If you’re ready for a pasta dinner that truly wows, Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells is the dish that will steal the show. Imagine tender pasta shells overflowing with a rich, cheesy chicken filling, all blanketed in velvety Alfredo sauce and crowned with gooey mozzarella. This is Italian-American comfort food at its finest—show-stopping enough for guests, but simple enough for a family weeknight. Creamy, satisfying, and absolutely loaded with flavor, this recipe promises to win hearts at your table with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of straightforward ingredients to create something genuinely spectacular. Every item in Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells brings a specific texture or flavor to the party, ensuring every bite is as luscious and comforting as the next.
- Jumbo pasta shells: Big enough to hold a generous scoop of filling, these shells become irresistibly tender in the oven.
- Shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie recommended): Quick, full of flavor, and super moist, rotisserie chicken winds up in the perfect bite every time.
- Cottage cheese: This gives the filling a creamy, slightly tangy backbone and keeps everything light.
- Cream cheese (softened): Adds luxurious smoothness and that signature “million dollar” richness.
- Sour cream: A little tang and even more creaminess for the filling.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For salty, nutty depth—this rounds out the cheeses beautifully.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (divided): Melts to gooey perfection both inside and on top of the shells.
- Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade): The star blanket that ties everything together—creamy, garlicky, and classic.
- Dried parsley (plus more for garnish, optional): Adds herby brightness and a fresh pop of color to finish.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Shells
Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF and giving a 9×13-inch baking dish a light mist of cooking spray. Boil the pasta shells according to the package until just al dente—they’ll get softer as they bake. Once cooked, drain and set aside so they don’t overcook while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling
In a large bowl, combine your shredded chicken, cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, grated Parmesan, one cup of shredded mozzarella, and dried parsley. Mix everything together thoroughly—the filling should be creamy, moist, and flecked with green. Don’t be afraid to taste-test for seasoning or texture!
Step 3: Fill the Shells
Here’s the fun part: take each shell and gently stuff it with a generous spoonful of that decadent chicken and cheese mixture. Arrange the filled shells side-by-side in your prepared baking dish, fitting them snugly so they don’t tip over while baking. Your Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are taking shape!
Step 4: Smother with Alfredo and Cheese
Pour your Alfredo sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, making sure every nook and cranny is covered. This helps keep everything moist while baking. Finish off with the remaining cup of mozzarella sprinkled liberally across the top for that gorgeous, cheesy finish.
Step 5: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Put your dish in the oven uncovered and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly bubbly and golden. When it comes out, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle with extra parsley for a restaurant-worthy touch.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Garnishes
Bring your Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells up a notch with a sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley or even a dusting of extra Parmesan. A crack of black pepper adds some zip and a pop of color that makes the meal look irresistible.
Side Dishes
This indulgent bake pairs beautifully with simple sides. A crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette or oven-roasted broccoli balances out the creamy richness. Don’t forget a basket of warm garlic bread—perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange shells in individual ramekins for a sophisticated dinner-party main, or serve family-style right from the baking dish for cozy gatherings. Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells also shine when plated on a pool of Alfredo, then topped with extra cheese and herbs for dramatic flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells keep beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover the dish tightly with foil or move to an airtight container; they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and seem to get even better overnight.
Freezing
This recipe is a dream for meal planning—assemble the shells, cover tightly, and pop in the freezer before baking. You can freeze the whole dish for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding a little extra time if needed.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, cover the dish and warm in a 350ºF oven until heated through and melty—about 15–20 minutes. For smaller portions, a microwave works in a pinch, but baking preserves that irresistible cheesy top!
FAQs
Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese in Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells?
Absolutely! Ricotta cheese is a classic substitute and adds a silky smoothness to the filling. The choice comes down to personal preference; both options are delicious.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Definitely. Chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or even roasted red peppers mix nicely into the chicken filling for a colorful and nutritious twist on your Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells.
Is homemade Alfredo sauce better than store-bought?
Homemade Alfredo can add a personal touch and richer flavor, but for convenience, a good-quality store-bought sauce tastes great. Either way, your shells will be creamy and decadent.
How do I prevent the shells from sticking together after boiling?
Once the shells are cooked and drained, toss them with a tiny bit of olive oil or lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer. This keeps them from sticking while you prepare the filling.
Can I make Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the entire dish a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven—no need to adjust baking time significantly.
Final Thoughts
Everyone deserves a meal that feels like a celebration, and Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells easily makes any night special. If you love creamy, cheesy pasta and crave something a little extra, give this recipe a try—it’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Rich, creamy, and indulgent stuffed pasta shells filled with chicken and cheese, baked under a blanket of Alfredo sauce.
Ingredients
Jumbo Pasta Shells:
20–25 shells
Shredded Cooked Chicken:
2 cups
Cottage Cheese:
1 cup
Cream Cheese:
4 oz, softened
Sour Cream:
1/2 cup
Grated Parmesan Cheese:
1/2 cup
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese:
2 cups, divided
Alfredo Sauce:
2 cups
Dried Parsley:
1 tbsp (plus more for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook pasta shells al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Mix chicken, cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, 1 cup mozzarella, and dried parsley until well combined in a large bowl.
- Stuff each shell with filling and arrange in prepared baking dish.
- Pour Alfredo sauce over the shells, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Sprinkle remaining 1 cup mozzarella on top.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let rest a few minutes, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use ricotta instead of cottage cheese if preferred.
- Add spinach, red pepper flakes, or use alternate proteins for variation.
- Can be assembled ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
