Chicken and spinach stuffed shells with Alfredo sauce
Course: Casserole, Chicken, Main CourseServings
6
servingsPrep time
40
minutesCooking time
15
minutesIn the world of hearty, homey dishes, Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells with Alfredo Sauce stand as a triumph. This comforting creation wraps you in warmth, though my husband finds it a tad heavy in the calorie department, a sentiment shared by many. But if you seek a rich, flavorful experience, this dish doesn’t disappoint.
Historically, dishes like these trace their roots back to the heart of Italy, where they were lovingly crafted and shared among families. They were favored by names like Nonna and Nonno in the cozy kitchens of Italian homes, nurturing generations with creamy, dreamy creations. These recipes have found their way around the globe, cherished for their satisfying embrace.
While this indulgent Italian-American classic isn’t exactly a calorie-conscious choice, it brings forth a world of flavors. The luscious filling, marrying minced chicken, spinach, and cheeses, oozes comfort. The pasta shells, like pockets of delight, cradle this flavorful mixture.
The Alfredo sauce, born in the heart of Rome, envelops this dish with a creamy, buttery allure. Its origins can be traced to the early 20th century, named after Alfredo di Lelio, the Italian chef who first served it. It has since become a staple in Italian cuisine worldwide, its lushness celebrated by diners everywhere.
As for health benefits, the spinach in this dish offers a burst of nutrients, infusing your meal with vitamins and minerals. While this might not be your go-to option for a low-calorie meal, there’s no harm in enjoying it occasionally, especially when freshly made. Just be wary of saving it for the next day, as the pasta shells tend to dry out.
In your kitchen, this dish unfolds with ease. You cook the chicken, blend it with cheeses, stuff the pasta shells, and bathe them in Alfredo sauce. The result is a delightful dance of flavors and textures, a testament to the enduring appeal of Italian-inspired comfort food.
So, if you’re in the mood for a cozy, heartwarming meal that pays homage to Italian tradition, try your hand at Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells with Alfredo Sauce. A dish with history and flavor, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Bon appétit!
Historically, dishes like these trace their roots back to the heart of Italy, where they were lovingly crafted and shared among families. They were favored by names like Nonna and Nonno in the cozy kitchens of Italian homes, nurturing generations with creamy, dreamy creations. These recipes have found their way around the globe, cherished for their satisfying embrace.
While this indulgent Italian-American classic isn’t exactly a calorie-conscious choice, it brings forth a world of flavors. The luscious filling, marrying minced chicken, spinach, and cheeses, oozes comfort. The pasta shells, like pockets of delight, cradle this flavorful mixture.
The Alfredo sauce, born in the heart of Rome, envelops this dish with a creamy, buttery allure. Its origins can be traced to the early 20th century, named after Alfredo di Lelio, the Italian chef who first served it. It has since become a staple in Italian cuisine worldwide, its lushness celebrated by diners everywhere.
As for health benefits, the spinach in this dish offers a burst of nutrients, infusing your meal with vitamins and minerals. While this might not be your go-to option for a low-calorie meal, there’s no harm in enjoying it occasionally, especially when freshly made. Just be wary of saving it for the next day, as the pasta shells tend to dry out.
In your kitchen, this dish unfolds with ease. You cook the chicken, blend it with cheeses, stuff the pasta shells, and bathe them in Alfredo sauce. The result is a delightful dance of flavors and textures, a testament to the enduring appeal of Italian-inspired comfort food.
So, if you’re in the mood for a cozy, heartwarming meal that pays homage to Italian tradition, try your hand at Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells with Alfredo Sauce. A dish with history and flavor, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Bon appétit!
Ingredients
150 g (5.4 oz) minced chicken meat
1 cup (12-14 big shells) Pasta
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1 cup (200 g – 7 oz) grated Mozzarella cheese
1 cup (100 g – 3.5 oz) fresh spinach
1/2 cup (100 g – 3.5 oz) grated Parmesan
6 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tbsp flour
1/2 cup (70 g – 2.5 oz) ricotta cheese
1 cup (200 g – 7 oz) cream
60 g (2.1 oz) butter
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp basil
Salt, pepper to taste
Directions
- Boil the shell pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain off cooking water. Set the pasta aside to dry.
- Meanwhile, saute your minced chicken meat with spices, 1/2 or garlic, in 1/2 of butter until golden brown.
- Once the mince is ready, add spinach and cook until it reduces in size for about 2 minutes. Set meat aside.
- Let’s start making Alfredo sauce. Fry the remaining garlic in the remaining butter until golden brown (1-2 minutes)
- Then add flour to the pan and saute for a couple more minutes.
- Pour cream and 1 cup of water into the pan
- Add 1/2 of the grated Parmesan to the pan and cook stirring constantly, until thickened. The sauce should have a uniform consistency without lumps. If necessary, you can use an immersion blender on top of everything to be sure.
- Add the ricotta, mozzarella, remaining Parmesan and green onions to the bowl with the minced meat. Stir until smooth. The filling for the shells is ready!
- Take a baking dish and pour the prepared Alfredo sauce on the bottom.
- Stuff the shells with the filling and place on top of the Alfredo sauce. Put the baking dish in a preheated oven at 180 degrees C° (350 F) for 15 minutes.
