There is something utterly irresistible about a creamy, savory pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe captures that comfort food magic by combining tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and cheesy stuffed pasta shells. This dish balances luscious flavors and textures in such a delightful way, making it perfect for family dinners or impressing guests. Whether you’re craving something cozy or want to elevate a weeknight meal, these stuffed shells deliver satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating this delicious dish. Each item brings its own special touch, from creamy richness to a burst of flavor, resulting in a beautifully balanced meal.
- 12 large pasta shells: These create perfect little pockets that hold all the creamy, cheesy filling.
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb): Provides tender, hearty protein that complements the sauce.
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Adds an aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter: Offers a rich base to sauté the chicken and garlic for maximum flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the Alfredo sauce irresistibly creamy and luxurious.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce perfectly for a sharp, savory depth.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Brings in a blend of traditional herb flavors that tie the dish together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every other ingredient.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of brightness to finish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking later. Then, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells until they are just al dente. This ensures they hold their shape without becoming mushy. Drain and set the shells aside gently so you can stuff them later.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Chicken
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until shimmering. Add diced chicken breasts, seasoned generously with salt and pepper, cooking until each piece turns golden brown. This step seals in the juices and creates a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Step 3: Create the Alfredo Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant—just a minute or two to avoid bitterness. Reduce the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously for a smooth blend. Gradually mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and becomes silky. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to taste. This sauce will coat the chicken and bring all components together.
Step 4: Stuff and Assemble
Take each cooked shell and carefully stuff it with the chicken Alfredo mixture, making sure they’re generously filled. Lay them side by side in a baking dish for even cooking. Pour any remaining Alfredo sauce over the top to make the dish extra rich and creamy. Feel free to sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top if you want a cheesier crust when baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. During baking, the sauce will bubble up and the cheese on top will turn a gorgeous golden brown. This finishing touch gives you that lovely contrast between crispy and creamy textures that make this dish so irresistible.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley over the stuffed shells. Not only does it add a vibrant green pop, but it also brightens the rich flavors with a subtle herbaceous note. Now your Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are ready to serve!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a few extra shavings of Parmesan cheese add elegance and fresh flavor. A light drizzle of good quality olive oil can also enhance the richness without overpowering the dish.
Side Dishes
Pair these stuffed shells with a crisp green salad or garlic roasted veggies for balance. A side of crusty garlic bread is always a winner, perfect for mopping up any leftover Alfredo sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the stuffed shells on a large rustic platter, sprinkle with colorful herbs, and provide lemon wedges on the side. You can even serve individual portions in mini cast-iron skillets for a cozy, inviting presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the sauce and shells together maintains the flavors and prevents the pasta from drying out.
Freezing
This Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe freezes beautifully. After assembling but before baking, cover the dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to two months. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding extra bake time as needed.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the leftovers with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover to keep moisture locked in and avoid drying out the creamy sauce.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken can save time and still deliver great flavor. Just chop the chicken and mix it into the Alfredo sauce before stuffing the shells.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or artichoke hearts to the Alfredo mixture for a delicious vegetarian twist.
Can I use jarred Alfredo sauce instead of making it from scratch?
While jarred Alfredo can be a shortcut, making the sauce from scratch with butter, cream, and Parmesan gives a fresher, more flavorful result that really makes this dish stand out.
What type of pasta shells work best?
Large pasta shells are ideal because they’re big enough to hold ample filling and remain sturdy enough to handle baking without falling apart.
How do I make the sauce thicker if it’s too runny?
If your sauce seems too thin, let it simmer gently a little longer on the stove while stirring constantly. The Parmesan cheese also helps thicken it as it melts.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that combines creamy comfort and rich, garlicky goodness, the Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s perfect for cozy family meals or special occasions and has a way of making you feel truly cared for with every bite. Trust me, once you make it, this recipe will become one of your favorites to return to time and time again.
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells combine tender pasta shells filled with a creamy, cheesy garlic butter chicken Alfredo sauce. Baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh parsley, this comforting Italian-inspired dish makes a perfect hearty meal for families or dinner guests.
Ingredients
Pasta Shells
- 12 large pasta shells
Chicken Alfredo Filling
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed shells.
- Cook Pasta Shells: Boil salted water and cook the pasta shells until they are al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly, ensuring they retain their shape for stuffing.
- Cook Chicken and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper, cooking until golden brown on all sides. Then add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Prepare Alfredo Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to prevent curdling. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Stuff Shells: Spoon the chicken Alfredo mixture into each cooked pasta shell and arrange them evenly in a baking dish. Pour any remaining Alfredo sauce over the shells and optionally sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake the stuffed shells in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the tops are lightly golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- You can prepare the Alfredo sauce in advance and refrigerate until needed.
- For extra creaminess, add a little shredded mozzarella on top before baking.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta shells so they don’t become too soft to hold the filling.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
