Creamy Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Casserole

Get ready for a truly satisfying meal that brings together comfort and convenience in one delicious dish.

These Creamy Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Casserole are a weeknight hero, perfect for those evenings when you crave something hearty and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy tender chicken and a rich, creamy alfredo sauce, all baked into perfectly cooked pasta shells.

This recipe is designed for ease, making it accessible for even the busiest home cooks. The combination of savory chicken, a luxurious alfredo sauce, and soft pasta shells creates a comforting casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into how you can bring this delightful dish to your table.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Casserole

---

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Casserole is a satisfying and easy-to-make dish, perfect for weeknights or family dinners. It features tender chicken and a rich, creamy alfredo sauce baked into perfectly cooked pasta shells, offering a comforting and flavorful meal with minimal fuss.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

12 ounces jumbo pasta shells

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

15 ounces ricotta cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping

1 large egg

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

Salt and black pepper to taste

24 ounces Alfredo sauce (jarred is fine)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

---

Instructions

1. 1. Prepare the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package directions until al dente. You want them tender but still firm enough to handle without tearing. Drain the shells well and rinse them briefly with cold water to prevent sticking, then set aside.

2. 2. Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded or diced cooked chicken, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, the large egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the filling is uniform.

3. 3. Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375 F (190 C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter to prevent sticking.

4. 4. Assemble the Casserole: Spread about 1 cup of the Alfredo sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Carefully take each cooked pasta shell and fill it generously with the chicken and cheese mixture. Arrange the filled shells in a single layer in the baking dish over the Alfredo sauce.

5. 5. Add More Sauce and Cheese: Once all the shells are filled and arranged, pour the remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, making sure to cover them as much as possible. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the casserole.

6. 6. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the mozzarella cheese on top is melted and lightly golden brown. If you like a crispier, more golden top, you can briefly broil it for 1-2 minutes at the very end, watching carefully to prevent burning.

7. 7. Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh parsley or more Parmesan cheese if desired.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: main dish
• Method: baking
• Cuisine: italian-american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 to 1/8 of casserole

Keywords: chicken, alfredo, stuffed shells, casserole, pasta, comfort food, easy, weeknight, creamy, baked

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Casserole is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or even a comforting potluck contribution. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, yet it delivers a rich, restaurant-quality flavor that everyone will enjoy. It’s ideal for families with varying tastes, as the classic chicken alfredo combination is almost universally loved. This dish works wonderfully as a standalone meal, offering a complete and satisfying experience, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. It’s a go-to recipe for when you need something hearty and delicious on the table without a lot of fuss.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this casserole is straightforward, focusing on readily available items that contribute to its creamy, savory profile. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the way a few key components come together to create a truly satisfying meal. We’ll use pre-cooked chicken to save time, and a good quality alfredo sauce forms the backbone of the flavor.

INGREDIENTS:

• 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 24 ounces Alfredo sauce (jarred is fine)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For the cooked chicken, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken, boil and shred chicken breasts, or even use canned chicken for ultimate convenience. When choosing your Alfredo sauce, pick a brand you enjoy; there are many excellent jarred options that make this recipe incredibly quick. If you prefer, you can certainly make your own Alfredo sauce from scratch, but a good quality jarred sauce will save you a lot of time without sacrificing flavor. For the cheeses, fresh Parmesan will always offer a superior taste, but pre-grated works perfectly well too.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is designed for efficiency, allowing you to get a delicious, comforting meal on the table without a lengthy commitment.

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 25-30 minutes
• Total time: 45-50 minutes

This timing assumes you have your chicken already cooked and ready to go. If you need to cook chicken from scratch, add an additional 15-20 minutes to your prep time.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating this creamy chicken alfredo stuffed shells casserole is a simple process. Follow these steps for a perfectly baked, delicious meal.

1. Prepare the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package directions until al dente. You want them tender but still firm enough to handle without tearing. Drain the shells well and rinse them briefly with cold water to prevent sticking, then set aside.
2. Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded or diced cooked chicken, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, the large egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the filling is uniform.
3. Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter to prevent sticking.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Spread about 1 cup of the Alfredo sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Carefully take each cooked pasta shell and fill it generously with the chicken and cheese mixture. Arrange the filled shells in a single layer in the baking dish over the Alfredo sauce.
5. Add More Sauce and Cheese: Once all the shells are filled and arranged, pour the remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, making sure to cover them as much as possible. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the mozzarella cheese on top is melted and lightly golden brown. If you like a crispier, more golden top, you can briefly broil it for 1-2 minutes at the very end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
7. Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh parsley or more Parmesan cheese if desired.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Casserole is wonderfully versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can chop the chicken into very small pieces or even use ground chicken or turkey in the filling. If your kids aren’t keen on ricotta, you can sometimes substitute it with cottage cheese, though the texture will be slightly different.

Consider adding some finely chopped cooked spinach or frozen peas (thawed and drained) to the chicken and cheese filling for a boost of vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped) would also be delicious additions. For a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the filling or sauce can add a nice kick. If you want to make it extra cheesy, mix in a bit of cream cheese with the ricotta for an even richer filling.

When serving, this casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also a fantastic accompaniment for soaking up all that delicious Alfredo sauce. For a buffet or party, you can prepare this in individual ramekins for a charming presentation. Top with fresh basil or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color before serving.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. Knowing what to watch out for can ensure your Creamy Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells turn out perfectly every time.

One common mistake is overcooking the pasta shells. If the shells are too soft, they will tear easily when you try to fill them, making the assembly process frustrating. Cook them just until al dente, so they are pliable but still have a slight bite and hold their shape. Rinsing them with cold water after draining also helps stop the cooking process and prevents them from sticking together.

Another slip-up is overfilling the shells. While it’s tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, overstuffed shells can burst during baking, leading to a messy casserole. Fill them generously but leave a little room for expansion.

Not seasoning the filling adequately can result in a bland dish. Don’t forget to add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to the chicken and ricotta mixture. Taste a tiny bit of the filling (before adding the egg) to adjust the seasoning if needed.

Finally, skimping on the Alfredo sauce can lead to a dry casserole. Ensure there’s a good layer of sauce on the bottom of the dish and that the remaining sauce is poured generously over the top of the stuffed shells, covering them well, before adding the mozzarella. This keeps everything moist and flavorful during baking.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Casserole is excellent for making ahead and storing, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or busy schedules.

To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely. Then, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating is simple. For individual portions, microwave on medium power until heated through, stirring occasionally. For the whole casserole, cover it loosely with foil to prevent drying out and reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until bubbly and hot in the center. You might want to add a splash of milk or extra Alfredo sauce if it seems a bit dry.

To make ahead, you can assemble the entire casserole (steps 1-5) up to

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.