Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

These Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are exactly what they sound like—rich, creamy, indulgent, and worth every bite. Think tender jumbo pasta shells, packed with a luscious blend of chicken, cheeses, and herbs, all blanketed in velvety Alfredo sauce. This is comfort food turned up a notch. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something a little extra, or for impressing guests without the stress. And yes—it all comes together surprisingly easily!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy and Dreamy: Every shell is bursting with smooth, cheesy filling and drenched in Alfredo sauce. It’s like lasagna’s fancier cousin.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights: Just 15 minutes of prep, then pop it in the oven. Dinner practically makes itself.
Family Favorite: Even picky eaters go back for seconds. This is a dish that pleases kids and adults alike.
Great for Entertaining: It looks and tastes impressive, but it’s secretly super simple to throw together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into making these irresistible stuffed shells—and why each one matters:

Jumbo pasta shells: These are the perfect vessels for stuffing. Cook until al dente so they hold their shape in the oven.
Shredded cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonders here. It’s juicy, flavorful, and a total time-saver.
Cottage cheese: Adds creaminess and moisture without being heavy. It blends beautifully with the other cheeses.
Cream cheese (softened): Brings that velvety texture and rich, tangy flavor.
Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang that balances the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
Grated Parmesan cheese: For depth and that nutty, salty punch.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty and gooey—perfect for the filling and topping.
Alfredo sauce: Store-bought keeps things simple, but you can use homemade if you want to level it up.
Dried parsley: Adds a pop of color and gentle herb flavor. Optional, but lovely for garnish.

Variations

Want to make it your own? Here are some delicious ideas:

Add Spinach: Stir in chopped spinach to the filling for a little green and extra nutrition.
Spicy Twist: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a gentle kick.
Swap the Protein: Use turkey, ground beef, or even leftover ham instead of chicken.
Try Ricotta: No cottage cheese on hand? Ricotta is a classic alternative that works just as well.
Homemade Alfredo: If you’ve got the time, a homemade sauce with butter, cream, and garlic can elevate the dish even more.

How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells

Boil the jumbo shells according to package directions. Don’t overcook—just al dente is perfect so they don’t fall apart when stuffed. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Filling

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

Step 4: Fill the Shells

Stuff each pasta shell with a generous spoonful of the creamy chicken filling and arrange them in the prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Add the Sauce

Pour the Alfredo sauce evenly over the shells, making sure they’re fully covered. This is what keeps everything moist and flavorful while baking.

Step 6: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and everything is heated through.

Step 7: Serve

Let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with extra parsley if you like. Serve hot and get ready for the compliments!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Rotisserie Chicken: It’s juicy, flavorful, and a huge time-saver.
Soften Your Cream Cheese: Let it sit out for 15–20 minutes so it blends easily.
Don’t Overfill the Shells: They should be generously filled, but not overflowing—this keeps things neat and easier to serve.
Cover with Sauce Completely: It keeps the pasta from drying out and makes every bite luscious.

How to Serve

These stuffed shells are the star of the show, but here are some delicious pairing ideas:

Garlic Bread: Because every creamy pasta dish deserves some warm, crusty bread for dipping.
Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
Steamed Broccoli or Roasted Veggies: Add some greens to balance the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors just get better!

Freezing

Yes, this dish freezes beautifully. Assemble the stuffed shells, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole dish in the oven at 350ºF until hot and bubbly.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish the night before, cover it with foil, and refrigerate. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
Ricotta is the best substitute. It offers a similar creamy texture and works perfectly in the filling.

Can I use homemade Alfredo sauce?
Yes! A homemade Alfredo with garlic, butter, cream, and Parmesan will take this dish to the next level, but the store-bought version works just fine for busy nights.

Do the shells need to be cooked before stuffing?
Yes, the shells should be cooked al dente before stuffing. Otherwise, they won’t soften properly in the oven.

Final Thoughts

These Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells truly live up to their name. They’re rich, comforting, and packed with flavor—yet so simple to make. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself to something indulgent on a weeknight, this dish delivers every time. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!