Description
Chicken Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Alfredo Sauce combine tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a creamy plant-based cheese Alfredo sauce for a comforting and elegant meal. This dish is perfect for weeknights or special occasions, offering a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying experience that is easy to prepare and customize.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 20 medium pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese and Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded plant-based cheese
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (natural)
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (natural)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta Shells: Start by boiling salted water and cooking the pasta shells until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, shredded plant-based cheese, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stuff the Shells: Gently fill each cooled shell with the prepared chicken and spinach mixture. Use a spoon or fingers carefully to avoid tearing the pasta shells.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce (natural) on the bottom of a baking dish. Nestle the stuffed shells closely together, then pour the remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over the top. Optional: sprinkle extra shredded plant-based cheese on top for a richer crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the tops are slightly golden.
Notes
- Do not overcook the pasta shells; they will finish cooking in the oven with the sauce.
- Use freshly shredded plant-based cheese for better melting and texture.
- Make the filling ahead of time to allow flavors to blend well.
- Warm the Alfredo sauce gently before pouring over the shells for even coverage.
- Let the baked shells rest for 5 minutes before serving to help set the dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: chicken stuffed shells, spinach stuffed shells, plant-based cheese Alfredo, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner, family friendly, baked pasta shells
