Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers a satisfying, flavor-packed dinner that always impresses. The creamy filling, gooey mozzarella topping, and rich Alfredo sauce create a luxurious bite in every forkful. It’s also flexible — I make it ahead, freeze it, or mix in extra ingredients depending on what I have on hand. Whether I’m serving family or guests, it always feels like a million-dollar meal.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

▢ 20–25 jumbo pasta shells
▢ 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (I use rotisserie for ease)
▢ 1 cup cottage cheese
▢ 4 oz cream cheese, softened
▢ ½ cup sour cream
▢ ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
▢ 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
▢ 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
▢ 1 tablespoon dried parsley (plus more for garnish, optional)

Directions

  1. I preheat my oven to 375ºF and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

  2. I cook the pasta shells al dente according to the package instructions, then drain and set them aside to cool slightly.

  3. In a large bowl, I mix the chicken, cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, 1 cup of mozzarella, and dried parsley until the filling is smooth and well combined.

  4. I stuff each shell with a generous amount of the filling and arrange them snugly in the prepared baking dish.

  5. I pour the Alfredo sauce evenly over the shells, making sure they are completely covered.

  6. I sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.

  7. I bake the dish uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

  8. I let it rest for a few minutes, then garnish with more parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 6 servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

  • I sometimes use ricotta instead of cottage cheese for a smoother filling.

  • To add some greens, I mix in a handful of chopped spinach with the cheese and chicken.

  • For a kick, I sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or use spicy Alfredo sauce.

  • I’ve swapped the chicken for cooked sausage, shredded turkey, or even chopped cooked bacon for a twist.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, I cover the dish with foil and warm it in a 350ºF oven until heated through — about 15–20 minutes.
It also reheats well in the microwave, but I cover it loosely to keep the moisture in.
To freeze, I assemble the dish fully (unbaked), wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, I bake it straight from frozen, adding 15–20 minutes to the bake time.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

Yes, I often use store-bought to save time. If I have extra time, I make a quick homemade version for a richer flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. I assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until I’m ready to bake.

What’s the best chicken to use?

I prefer rotisserie chicken because it’s quick and flavorful, but any cooked, shredded chicken works well.

Can I freeze the stuffed shells?

Yes. I freeze the assembled dish (before baking) and bake it straight from the freezer when needed. It’s a great make-ahead option.

What sides go well with this?

I usually serve this with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed veggies to balance the richness.

Conclusion

These Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are pure comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and filled with flavor in every bite. I love how easily they come together and how versatile they are for weeknights or special dinners. It’s a decadent, satisfying meal that always gets rave reviews.

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Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe


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  • Author: Mia
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, these baked stuffed shells are filled with chicken and smothered in rich Alfredo sauce—a true comfort food classic.


Ingredients

2025 jumbo pasta shells

2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie recommended)

1 cup cottage cheese (or substitute ricotta)

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

2 cups Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)

1 tbsp dried parsley (plus more for garnish, optional)


Instructions

Preheat oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cook pasta shells al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, 1 cup mozzarella, and dried parsley. Mix until well blended.

Fill each shell generously with the chicken and cheese mixture. Arrange stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish.

Pour Alfredo sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, ensuring all are covered.

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.

Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Remove from oven, let rest for a few minutes, then garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

Cheese Swap: Ricotta can be used instead of cottage cheese for a smoother texture.

Add-Ins: Spinach, cooked mushrooms, or red pepper flakes make great additions.

Protein Options: Swap chicken for turkey, ground beef, or Italian sausage.

Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from chilled or thawed until hot and bubbly.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

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