Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

There’s nothing better than a creamy, flavorful dinner that requires minimal effort. With an air fryer, you can make delicious meals in no time at all! Today, I will show you how to make Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells – combining the tastes of two classic Italian favorites into one hearty dish.

They are balanced with protein-rich chicken and cheesy sauce stuffed into firm shells; they come out deliciously crispy on the outside but soft and creamy inside. You won’t believe how flavorful these stuffed shells will be until you try them yourself – this dish will surely become a weeknight staple!

What Are Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Chicken Alfredo stuffed shells are a delicious and easy dish made by filling jumbo pasta shells with a mixture of shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, Alfredo sauce, and spinach.

The shells are then baked in the oven until golden and bubbly. This meal is perfect for a cozy dinner with family and friends or as a meal prep option for busy weeknights. It’s a great way to switch up your regular pasta routine and enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Are you looking for an easy main dish with a punch of flavor? Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells is the perfect meal for family and friends, whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

This delicious stuffed shells recipe is made with just a few simple ingredients and can be prepared in minutes!

Remember the step-by-step directions and the detailed ingredients list below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page, as well as the nutritional ingredients.

• Shells: Use jumbo shells for this recipe.
• Broccoli: Frozen Broccoli or fresh broccoli will work for this recipe.
• Chicken: Use shredded chicken or leftover cooked chicken.
• Ricotta Cheese: You can also use cottage cheese or this recipe.
• Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese: For The best flavor
• Egg: Use a large egg, which will hold the filling together.
• Alfredo Sauce: Homemade or Store-bought will work for this recipe
• Seasonings: Kosher Salt and Black Pepper

How To Make Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells In Air Fryer

Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are the perfect comfort food for any day of the week! This easy, delicious, crowd-pleasing recipe transforms bare shells into a creamy and nutritious meal.

This air fryer version is faster to make than traditional methods and gives you extra crispiness on top that everybody loves. In this post, we’ll give you step-by-step instructions and some tips to get your Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells right every time!

Step One: Cook The Pasta Shells and Broccoli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over medium heat. Add broccoli florets and cook for 2 minutes—scoop broccoli from water with a spider skimmer or slotted spoon into a colander. Rinse with cool water to stop cooking. You can also microwave the broccoli, as called for in the instructions on the package—dice-cooked broccoli.

Add pasta shells to boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente—reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and set aside. Drain cooked shells and run them under cool water to prevent overcooking.

Step Two: Prepare Filling

Spray a baking pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, add the chicken, ricotta, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, broccoli and 1/2 cup of Alfredo Sauce.

Step Three: Assemble The Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Add about 1/2 cup of Alfredo sauce to the bottom of the casserole dish (baking pan). Fill each pasta shell with a tablespoon of the chicken alfredo mixture and arrange them in the prepared baking dish. Spread the leftover Alfredo sauce on top of the shells and cover them with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

Step Four: Air Fry

Place the casserole dish into the air fryer, and cook at 310 degrees F, and set the cooking time for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

Pro Tips

• Cook the pasta shells until al dente: Overcooked pasta shells can become gummy and difficult to fill. Cook them until they are just tender to the bite.
• Season your filling: Adding seasonings like garlic powder, dried basil, and oregano to the filling mixture can enhance its flavor.
• Using a piping or ziplock bag to fill the shells makes filling much easier and more efficient than using a spoon.
• Spread a layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish: This helps prevent the shells from sticking and adds some flavor to the dish.
• Top with extra cheese: Adding extra parmesan cheese or mozzarella cheese to the top of the shells can help them get golden and crispy in the air fryer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Just make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Can I freeze the stuffed shells?

Yes, you can freeze the stuffed shells before cooking. To freeze, place the stuffed shells on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To cook, thaw the stuffed shells in the refrigerator overnight and cook as directed.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use any cheese that you prefer for this recipe, such as cheddar, Gouda, or fontina.

Can I use a different type of sauce?

Yes, you can use any sauce that you prefer for this recipe, such as marinara sauce or tomato cream sauce.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta that you prefer for this recipe, such as penne or rigatoni.

How do I store leftover stuffed shells?

You can store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer or oven until heated through.

Can I add other ingredients to the filling?

Absolutely! You can add other ingredients like chopped cooked bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms to the filling mixture to create your own unique version of the dish.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Kielbasa Recipe
• Air Fryer Sausage
• Air Fryer Italian Sausage
• Air Fryer Potato Slices
• Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie Bombs
• Air Fryer Pumpkin Hand Pies
• Instant Pot Pumpkin Soup
• Ninja Foodi Whole Chicken Recipe

Best Casserole Dishes For The Air Fryer

Some of my favorite Air Fryer Casserole Pans are: (affiliate links included)

• Superior Glass Casserole Dish Set – 4-Piece Rectangular Bakeware Set, Modern Unique Design Glass Baking-Dish Set – Grip Handles for Easy Carry from Hot Oven.
• FE Casserole Dish, 2 Quart Round Ceramic Bakeware with Cover, Lace Emboss Baking Dish for Dinner, Banquet, and Party (Red)