Description
Creamy and comforting jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a rich chicken and ricotta filling, topped with silky Alfredo sauce, and baked until bubbly and golden. This satisfying dish is perfect for family dinners or cozy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
1 box large pasta shells (about 20–24 shells)
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
3 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and parsley if using. Season with salt and pepper and mix well.
- Spread 1 cup of Alfredo sauce evenly over the bottom of a baking dish.
- Fill each cooked shell with the chicken and cheese mixture and arrange them open side up in the dish.
- Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the shells, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan on top if desired.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Swap chicken for cooked turkey if desired.
For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with sautéed spinach and mushrooms.
Add cooked, crumbled bacon or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella for a lighter option.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Freeze assembled but unbaked shells for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 to 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4–5 shells)
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg