Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Let’s get cooking! Are you ready to experience the culinary masterpiece that is Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells? Prepare for an explosion of cheesy, creamy, and utterly delightful flavors. This isn’t your grandma’s stuffed shells; oh no, this is a luxurious, comforting experience elevated to a whole new level.

This recipe, my friends, is the culmination of a late-night craving, a well-stocked pantry, and a healthy dose of culinary improvisation. It’s the kind of dish that’ll have you dreaming of creamy Alfredo sauce and perfectly tender chicken. It’s a weeknight wonder, a party pleaser, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Here are four reasons why you absolutely need to make this recipe:

It’s incredibly easy to prepare, even for novice cooks.

The flavor profile is rich and satisfying, a symphony of cheesy goodness.

The visual appeal is stunning; these shells are seriously Instagram-worthy.

This dish is incredibly versatile; feel free to adjust it based on your preferences.

Ingredients for Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Jumbo Pasta Shells Choose large shells that can hold a generous amount of filling. Look for a sturdy pasta that won’t break during the stuffing process.

Chicken Breast Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease of cooking and shredding. About 1.5 pounds should be perfect.

Alfredo Sauce You can make your own or use a high-quality store-bought version. Look for one with a creamy texture and rich flavor.

Mozzarella Cheese Shredded mozzarella is essential for that gooey, cheesy goodness. A blend with provolone or parmesan adds complexity.

Parmesan Cheese Grated Parmesan adds a sharp, salty counterpoint to the richness of the Alfredo sauce.

Garlic Fresh garlic is always best, adding a pungent aromatic note to the dish. Don’t be shy!

Onion A small onion adds a layer of sweetness and savory depth to the filling.

Heavy Cream This adds to the creaminess of the sauce, making it incredibly decadent.

Vegetable Broth Use this to create a richer Alfredo sauce without resorting to alcohol.

Salt and Pepper To taste, of course! Seasoning is key to a truly delicious dish.

Fresh Basil For a bright, herbaceous garnish. A few sprigs will do the trick.

Agar-Agar A plant-based alternative to agar-agar, it helps thicken the Alfredo sauce.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cook the chicken breasts until fully cooked and shredded. You can boil, bake, or pan-fry them – your choice! Once cooked, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable broth gently. Whisk in the agar-agar according to package instructions. This will thicken your sauce. Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Finely chop the onion and garlic. Sauté them in a little olive oil until softened and fragrant – about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Filling

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sautéed onion and garlic, and half of the Alfredo sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Stuff the Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gently stuff each pasta shell with the chicken mixture. Arrange them in a greased baking dish.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells. Top generously with mozzarella cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

These Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are best served immediately. Enjoy the cheesy, creamy goodness! A simple side salad complements this rich dish perfectly. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken breast first to lock in juices. Then, cook the jumbo pasta shells while preparing the creamy Alfredo sauce. Finally, assemble and bake until bubbly and golden. This sequence ensures perfectly cooked chicken and pasta, melding beautifully with the rich sauce.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment! Swap the chicken for beef or turkey. Add sauteed spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (optional) before baking adds a delightful salty crunch.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until heated through, avoiding overcooking which can dry out the filling.

Pre-cooking the chicken ensures it’s fully cooked and prevents a raw center. Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente before stuffing. Use a good quality cheese for the best flavor in your Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells.

My aunt, bless her heart, declared these Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells the best she’d ever tasted. Her words, not mine!

Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Alfredo Sauce

1/2 cup butter

2 cups heavy cream

2 cups grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

For the Stuffed Shells

24 jumbo pasta shells

2 cups marinara sauce

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Filling

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in spinach and cook until heated through. Remove from heat and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Gradually whisk in heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth, about 5 minutes.

Assemble and Bake

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Cook pasta shells according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta shells with chicken filling. Gently mix to coat pasta. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce. Fill each pasta shell with the chicken mixture and place in the baking dish. Pour remaining marinara sauce and Alfredo sauce evenly over the shells. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

Tips for Success

Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley to elevate the flavor profile of your Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells. Don’t overfill the shells, as they may burst during baking. Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking for easier serving.

Conclusion for Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

This Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The creamy Alfredo sauce, the tender chicken, and the perfectly cooked pasta shells combine to create a truly decadent dish. With its easy-to-follow instructions and adaptable nature, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The best part? You can customize it with your favorite cheeses and proteins, making it uniquely yours. So, gather your ingredients, put on your chef’s hat, and prepare to be amazed by the deliciousness you create!

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FAQs

Can I make this Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed shells a day or two in advance and store them, uncovered, in the refrigerator. Just cover them with foil before baking to prevent them from drying out. This is a great time-saver for busy weeknights or parties. Prepping ahead means less frantic cooking on the day itself, leaving you more time to enjoy your delicious creation. Remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the shells are cold from the fridge.

What kind of cheese works best in this Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe?

While the recipe calls for Parmesan and mozzarella, feel free to experiment! Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or even a blend of Italian cheeses will add a delightful twist. The key is to use a good quality cheese that melts well. Don’t be afraid to get creative and find your own perfect cheese blend for your Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells. This is where the “million-dollar” part really shines – your personal touch!

Are there any substitutions I can make for the chicken in this Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe?

Yes! Feel free to use leftover cooked turkey, beef, or even lamb. Just ensure the meat is shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy stuffing. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Experiment with different proteins to find your favorite variation of Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells. It’s your culinary playground!

How can I make this Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and replace it with a hearty vegetable filling. Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms would work wonderfully. You could also add some sautéed spinach or artichoke hearts for extra flavor and texture. Remember to adjust the seasoning to complement your chosen vegetables, and enjoy your delicious, plant-based take on this fantastic dish.