Chicken Alfredo Shells

Featured in pasta-dishes.

Look at these gorgeous golden shells packed with the most incredible creamy chicken alfredo filling! The way that melted cheese is bubbling on top and those fresh herbs are scattered perfectly - this is pure comfort food heaven. You can practically taste how rich and satisfying each bite will be. The pasta shells are cooked to perfection and generously stuffed with tender chicken in that velvety alfredo sauce. This is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the dinner table with huge smiles. Trust me, once you make these beauties, they'll become your go-to recipe for impressing family and friends!

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Updated on Sat, 24 May 2025 19:18:59 GMT
Golden jumbo pasta shells stuffed with creamy chicken alfredo filling in cast iron dish pin it
Golden jumbo pasta shells stuffed with creamy chicken alfredo filling in cast iron dish | lonerecipes.com

I remember the first time I made these stuffed shells - I was intimidated by the idea of stuffing each individual shell, but the process turned out to be surprisingly therapeutic and fun. The key is cooking the shells just until al dente so they hold their shape when stuffed. I love how the chicken gets perfectly coated in that silky alfredo sauce, creating this incredible filling that's both luxurious and comforting. Each shell becomes like a little present, holding all those amazing flavors together. The way the cheese melts and bubbles on top while baking creates this beautiful golden crust that's absolutely irresistible. What makes this recipe special is how it transforms simple ingredients into something that feels genuinely restaurant-worthy. The garlic butter adds this amazing depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish beyond your typical pasta dinner.

Why I love this recipe

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it perfectly captures what I love most about cooking - taking everyday ingredients and creating something truly spectacular. There's something magical about the way the creamy alfredo sauce mingles with the tender chicken and melted cheese inside each pasta shell. I love how this dish brings people together around the dinner table, creating those perfect moments of shared enjoyment. The versatility is another reason I adore this recipe - you can easily customize it with different proteins or add vegetables to suit your family's preferences. But what I love most is how it makes any ordinary weeknight feel special and celebratory. Every time I serve these shells, I'm reminded of why I fell in love with cooking in the first place - the joy of creating something delicious that brings happiness to the people I care about most.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

  • Jumbo Pasta Shells: Cook until al dente and cool before stuffing
  • Chicken Breast: Cook and shred into bite-sized pieces
  • Heavy Cream: Use for rich and creamy alfredo base
  • Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh for best flavor and melting
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Shred for optimal melting and stretchy texture
  • Cream Cheese: Soften to room temperature for smooth mixing

Let's Make These Together

Prepare the pasta shells
Start by cooking your jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until they're perfectly al dente. This is crucial because they'll continue cooking in the oven, and you want them to hold their shape when stuffed. Drain them carefully and let them cool so you can handle them easily when it's time to stuff.
Create the alfredo base
Melt butter in your skillet and add the minced garlic, letting it become fragrant for about a minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, then whisk in the softened cream cheese until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
Build the filling
Add your grated parmesan and half the mozzarella to the cream mixture, stirring until everything melts together beautifully. Fold in your shredded chicken and season with salt and pepper. The filling should be rich, creamy, and packed with flavor.
Stuff and bake
Carefully fill each pasta shell with the chicken alfredo mixture and arrange them in your greased baking dish. Top with the remaining cheeses, cover with foil, and bake until bubbly. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to get that gorgeous golden top.
Recipe picture pin it
Homemade stuffed pasta shells with chicken alfredo sauce and fresh parsley garnish | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

I first discovered this recipe on a rainy Sunday when I had leftover rotisserie chicken and a craving for something incredibly comforting. What started as an experiment quickly became a family favorite. My kids now request these shells for their birthdays instead of traditional cake dinners! I love how you can prep them ahead of time and just pop them in the oven when guests arrive. The smell that fills the kitchen while they're baking is absolutely divine - it's like a warm hug for your senses. Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, or swap in some spinach for extra nutrition. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility while maintaining that classic comfort food appeal.

Perfect Pairings

These rich and creamy stuffed shells pair beautifully with a crisp Caesar salad and some garlic bread for soaking up any extra sauce. A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy alfredo perfectly, while a side of roasted broccoli or asparagus adds a fresh, green contrast to balance the richness. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, start with bruschetta or antipasto, and finish with a light lemon sorbet to cleanse the palate.

Baked conchiglie shells filled with garlic butter chicken alfredo topped with melted cheese pin it
Baked conchiglie shells filled with garlic butter chicken alfredo topped with melted cheese | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these stuffed shells ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce won't be quite as rich. Avoid using milk as it may curdle when heated.

→ How do I prevent the pasta shells from breaking?

Cook them just until al dente and handle them gently. If a few break, you can still stuff the larger pieces - they'll still taste amazing!

→ Can I freeze these stuffed shells?

Absolutely! Assemble without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 20-30 minutes to the cooking time.

→ What other proteins work well in this recipe?

Turkey, cooked ground beef, or even cooked shrimp make excellent substitutes. You could also add cooked spinach for a vegetarian version.

Conclusion

These Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells represent the perfect marriage of comfort and elegance. Each shell holds a treasure of creamy, garlicky goodness that will have your family asking for seconds. The combination of tender pasta, rich alfredo sauce, and perfectly seasoned chicken creates a meal that's both satisfying and memorable. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or treating your family to something special, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.

Chicken Alfredo Shells

Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with creamy chicken alfredo filling, topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs for ultimate comfort.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: chris

Category: pasta-dishes

Difficulty: intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 balls)

Dietary: Meat, Dairy

Ingredients

0112 oz jumbo pasta shells
022 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
031 cup heavy cream
044 tablespoons butter
054 cloves garlic, minced
061 cup grated parmesan cheese
071½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
084 oz cream cheese, softened
092 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 01

Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Step 02

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add cream cheese and whisk until smooth.

Step 03

Stir in ¾ cup parmesan cheese and ½ cup mozzarella cheese until melted. Add shredded chicken and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

Step 04

Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the chicken alfredo mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Arrange stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish.

Step 05

Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the stuffed shells. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 06

Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot and bubbly.

Notes

  1. Don't overcook the pasta shells as they will continue cooking in the oven
  2. You can prepare these ahead of time and refrigerate before baking
  3. Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe
  4. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot for cooking pasta
  • Large skillet
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Whisk
  • Mixing spoons
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream, cheese, butter)
  • Gluten (pasta shells)
  • Eggs (may be present in pasta)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 485
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 32 g
  • Protein: 31 g

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