Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

Rich, creamy, and filled with cheesy goodness, these Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a luxurious twist on classic comfort food. I stuff tender jumbo pasta shells with a decadent blend of chicken, cheeses, and herbs, then smother them in Alfredo sauce and bake until golden and bubbly. This dish lives up to its name—one bite and I feel like a million bucks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish turns a handful of simple ingredients into something that tastes gourmet. It’s indulgent, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, yet fancy enough to serve to guests. The best part? I can prep it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when I’m ready. It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken.

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 usually go for rotisserie chicken)

• 1 cup cottage cheese

• 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 (store-bought or homemade)

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

Directions

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

2. I cook the jumbo shells just until al dente, drain them, and set them aside to cool slightly.

3. In a large bowl, I combine the shredded chicken, cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, 1 cup of mozzarella, and dried parsley. I mix it all together until it’s well combined and creamy.

4. I gently stuff each pasta shell with the chicken-cheese mixture and arrange them in the prepared baking dish.

5. I pour Alfredo sauce evenly over the top, making sure each shell is nicely coated.

6. I sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella on top for that golden, gooey finish.

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

8. After letting it rest for a few minutes, I garnish with extra parsley (if I feel fancy) and serve it warm.

Servings and timing

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

Variations

Sometimes I swap out the cottage cheese for ricotta if I want a slightly smoother filling. I also like adding chopped spinach to the mix for a little green boost. If I’m feeling spicy, I’ll sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. This recipe also works well with cooked Italian sausage or even shredded turkey instead of chicken.

Storage/Reheating

To store leftovers, I place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I cover and bake in a 350ºF oven for about 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through. I can also freeze the assembled dish before baking—just thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

FAQs

How do I keep the pasta shells from tearing while stuffing them?

I cook them just until al dente, then rinse with cool water and handle gently. It helps to stuff them when they’ve cooled slightly.

Can I use homemade Alfredo sauce instead of store-bought?

Absolutely. I love making my own Alfredo sauce when I have time. It adds even more flavor and richness.

What’s a good substitute for cottage cheese?

Ricotta cheese works beautifully in this recipe and gives a slightly creamier texture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble the whole thing a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. I just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold when I put it in the oven.

Is it possible to freeze this meal?

Definitely. I freeze the assembled, unbaked shells covered tightly in foil. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells is one of those meals that never fails to impress. It’s rich, satisfying, and loaded with flavor in every bite. Whether I’m feeding the family or having guests over, this dish always gets rave reviews. It’s comfort food at its finest—with a gourmet twist.