Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells (Creamy, Cheesy & Easy Comfort Food!)

Sarah Smith
Dec 1, 2025
3 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Stuffed pasta shells with creamy filling, topped with melted cheese and parsley, in a white sauce. Warm, inviting, and delicious.

These Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are cozy comfort food at its best — jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a creamy chicken-ricotta mixture, topped with homemade Alfredo sauce, and baked until golden, melty, and irresistible. Perfect for weeknights, holidays, potlucks, or feeding a crowd, this dish brings together everything you love about creamy pasta and cheesy casseroles in one warm, satisfying pan.

Serve with Garlic Parmesan Bubble Bread, Classic Caesar Salad, or Green Bean Almondine for a complete, cozy dinner everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This

Creamy Alfredo-filled shells packed with tender chicken
Rich, comforting flavor in every bite
Hearty baked pasta that feels special yet familiar
Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd

Recipe Card

Prep: 20 minutes Cook: 30 minutes Total: 50 minutes Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

For the Shells & Filling

20–24 jumbo pasta shells
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella
½ cup grated Parmesan
1 egg
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh parsley (optional)

For the Alfredo Sauce

4 tbsp butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Optional: pinch of nutmeg

For Topping

1 cup shredded mozzarella
Extra Parmesan
Parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta Shells

Cook jumbo shells in salted water until just shy of al dente (they will bake more). Drain, rinse gently, and set aside.

2. Make the Filling

In a large bowl, mix: Ricotta, shredded chicken, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley. Stir until creamy and fully combined.

3. Make the Alfredo Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and simmer 2–3 minutes. Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer until slightly thickened.

4. Assemble the Dish

Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread 1 cup Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 dish. Stuff each shell with the chicken-ricotta mixture and place into the dish, open-side up. Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells.

5. Add the Cheese

Sprinkle mozzarella and extra Parmesan on top.

6. Bake

Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.

7. Serve

Rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Pairs perfectly with garlic bread, roasted broccoli, or a fresh salad.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the stuffed shells, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5–10 minutes to the bake time if chilled.

Can I freeze Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells?

Absolutely. Freeze before baking for best results. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15–20 extra minutes.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes — it works perfectly and saves time. Any cooked, shredded chicken is great.

What pasta shells should I use?

Use jumbo pasta shells made specifically for stuffing. Cook them al dente so they don’t tear when filling.

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

You can! Homemade tastes richer, but jarred Alfredo works well in a pinch. Add extra garlic or parmesan to boost flavor.

How do I keep the shells from sticking together?

After boiling, rinse shells under cool water and lightly toss with a little olive oil to keep them separated.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely. Spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, or peas make great additions to the filling or sauce.

Can I make this recipe lighter?

Use light ricotta, reduced-fat mozzarella, or swap half the cream for milk in the sauce. It will still be creamy and delicious.

What should I serve with Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells?

Great sides include: Classic Caesar Salad, Herbed Focaccia Bread, Garlic Parmesan Bubble Bread, or roasted vegetables.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave in short intervals. Add a splash of milk or extra Alfredo sauce to keep them creamy.

Conclusion

Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are the perfect blend of creamy Alfredo, tender chicken, and melty cheese — all tucked into cozy pasta shells. It’s the kind of feel-good dinner your family will request again and again, whether you're cooking for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight meal. Warm, cheesy, and wonderfully satisfying every single time!