Introduction

Cheesy Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a comforting, indulgent pasta dish that combines jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy, cheesy mixture and baked in rich Alfredo sauce. Every bite is filled with gooey ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, making it a true crowd-pleaser. This dish takes classic stuffed shells up a notch with an Alfredo sauce base, giving it a luxurious, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the tender pasta. It’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or anytime you crave a rich, satisfying Italian meal.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist. The combination of cheesy filling and creamy Alfredo sauce creates a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth experience. It’s a hands-on dish that feels like a labor of love, yet it’s surprisingly simple to make. The presentation is beautiful too—perfect for impressing guests or making weeknight dinners feel special.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it elevates classic stuffed shells with creamy Alfredo sauce, giving it a restaurant-quality flavor at home. The balance of cheesy filling, tender pasta, and rich sauce is irresistible. It’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners because it’s filling, delicious, and easy to portion. Everyone will rave about the creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories: ~520 per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main course, Dinner, Pasta

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1 cup chopped spinach or cooked mushrooms for added veggies

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

For the Pasta & Assembly:

• 20–25 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook pasta shells until al dente.
2. Prepare cheesy filling and stuff shells.
3. Make Alfredo sauce.
4. Assemble shells in a baking dish, pour sauce over, top with cheese.
5. Bake until bubbly and golden.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente.
• Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesy Filling

• In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Stir in spinach or mushrooms if using.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

• In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
• Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (optional).

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

• Spoon the cheese filling into each cooked pasta shell.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Place stuffed shells in the dish in a single layer.
• Pour remaining Alfredo sauce over the shells.
• Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Bake

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

How to Serve

• Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
• Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
• Drizzle extra Alfredo sauce on top if desired.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook pasta shells—they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for a richer flavor.
• For extra creaminess, stir a little cream into the cheese filling.
• Make ahead: Assemble the shells a day in advance and bake when ready.

Variations

1. Meaty Version: Add cooked Italian sausage or ground chicken to the filling.
2. Vegetarian: Add roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
3. Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce.
4. Cheese Lovers: Mix in fontina or provolone with the filling.
5. Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini boats instead of pasta shells.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until warmed through.
• Freezing: Assemble shells and sauce in a freezer-safe dish without topping cheese. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding cheese on top before baking.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for pasta)
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan (for Alfredo sauce)
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes, though homemade Alfredo gives a richer flavor.

Q2: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the shells a day ahead and bake when ready.

Q3: Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta shells.

Q4: Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing into the filling.

Q5: How do I prevent the shells from drying out?
Make sure the Alfredo sauce covers all shells before baking and keep them covered with foil while baking.

Conclusion

Cheesy Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a rich, comforting, and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With creamy filling, luxurious Alfredo sauce, and golden melted cheese, this recipe brings restaurant-quality Italian flavors to your home. It’s easy to customize with meats or vegetables and is ideal for preparing ahead of time, making it a versatile and satisfying pasta dish everyone will love.