Go Back

Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells with Spinach

Elina James
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken u0026 Spinach Filling:
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen, thawed u0026 drained)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • For the Alfredo Sauce:
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt u0026 pepper, to taste
  • For Assembly:
  • 20–24 jumbo pasta shells
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (for topping)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells : Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add jumbo shells and cook until al dente (about 9–10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Lay them flat on a baking sheet to cool while you prepare the filling.
  • Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Spinach Filling : In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce :In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant (don’t brown it). Whisk in flour and cook for 30 seconds to remove the raw taste. Gradually whisk in heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth. Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 2–3 minutes until thickened and silky.
  • Step 4: Assemble the Dish : Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread ½ cup of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Stuff each shell with about 2 tablespoons of the chicken-spinach mixture. Arrange the filled shells in the dish in a single layer. Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over the shells. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
  • Step 5: Bake : Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and slightly golden on top.
  • Step 6: Serve and Garnish :Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.