Creamy Chicken Spinach Stuffed Shells Alfredo
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a proper comforting meal? Ever crave something creamy, cheesy, and utterly divine? This chicken stuffed shells recipe is just the ticket.
Honestly, it's like a warm hug after a long day. Think classic comfort food but kicked up a notch. This creamy stuffed shells recipe delivers big on flavor and satisfaction.
Creamy Chicken & Spinach Stuffed Shells: A Twist on Tradition
This isn't your gran's stuffed shells. Our Creamy Chicken And Broccoli Stuffed Shells Alfredo Sauce version blends Italian American heritage with a delicious twist.
Imagine jumbo shells brimming with a savoury mix of chicken, spinach and ricotta, all swimming in a lush Alfredo sauce recipe homemade .
This Chicken Stuffed Shells recipe is sure to become a regular in your house.
Quick Glance: Your Chicken Stuffed Shells Adventure
This stuffed shells recipe is a medium difficulty undertaking. It takes about 30 minutes to prep and 35 to cook, for a total time of just over an hour.
This yields six satisfying servings. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with mates.
Top Reasons to Make This Easy Casserole Recipes
This dish is loaded with protein from the chicken and dairy. Chicken and spinach pasta bake is packed with nutrients.
It's the perfect hearty meal for a cold evening or a weekend gathering. What makes this baked pasta casserole recipes so special is the homemade Alfredo sauce.
It's so rich and creamy, it elevates the whole dish.
Let's get into those ingredients!
Right then, let's get cracking on this chicken stuffed shells recipe ! Think of it as a cozy Sunday dinner.
It has a bit more pizzazz than your average spag bol. We're talking comfort food elevated. It's a proper hug in a bowl.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Down to Brass Tacks
Before we dive into this epic chicken and broccoli stuffed shells alfredo sauce , let's make sure we've got all our ducks in a row.
No one wants to be halfway through a stuffed shells recipe and realize they're missing a vital ingredient, you know?
Main Ingredients for Creamy Chicken & Spinach Stuffed Shells
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: 1 pound (454g). Go for the big boys!
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: 1 ½ pounds (680g). Quality is key. Look for plump chicken.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml). Extra virgin, if you're feeling fancy.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g). Sea salt is my go-to.
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon (2.5g). Freshly ground makes a difference.
- Frozen Chopped Spinach: 1 (10-ounce/283g) package . Thawed and squeezed dry. Important!
- Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces (425g). Full fat is best for flavor.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup (50g). The real stuff.
- Large Egg: 1 , lightly beaten.
- Ground Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon (0.5g). Just a whisper.
For the Alfredo Sauce
- Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (1 stick/113g). Get the good stuff, mate!
- Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Don’t be shy, the alfredo sauce recipe homemade needs it.
- Heavy Cream: 2 cups (473ml). Don't skimp on the fat!
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup (100g). More Parm, please!
- Salt: ½ teaspoon (2.5g).
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (1.25g).
- Red Pepper Flakes: Pinch (optional). For a little kick.
Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce
Don't underestimate your seasonings! A good pinch of nutmeg in the filling is clutch. Red pepper flakes in the Alfredo are totally optional.
Honestly, it is up to you! A little extra black pepper never hurt nobody, right? If you are thinking about creating some other easy casserole recipes this may be a solid base!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Mixing bowls
- 9x13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish
- Cheese grater
That's all, folks! No need for fancy gadgets. This creamy stuffed shells recipe is all about using what you've got! You can totally rock this chicken and spinach pasta bake using the bare essentials.
Now you're all set. Let's get cooking on this amazing stuffed chicken shells with stuffing !
Right then, let's get cracking on this Creamy Chicken & Spinach Stuffed Shells Alfredo ! Think of it as a cozy Sunday dinner, but with a bit more pizzazz than your average spag bol.
We're talking comfort food elevated, a proper hug in a bowl! Honestly, the first time I made this, my other half declared it the best thing I'd ever cooked.
High praise in fact!
Conquering the Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe
This isn't one of those easy casserole recipes you can whip up in five minutes, but trust me, the effort is totally worth it.
We're making Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Shells Alfredo Sauce that's rich, creamy, and bursting with flavour, and stuffing those jumbo shells recipe with the most savoury chicken and spinach filling ever.
Don't panic, though, I'll walk you through every step!
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
Okay, first things first: mise en place . Basically, get all your ducks in a row before you even think about turning on the hob.
This will save you so much time and stress later.
- Shred your cooked chicken. I usually boil mine, but rotisserie chicken is a genius shortcut.
- Thaw and squeeze the spinach dry . Seriously, squeeze it! No one wants a watery filling.
- Grate your Parmesan. The pre-grated stuff just isn't the same. And mince that garlic nice and fine. I use a microplane for this, no need to bust out the knife skills.
- And boil up those shells! Don't overcook the pasta. We're looking for al dente here. Remember, these are Jumbo shells recipe
step-by-step: Building the Chicken Stuffed Shells
Right, let's build this bad boy!
- Cook your chicken and get it shredded. Remember: 165° F/ 74° C internal temp is your target!
