Save Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Peppers are my go-to comfort meal when I want something hearty and easy but still wholesome. The combination of tender peppers, creamy Alfredo sauce, and juicy chicken creates a crowd-pleasing dinner with almost zero fuss. I especially love how each serving is basically its own edible bowl less cleanup for me and much more fun for everyone at the table.
I first made this dish when my kids had a playdate one rainy weeknight. It was such a hit that it quickly became a repeat request their friends even ask for the recipe now.
Ingredients
- Large bell peppers: select red or yellow for sweetness or green for a deeper flavor look for ones that can stand upright
- Cooked chicken breast: use freshly cooked or leftover chicken for tenderness avoid overcooking
- Cooked white rice or cauliflower rice: for a lower carb option opt for rice that is just cooled as this helps it soak up the sauce
- Alfredo sauce: homemade or store-bought both work but choose a creamy variety for best results check for gluten-free if needed
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: for melt and creamy texture buy block cheese and shred for better meltability
- Grated Parmesan cheese: adds sharpness and depth fresh grated offers the best flavor
- Baby spinach chopped: for color and nutrients pick baby leaves for a tender bite
- Fresh garlic minced: for aromatic complexity fresher cloves mean more flavor
- Black pepper: freshly ground for a mild kick
- Salt: season to your taste but use lightly if Alfredo is salty
- Dried Italian herbs: optional but brings herby warmth use a blend or just oregano
- Fresh parsley chopped: for garnish adds freshness and a bright finish
Instructions
- Prep the Peppers:
- Slice the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove seeds and membranes so the peppers stay whole and sturdy. Try to create a flat base by trimming the bottom only if needed so they do not tip over in the baking dish.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl combine the cooked chicken shredded or diced with the white rice spinach minced garlic one cup mozzarella half a cup of Parmesan black pepper salt Italian herbs if using and Alfredo sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated and the blend looks creamy and well mixed.
- Fill the Peppers:
- Carefully spoon the chicken Alfredo mixture into each hollowed-out bell pepper pressing the filling gently so each pepper is densely packed right up to the rim.
- Top and Ready to Bake:
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top of the stuffed peppers for a rich golden crust once baked.
- Prepare Baking Dish:
- Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish and add a quarter cup of water at the bottom of the dish. This water helps create steam to cook the peppers tender.
- Bake Covered:
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for thirty minutes so the peppers soften and the filling heats through.
- Finish Baking Uncovered:
- After baking covered remove the foil and bake for another five to ten minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and slightly golden. This final step creates a delicious crust.
- Garnish and Rest:
- Let the peppers cool in the dish for a few minutes sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of flavor and color then serve warm.
Save My favorite part is the way the cheese gets gloriously golden and bubbly on top. Whenever I make this for family gatherings my mom always says it tastes just like her childhood casseroles but much prettier.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. When reheating add a splash of water or Alfredo sauce and cover loosely to prevent the filling from drying out. You can also freeze stuffed peppers individually before baking for up to two months then bake straight from frozen with a little extra time added.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap out the chicken for cooked turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken to save time. For a vegetarian version try chopped mushrooms or cooked lentils. Cauliflower rice works perfectly if you are watching carbs or need a gentler dish. Try adding chopped broccoli or sun-dried tomatoes if you want extra vegetables and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these stuffed peppers with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or cooked quinoa on the side helps create a complete meal. For a more festive meal garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil just before serving.
Cultural and Historical Context
Stuffed peppers are found in cuisines all across Europe and the Mediterranean but this Italian-American version adds a cozy creamy twist. Using Alfredo sauce gives the filling a distinctly rich flavor while keeping the dish accessible and family-friendly. Kids often love it because it is mild yet packed with familiar cheesy taste.
Seasonal Adaptations
In spring swap in asparagus tips or peas for the spinach During fall use orange bell peppers and add chopped roasted butternut squash to the filling For summer top with fresh basil and add some diced tomatoes before baking
Success Stories
The first time I brought these to a potluck there were no leftovers and everyone asked for the secret. I now make them as a freezer meal for new parents they bake up beautifully even after a month or two in the freezer.
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can assemble the stuffed peppers through step four then wrap tightly and freeze without baking. When ready to enjoy bake from frozen at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about fifty to sixty minutes covered then uncover to brown the cheese at the end.
Save This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of these Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Peppers!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make these peppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the peppers and refrigerate them up to a day ahead. Bake when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if cold.
- → What kind of chicken works best?
Shredded or diced cooked chicken breast works well. Rotisserie chicken is a quick and flavorful option if short on time.
- → Is there a low-carb alternative to rice?
Absolutely! Substitute cauliflower rice for white rice to keep the filling light and lower in carbohydrates.
- → How do I ensure the peppers are tender?
Baking covered with foil and adding water to the dish helps steam the peppers, ensuring they come out tender while still holding their shape.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Serve alongside a green salad or garlic bread for a balanced meal. A glass of crisp white wine also complements the creamy flavors.
- → Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes, store-bought Alfredo sauce is convenient and works great. Homemade sauce adds a fresh, rich flavor if you prefer.