Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a creamy, baked Italian-American pasta dish where jumbo pasta shells are filled with a rich ricotta and cheese mixture, then smothered in a luxurious Alfredo sauce and baked until bubbly. The dish typically features ingredients like ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, and heavy cream, representing a fusion of classic Italian pasta and the beloved American Alfredo sauce. It's a popular comfort food often served for family dinners or special occasions.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is notably high in fat and protein due to its generous use of cheeses and cream, with a significant carbohydrate content from the pasta shells. A single serving (about 2-3 shells) can provide a good amount of calcium and protein, but also carries a calorie ballpark of roughly 500-700 calories, making it a hearty and indulgent meal.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbs | 40 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Calcium | 320 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Potassium | 280 mg |
| Vitamin A | 150 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 3 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.2 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
| Selenium | 20 mcg |
Per 3 stuffed shells (about 240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a perfect example of Italian-American culinary adaptation, taking the traditional Roman dish of pasta al burro and transforming it into a richer, cheese-centric casserole. Nutritionally, while it's a calorie-dense comfort food, the high protein content from the cheese filling can make it quite satisfying.