- Cook pasta until al dente .
- Combine the chicken, spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, and nutmeg. Give it a good mix.
- Make that creamy Alfredo sauce recipe homemade . Melt the butter, sauté the garlic, then stir in the cream, Parmesan, and seasoning. Simmer until thick. Mmm!
- Stuff those shells! Spoon the chicken and spinach mixture into each cooked pasta shell.
- Spread a thin layer of Alfredo in your dish. Then, arrange the stuffed shells on top, and pour the remaining sauce over the shells.
- Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes , until bubbly and golden brown.
Pro Tips: Stuffed Chicken Shells With Stuffing Secrets
- Don't overcook the pasta! Mushy shells are the enemy.
- Use a good quality Parmesan. It really makes a difference in the flavour of the Alfredo.
- Make this baked pasta casserole recipes ahead of time! Assemble the shells, cover them, and bake just before serving.
- Avoid common Mistakes to avoid.
So there you have it! A Creamy Chicken & Spinach Stuffed Shells Recipe that's sure to impress. Give it a whirl and let me know what you think! You could also try chicken and spinach pasta bake if you are feeling lazy!
Alright, let's dive into some extra nuggets of wisdom for this chicken stuffed shells recipe ! Honestly, these bits and bobs are what can take your dish from "meh" to "OMG, can I have seconds?".
Recipe Notes: Nailing That Chicken Stuffed Shells Masterpiece
These handy tips ensures that it will be the best Stuffed Shells Recipe you've ever made!
Serving Like a Pro: Plating & Pairing
Listen, presentation matters. I like to arrange the Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Shells Alfredo Sauce nicely in a shallow bowl, then drizzle extra Alfredo over the top.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley? Chef's kiss! As for sides, garlic bread is a must. You need something to soak up that glorious sauce! And a crisp green salad cuts through the richness perfectly.
A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio? Now you're talking! It is such an Easy Casserole Recipes .
Storage Secrets: Keep It Fresh
Right, leftovers. If you've got any miraculously left, get them in the fridge pronto. I always cover my Chicken Stuffed Shells With Stuffing in an airtight container.
They'll happily sit there for 3 days, max . To reheat, oven's best: 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.
Microwave works in a pinch, but can get a bit... gloopy. Freezing? Yeah, you can , but the pasta texture might suffer a bit.
Still edible, just not quite as lush. Be aware of the dangers of time and temperatures and maintain the highest standards of hygiene .
Switching It Up: Let's Get Creative
Fancy a Creamy stuffed shells recipe tweak? Ditch the chicken for sauteed mushrooms and zucchini. Boom! Vegetarian version. For a gluten-free fix, use gluten-free shells.
Easy peasy. Oh, and swap spinach for kale in winter, if you like. Keeps things seasonal, innit? And what about a hearty Chicken and spinach pasta bake ?
Know Your Noms: Nutrition Bits
Okay, so this is comfort food, right? Don't expect a kale smoothie. But hey, you're getting protein from the chicken and cheese.
Spinach provides some vitamins. One serving’s about 650 calories , roughly. The estimated fat is about 40g , whilst protein is about 45g , and carbohydrates about 40g .
But honestly, enjoy it! Life's too short to count every calorie.
There you have it. You now have the perfect Jumbo shells recipe , which will give you a perfect Baked pasta casserole recipes .
Take the Alfredo sauce recipe homemade and turn it into a masterpiece. Now go forth and cook up a storm! I truly believe you can do it! This Chicken Stuffed Shells recipe is easier than it looks, honestly! And remember, even if it doesn't turn out perfectly , it'll still be delicious.
Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the chicken stuffed shells recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assembling the chicken stuffed shells earlier in the day, or even the day before, is a great time saver. Just cover the baking dish tightly with foil and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, add about 10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure they're heated through.
Think of it as your secret weapon for a stress free dinner party, like having Mary Berry on hand!
My Alfredo sauce is too thick/thin. What can I do?
Alfredo sauce can be a bit temperamental, right? If it's too thick, gradually whisk in a splash of milk or chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency. If it's too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes, stirring constantly, to allow it to reduce and thicken up.
A little patience goes a long way even Gordon Ramsay has his off days!
What’s the best way to store leftover chicken stuffed shells?
Leftover Creamy Chicken & Spinach Stuffed Shells Alfredo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can microwave them, but for best results, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
This helps prevent them from becoming rubbery, much better than ending up with a soggy bottom!
Is there anything I can substitute for ricotta cheese in this chicken stuffed shells recipe?
If you're fresh out of ricotta, don't despair! Cottage cheese (drained well to remove excess moisture) can be a decent substitute. You could also use mascarpone cheese for an even richer, creamier filling. It might not be exactly the same, but it'll still be a delightful dish, a proper bit of alright!
Can I freeze the chicken stuffed shells?
Yes, you can! Assemble the shells, but don't bake them. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, then with foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Perfect for batch cooking like a savvy Nigella!
Creamy Chicken Spinach Stuffed Shells Alfredo
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 40g |
| Fiber | 0g |