The Creamiest Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

Pasta shells bursting with creamy garlic butter chicken alfredo promise a comforting meal that melts hearts instantly.

Weeknight dinners demand something special and extraordinary.

Stuffed shells packed with tender chicken and rich sauce create magic on your plate.

Cheese lovers will swoon over this decadent recipe that combines classic Italian flavors with homestyle comfort.

Every bite delivers a luxurious blend of creamy alfredo and succulent chicken nestled inside perfectly cooked pasta shells.

Comfort food doesn’t get more indulgent than this dreamy dish that transforms simple ingredients into something spectacular.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that will become your new go-to dinner favorite.

Comfort Food Alert: Garlic Butter Alfredo Shells

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Transforms a classic pasta dish into a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal kitchen complexity.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with creamy, cheesy goodness that appeals to both kids and adults, making dinner time a joyful experience.
• Customizable Comfort: Allows easy ingredient swaps or additions like spinach, mushrooms, or different proteins to match family preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: Creates an impressive dish that looks like it took hours to prepare, yet comes together quickly with straightforward steps.

Ingredients That Bring Alfredo Shells to Life

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large shells that hold the creamy chicken Alfredo mixture perfectly.

• Chicken Breast: Tender meat that adds protein and flavor to the dish.

• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Provide rich, creamy texture and delicious cheesy flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth and luxurious sauce base.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps build the sauce's depth.

• Garlic: Brings a bold, aromatic flavor to the entire dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: Enhance the overall taste of the chicken and sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds a classic herbal blend to complement the Alfredo sauce.

• Olive Oil: Used to cook the chicken and prevent sticking.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce.

• Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

Mastering the Art of Stuffed Alfredo Shells

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C), getting ready for a mouthwatering adventure.

Step 2: Prepare Pasta Shells

Boil pasta shells following the package directions.

Once cooked, drain and let them cool down, creating the perfect vessel for our creamy filling.

Step 3: Cook Juicy Chicken

In a large skillet, drizzle olive oil and bring to medium heat.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Cook the chicken until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Transfer to a separate plate.

Step 4: Create Aromatic Garlic Base

Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and let it dance around for 1-2 minutes, releasing its irresistible fragrance.

Step 5: Craft Creamy Alfredo Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Italian seasoning

Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes. Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until melted and luxuriously smooth.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing it into the creamy sauce until perfectly coated.

Step 7: Stuff the Shells

Carefully fill each cooled pasta shell with the heavenly chicken Alfredo mixture.

Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish.

Step 8: Add Final Cheese Layer

Drizzle any remaining Alfredo sauce over the shells and sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve piping hot, ready to delight taste buds.

Secrets to Rich Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo

• Cook shells al dente to avoid mushy texture and ensure they hold the creamy filling perfectly without falling apart.
• Crush fresh garlic instead of mincing for a more robust, aromatic punch that infuses deeper into the Alfredo sauce.
• Sprinkle cheese gradually and stir constantly to create a smooth, velvety sauce without clumping or separating.
• Use a small spoon or piping bag to distribute chicken Alfredo mixture evenly inside shells, preventing overfilled or underfilled pockets.
• Let stuffed shells rest for 5 minutes after baking to help sauce set and make cutting and serving cleaner and more elegant.

Flavorful Variations for Stuffed Alfredo Shells

• Seafood Sensation: Replace chicken with succulent shrimp or crab meat for an ocean-inspired pasta dish that brings coastal flavors to your table.
• Vegetarian Delight: Swap chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and bell peppers, creating a nutrient-packed meatless version of the classic recipe.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and a sprinkle of chili powder to transform the dish into a zesty, southwestern-inspired meal with extra kick.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil to give the stuffed shells a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that transports your taste buds.

Pairing Perfection with Garlic Butter Alfredo

• Wine Wonderland: Select a crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, creamy sauce and cut through the buttery flavors with its bright, acidic notes.
• Salad Sidekick: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to balance the heavy pasta dish, adding a fresh, zesty contrast to the creamy shells.
• Bread Buddy: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or herbed focaccia to soak up the delicious Alfredo sauce and provide a crunchy texture alongside the soft pasta shells.

Storage Guide for Garlic Butter Alfredo Shells

• Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Wrap individual shells or the entire dish in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Place shells on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Stop when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the pasta shells from sticking together?

Rinse the cooked shells with cold water and drizzle a little olive oil to keep them separated and easy to handle.

• Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Shred rotisserie chicken as a quick time-saving alternative to cooking chicken from scratch.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

Create a simple substitute by mixing dried basil, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of rosemary to get a similar flavor profile.

• Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use reduced-fat cheeses to cut down on calories without sacrificing taste.

Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 20 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells bring Italian-American comfort to dinner tables with creamy, cheesy goodness. Delightful pasta pockets packed with tender chicken and rich sauce promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

Pasta and Cheese:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375F (190C) to prepare for baking the stuffed shells.
2. Boil pasta shells in salted water until al dente, then drain and allow to cool completely.
3. In a skillet, sear chicken pieces over medium heat with seasonings until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 7-8 minutes.
4. Using the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until aromatic, releasing its intense flavor.
5. Create the Alfredo sauce by combining heavy cream, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning, simmering gently for 3-4 minutes.
6. Incorporate Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses into the sauce, stirring until smooth and creamy.
7. Fold the cooked chicken into the silky Alfredo mixture, ensuring even distribution.
8. Generously fill each cooled pasta shell with the creamy chicken mixture, placing them carefully in a baking dish.
9. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbly crust.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot and appetizing.

Notes

• Enhance chicken flavor by marinating it in garlic, herbs, and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking for deeper taste profile.
• Opt for jumbo pasta shells to ensure easier stuffing and better sauce-to-pasta ratio, preventing potential tearing during preparation.
• Control sauce consistency by adjusting cream and broth amounts; less liquid creates thicker filling, while more creates smoother texture.
• Make this dish gluten-free by substituting regular pasta shells with gluten-free alternatives and using cornstarch instead of traditional thickeners.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 20
• Calories: 275
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 310 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg