Description
Jumbo pasta shells brimming with shredded chicken, a rich cheese blend, and a homemade Alfredo sauce, baked until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients
1 (12 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
15 ounces ricotta cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 large egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
Step 1: Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water to prevent sticking, and set aside to cool.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the shredded or diced cooked chicken, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, the large egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 3: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Slowly whisk in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
Step 5: Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of nutmeg. Continue to stir until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour about half of the prepared Alfredo sauce into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 7: Carefully stuff each cooled pasta shell with the chicken and cheese mixture, using approximately 1-2 tablespoons per shell.
Step 8: Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
Step 9: Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 10: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Step 11: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
Step 12: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For a bit of extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for a subtle kick. Cooked rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even faster!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 shells
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg