Indulge in the decadent flavors of Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells, a luxurious take on the classic Italian dish that will impress your family and friends. This recipe calls for tender pasta shells filled with a creamy chicken Alfredo mixture and topped with rich Alfredo sauce and melted cheese. With its irresistible combination of flavors and textures, this dish is ideal for special occasions, dinner parties, or whenever you want a comforting and satisfying meal. Let’s get started on the recipe and create a culinary masterpiece that lives up to its million-dollar name.
Ingredients:
For the Stuffed Shells:
- 1 box (12 ounces) jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta Shells:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the shells and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken Alfredo Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken breast, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and beaten egg. Mix until well combined.
3. Stuff the Pasta Shells:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spoon the chicken Alfredo filling into the cooked pasta shells, filling each shell generously with the mixture.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake the Stuffed Shells:
- Pour the prepared Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells in the baking dish, ensuring that they are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the shells are heated through and the filling is bubbly.
6. Serve and Garnish:
- Remove the foil from the baking dish and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top of the stuffed shells for a vibrant garnish.
- Serve the Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells hot, with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips:
- For added flavor, you can incorporate cooked bacon pieces or sautéed mushrooms into the chicken Alfredo filling.
- Make sure to properly drain the cooked pasta shells and rinse them under cold water to prevent them from sticking together and becoming mushy.
- Leftover stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a luxurious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for special occasions or anytime you’re craving a comforting meal. With their creamy chicken Alfredo filling, rich Alfredo sauce, and tender pasta shells, these stuffed shells are sure to become a new family favorite. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to impress with this decadent twist on a classic dish. Your taste buds will thank you for it!