Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells: A Comfort Food Classic

The aroma of bubbling cheese, creamy Alfredo, and perfectly cooked chicken… it takes me right back to Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s house. She had a knack for making even the simplest dishes feel like a special occasion, and her stuffed shells were legendary. While her classic recipe was always a hit, I loved experimenting with new variations, and Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells quickly became a favorite. It’s a delightful twist on a traditional comfort food, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

• 12 ounces chicken breasts (meat tenderized)
• 8 manicotti
• 15 ounces alfredo sauce (I like Classico Light)
• KRAFT Shredded Parmesan Cheese
• Philadelphia Savory Garlic Cooking Creme
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
• 1 tablespoon salt

Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Baking pan

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Dice the chicken breasts and cook in olive oil over low-medium heat until no longer pink, but cooked all the way through. Do not overcook or brown the chicken, as it will become hard.
3. Prepare the manicotti pasta shells according to the package directions. Usually, this involves boiling them in salted water for about 8-9 minutes. For this recipe, you’ll need 8 shells. (6 to stuff, and 2 extra just in case any break). Add salt to the water as directed on the package.
4. Drain the pasta shells and set aside.
5. To the cooked chicken, add 1 cup of Parmesan shredded cheese, 1/2 jar of Alfredo sauce, and 2 heaping spoons of the Savory Garlic cooking creme, and Italian seasoning.
6. Mix all of these ingredients together thoroughly.
7. In a baking pan, add 1/3 of the remaining Alfredo sauce to the bottom.
8. Fill each shell with the chicken mixture, being careful not to split the shells, and lay them in the pan.
9. Take the remaining Alfredo sauce and another heaping spoon of the Savory Garlic cooking cream and pour over the top of the noodles.
10. Sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese and dried parsley flakes.
11. Bake for about 15-20 minutes covered with foil to set the ingredients and melt the cheeses.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Tenderizing the Chicken: Before dicing, lightly pound the chicken breasts with a meat mallet to ensure even cooking and prevent them from becoming tough.

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente when boiling the manicotti. They will continue to cook in the oven, and you don’t want them to become mushy.

• Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the chicken mixture.

• Preventing Shell Breakage: Handle the cooked shells with care, as they can be delicate. If a shell does break, don’t worry! Simply place it in the pan and cover it with the sauce and cheese.

• Pre-Making the Filling: You can prepare the chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This will save you time on the day you plan to bake the shells.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells hot, directly from the oven. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or some garlic bread.

Storage:

• Room Temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the shells in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the shells in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
• Stovetop: In a pan on low-med heat, add a little bit of milk and place the shells and cover with a lid until warm.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	386.1 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	314 g	81%
Total Fat	34.9 g	53%
Saturated Fat	6 g	29%
Cholesterol	54.4 mg	18%
Sodium	1800 mg	75%
Total Carbohydrate	0.2 g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0.1 g	0%
Sugars	0 g	0%
Protein	17.8 g	35%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and ricotta cheese for a delicious vegetarian version.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture for a touch of heat.

• Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone, for a unique flavor.

• Gluten-Free: While manicotti shells are traditionally made with wheat flour, gluten-free pasta options are available.

• Sauce Swap: Feel free to change up the sauce depending on your mood. Try using a creamy pesto sauce or a roasted red pepper sauce instead of Alfredo.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the shells and keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.

Q: What if I can’t find Savory Garlic Cooking Creme?
A: If you can’t find the Savory Garlic Cooking Creme, you can substitute it with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic powder, and a touch of salt.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking it.

Q: How do I prevent the shells from drying out in the oven?
A: Covering the baking dish with foil during the first part of the baking process helps to trap moisture and prevent the shells from drying out.

Q: My Alfredo sauce is too thick. What can I do?
A: Add a splash of milk or cream to thin out the sauce to your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells is a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s incredibly versatile, easy to adapt to your preferences, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and create a delicious and comforting meal that will bring everyone to the table with a smile. And don’t be shy about sharing your own variations – I’d love to hear how you make this dish your own!