Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Introduction

When I first made these Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells for dinner, I was not sure if my family would appreciate them as much as I did. But, within minutes of serving, my husband and kids were asking for seconds! The combination of tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and gooey melted cheese wrapped in a soft pasta shell was irresistible. It’s the kind of meal that hits the spot when you’re craving something comforting yet flavorful. The savory garlic butter chicken filling paired with the rich Alfredo sauce makes this dish a winner for any family dinner or special occasion. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it to guests, this dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 18-20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (for topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that when the stuffed shells are ready, the oven is hot enough for them to bake perfectly.
2. Cook the pasta shells: Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the shells and set them aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the chicken filling: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute, until it becomes fragrant. Add the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
4. Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, and the seasoned chicken mixture. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed. This creamy filling will be stuffed into the pasta shells.
5. Prepare the Alfredo sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Then, pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Add the nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken. Gradually add in the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and the cheese has melted.
6. Assemble the dish: Spread 1 cup of the Alfredo sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will create a base for the stuffed shells to rest on. Next, stuff each cooked shell with the chicken mixture and place them in the baking dish, seam side down.
7. Top with Alfredo sauce and cheese: Once all the shells are stuffed and placed in the dish, pour the remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over the shells. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the shells.
8. Bake the shells: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
9. Garnish and serve: Once the stuffed shells are done, remove them from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a touch of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: 550
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 33g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

How to Serve

• With a side salad: Serve these stuffed shells with a fresh side salad, like a Caesar salad or a simple green salad, to balance the richness of the dish.
• With garlic bread: Pair this dish with garlic bread to add an extra layer of flavor and texture to your meal.
• As part of a family dinner: This dish is perfect for a family meal or as part of a larger spread for a special occasion.
• With roasted vegetables: Complement the creamy stuffed shells with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Additional Tips

1. Use leftover chicken: To save time, you can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch.
2. Avoid overcooking the shells: Make sure to cook the jumbo shells just until al dente. Overcooking them will cause them to become mushy when baked.
3. Customize the filling: You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the chicken filling for extra flavor and texture.
4. Make the sauce thicker: If you prefer a thicker Alfredo sauce, let it simmer a little longer or add more Parmesan cheese to achieve the desired consistency.
5. Add extra cheese: For extra gooeyness, add more shredded mozzarella on top before baking.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with spinach and ricotta cheese or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
• Spicy Alfredo: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the Alfredo sauce to give it a spicy kick.
• Seafood Alfredo Stuffed Shells: Substitute the chicken for shrimp or crab for a delicious seafood twist.
• Light Version: Use a low-fat ricotta cheese and a reduced-fat Alfredo sauce to cut down on the calories and fat.
• Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Stuffed Shells: Incorporate a bit of garlic butter into the chicken mixture for an even more garlicky flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• With a glass of white wine: Pair these stuffed shells with a light white wine, like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, to complement the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
• As a hearty meal: Serve these stuffed shells as a main dish with sides like roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or a garden salad.
• For parties: These shells make a great dish for potlucks, family gatherings, or dinner parties where everyone can enjoy a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: To freeze, assemble the dish as directed but do not bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake according to the recipe instructions.
• Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make these stuffed shells in advance?
   Yes, you can assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold from the fridge.
2. Can I use different pasta shells?
   Yes, you can use any large pasta shells, such as conchiglioni, as long as they can hold the filling.
3. Can I substitute heavy cream in the sauce?
   Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
4. What’s the best way to reheat leftover stuffed shells?
   Reheat the stuffed shells in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until hot, covering with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out.
5. Can I use pre-made Alfredo sauce?
   Yes, you can use store-bought Alfredo sauce if you’re short on time, but homemade sauce adds a fresher, richer flavor.
6. What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
   If you don’t have ricotta, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or even a blend of cream cheese and sour cream for a similar texture.
7. Can I add vegetables to the filling?
   Yes, feel free to add spinach, mushrooms, or any vegetable of your choice to the chicken filling for added flavor and nutrition.
8. How do I prevent the pasta shells from sticking?
   Be sure to cook the pasta shells in plenty of salted water, and toss them with a little olive oil after draining to prevent sticking.
9. Can I freeze the stuffed shells before baking?
   Yes, you can freeze the assembled shells before baking. Just be sure to thaw them completely before baking.
10. Can I use shredded chicken instead of diced?
    Yes, shredded chicken works just as well and gives the filling a more uniform texture.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food. The combination of tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and gooey cheese inside a perfectly cooked pasta shell makes this dish a family favorite. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized with different ingredients to suit your taste. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or serving it at a gathering, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and delicious!

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