Creamy Alfredo Stuffed Shells – Cheesy, Comforting & Crowd-Pleasing

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Filling

2. In a large bowl, mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and spinach.

3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

4. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.

5. Stir in cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

6. Add Parmesan and stir until smooth and thickened (~3–5 minutes).

7. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.

Step 4: Assemble & Bake

8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

9. Spread ⅓ of Alfredo sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish.

10. Fill each shell with 1–2 tablespoons of filling and arrange over sauce.

11. Pour remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells.

12. Top with remaining mozzarella and extra Parmesan if desired.

13. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the shells — al dente makes them easier to fill.

• For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or crumbled cooked bacon to the filling.

• Let the dish sit for 10 minutes before serving to set the layers.

Variations

• Use chicken Alfredo by adding shredded cooked chicken to the filling.

• Make it spicy with a pinch of crushed red pepper in the sauce.

• Substitute kale or arugula for spinach.

• Use store-bought Alfredo for a quicker version, though homemade adds extra richness.

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheat in microwave or oven until warmed through.

• Freezer-friendly: assemble and freeze unbaked. Thaw overnight before baking.

What to Serve With

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks

• Caesar salad or arugula lemon salad

• Roasted broccoli or green beans

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: ~480

• Protein: 22 g

• Carbs: 34 g

• Fat: 28 g

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate. Add 5 extra minutes to baking time.

Q: Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
You can, but drain it well and blend it smooth for best texture.

Q: How do I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and part-skim cheeses.

Related Recipes

• Three-Cheese Stuffed Shells with Marinara

• Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni Bake

• Easy Alfredo Chicken Lasagna Rolls

Conclusion

These Creamy Alfredo Stuffed Shells are the ultimate in cozy, cheesy comfort food — easy to prep, crowd-pleasing, and always a hit. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a potluck showstopper, this baked pasta dish delivers rich flavor and comforting vibes every time.