dinner, and it quickly became a repeat favorite. The filling is luxuriously creamy without being heavy, and the baked shells hold their shape beautifully, making serving easy and mess-free. What I love most is how this recipe feels restaurant-quality yet uses simple ingredients you probably already have. It is ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even special occasions when you want something comforting and impressive. Every bite is packed with flavor, and it reheats exceptionally well, which makes it perfect for leftovers too.
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Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells That Taste Like Pure Comfort
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Creamy and indulgent stuffed pasta shells filled with shredded chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, all coated in a rich Alfredo sauce for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner.
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add shredded chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and the cooked chicken mixture.
- Spread 1 cup of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Stuff each shell with the chicken cheese mixture and place into the dish.
- Pour remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- You can add spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Jumbo pasta shells
These large shells are perfect for holding generous amounts of creamy filling while maintaining their structure after baking.
Cooked chicken breast
Shredded or finely chopped chicken adds protein and makes the dish hearty. Rotisserie chicken works particularly well.
Cream cheese
This is the secret to the “million dollar” texture, adding richness and a velvety consistency to the filling.
Ricotta cheese
Ricotta lightens the filling while keeping it creamy and smooth.
Mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella melts beautifully and gives the dish that irresistible cheese pull.
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan adds depth and a slightly nutty flavor that balances the creaminess.
Alfredo sauce
A good-quality Alfredo sauce ties everything together and keeps the shells moist during baking.
Garlic
Fresh garlic enhances the savory flavor and complements the creamy sauce.
Italian seasoning
This blend adds subtle herbal notes without overpowering the dish.
Salt and black pepper
Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
Fresh parsley
Parsley adds freshness and a touch of color just before serving.
Directions
Begin by cooking the jumbo pasta shells in well-salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and lay them out on a tray to cool slightly so they are easy to handle.
In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Fold in the cooked chicken gently until evenly distributed.
Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce over the bottom of a baking dish. Spoon the chicken and cheese mixture into each shell and arrange them snugly in the dish. Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
Bake in a preheated oven until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 6 people generously. Preparation takes approximately 25 minutes, with a baking time of 30 minutes. Total time is about 55 minutes.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven covered with foil or in the microwave until heated through.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is very adaptable to different tastes. For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese and mozzarella without sacrificing too much creaminess. If you enjoy vegetables, spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli can be mixed into the filling for added texture and nutrition. You may also substitute the chicken with cooked turkey for a slightly different flavor profile. For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes or a small amount of crushed chili to the filling. If you prefer homemade sauce, a from-scratch Alfredo works beautifully and allows you to control the seasoning. These variations keep the dish exciting while preserving its comforting essence.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish is rich and filling, providing protein from the chicken and calcium from the cheeses. It contains gluten and dairy. Gluten-free pasta shells may be used if needed.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Cook Shells Carefully
Avoid overcooking the shells, as they will continue to soften while baking.
Use Warm Chicken
Slightly warm chicken blends more easily i
Use Warm Chicken
Slightly warm chicken blends more easily into the filling.
Do Not Overfill
Filling the shells just to the edge helps prevent tearing.
Rest Before Serving
Letting the dish rest briefly helps the filling set for cleaner portions.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the shells, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze stuffed shells?
Yes, freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes, a quality store-bought sauce works perfectly.
What chicken works best?
Cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken are both excellent options.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, finely chopped vegetables blend well into the filling.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, but you can add spice if desired.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, provolone or fontina can be substituted for mozzarella.
What size shells should I use?
Jumbo pasta shells are required for proper filling.
How do I keep the shells from drying out?
Ensure they are fully covered with sauce before baking.
Can I make this without ricotta?
Yes, substitute with additional cream cheese for a richer filling.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are rich, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. With their creamy filling and cheesy topping, they are perfect for family dinners or special occasions. This recipe is easy to customize and guaranteed to become a favorite at your table.
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