Chicken Spinach Alfredo Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound jumbo pasta shells
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt, divided
• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 cups ricotta cheese
• cup chopped fresh basil
• 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
• teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 (21.5 ounce) jar prepared Alfredo sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 4 teaspoons of salt and the pasta shells. Boil, stirring occasionally, for about 9 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Preheat your oven to 375F (190C).
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, chopped basil, thawed and drained spinach, cup grated Parmesan cheese, teaspoon of black pepper, garlic powder, and 1 teaspoons of salt. Mix everything together well. Stir in the beaten egg to bind the filling.
4. Evenly distribute the filling into the cooked pasta shells. Set the stuffed shells aside.
5. Lightly coat the bottom of a 9x13-inch casserole dish with olive oil. Spread cup of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of the dish.
6. Carefully place the stuffed pasta shells into the dish, filling side up. Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the shells. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top. Season with the remaining black pepper.
7. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
8. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
9. Turn your oven to broil on high and broil the dish for 3-4 minutes until the top is lightly browned.
10. Let the dish stand for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to set.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	Total Fat	Saturated Fat	Cholesterol	Sodium	Total Carbohydrates	Dietary Fiber	Total Sugars	Protein	Vitamin C	Calcium	Iron	Potassium
1045 kcal	74g	40g	309mg	3256mg	40g	3g	3g	57g	9mg	962mg	4mg	765mg

Chicken Spinach Alfredo Baked Stuffed Shells is a dish that brings the comforting flavors of pasta, creamy Alfredo sauce, and savory chicken into one perfect bite. This hearty casserole is stuffed with a delicious mixture of rotisserie chicken, ricotta, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, then baked with a generous amount of Alfredo sauce and mozzarella. It's the ideal dish for family dinners, potlucks, or when you want a comforting meal that's easy to prepare yet impressive to serve.

Origin and History

Though stuffed pasta shells themselves are an Italian-American creation, this particular dish falls under the broader category of baked pasta casseroles, which are immensely popular in the United States. The use of Alfredo sauce, a creamy blend of butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese, became widespread in the early 20th century. The dish was first introduced in Rome, but it gained major popularity in the U.S. in the 1970s. Combining the richness of Alfredo with spinach and chicken, this version of stuffed shells highlights the Italian-American tradition of adapting authentic Italian flavors to local tastes.

Regional Variations

In Italy, stuffed pasta dishes, such as ravioli and manicotti, are staples in many regions, but stuffed shells with Alfredo sauce is a distinctly American variation. The idea of baking pasta shells stuffed with ricotta, spinach, or meats is a common practice in both Italian and Italian-American cooking, with the addition of Alfredo sauce being a nod to the U.S. love for creamy pasta dishes. The combination of chicken and spinach makes it more filling, while still keeping true to Italian culinary principles of layering flavors and textures.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

This dish stands out from other baked pasta dishes due to the use of a creamy Alfredo sauce paired with the stuffing of chicken, spinach, and ricotta inside large pasta shells. While lasagna and manicotti are similar baked pasta casseroles, Chicken Spinach Alfredo Baked Stuffed Shells offers a unique twist with its distinctive filling and the choice of Alfredo sauce rather than marinara or a meat sauce. The shells themselves also provide a different texture and presentation, making the dish visually appealing as well as delicious.

Where Its Served

Chicken Spinach Alfredo Baked Stuffed Shells is often served in home kitchens, particularly in family-oriented settings. Its a great option for large gatherings like family dinners, potlucks, or holiday meals. This dish is also a popular choice for meal prepping, as it can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer for later use. Restaurants specializing in Italian-American cuisine may also feature variations of stuffed pasta dishes, though they typically offer simpler versions without the addition of chicken or spinach.

Fun Facts

• The use of rotisserie chicken in this recipe is a shortcut that adds convenience without sacrificing flavor, making it a great weeknight dinner choice.
• The large, tubular shape of the pasta shells is perfect for stuffing, allowing the ingredients to stay inside while they bake, giving you a burst of flavor with each bite.
• Alfredo sauce was originally created by an Italian restaurateur named Alfredo di Lelio in the early 1900s in Rome, although it became widely popular in the U.S. after Hollywood stars like Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks visited his restaurant and raved about the dish.
• This dish can be easily modified to suit different dietary preferences. You can make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken, or switch the Alfredo sauce for a dairy-free option if you're catering to vegan guests.

Conclusion

Chicken Spinach Alfredo Baked Stuffed Shells is a delightful, hearty dish that blends creamy, cheesy goodness with the rich flavors of chicken and spinach. Whether you're preparing it for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. With its comforting qualities and ease of preparation, its a must-try for lovers of pasta and Italian-American cuisine.

FAQ about Chicken Spinach Alfredo Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe

Comments