Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Imagine this: jumbo pasta shells stuffed with tender chicken, smothered in a rich, creamy garlic butter alfredo sauce, then baked to golden perfection. Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are the kind of comfort food that will make you want to curl up with a plate of something warm and cheesy. The chicken is juicy, the alfredo sauce is silky smooth, and each bite is like a cozy hug for your taste buds. Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or just craving a family-friendly meal, these stuffed shells are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Trust me, this dish is pure magic in every bite!

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Comforting & Hearty: With a creamy, buttery sauce and tender chicken, this dish will satisfy your cravings for something rich and indulgent.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: These stuffed shells hold up wonderfully, so you can make them ahead of time for an easy meal later in the week.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting guests, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Cheese Lovers Dream: Between the gooey mozzarella inside the shells and the creamy parmesan sauce, it’s a cheese lover’s paradise.
• Easy to Customize: Add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor, or try swapping the chicken for ground turkey or sausage to mix things up.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

For the Chicken and Filling:

• Chicken breast (boneless, skinless): The star of the filling. Cooked to perfection, shredded, and ready to be enveloped in creamy alfredo goodness.
• Ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy texture and richness to the filling, giving it that melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella brings the gooey, cheesy goodness that everyone loves.
• Parmesan cheese: A sharp, salty kick to balance out the richness of the sauce and filling.
• Garlic: A generous amount of garlic to add flavor to the chicken and the alfredo sauce.
• Fresh parsley: For a pop of freshness and color, sprinkled on top for garnish.

For the Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce:

• Butter: The base of the garlic butter sauce, making it extra rich and indulgent.
• Heavy cream: Adds that luscious, creamy texture to the alfredo sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic kick to the sauce, infusing it with flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: To thicken the sauce and add depth of flavor.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, making sure all the flavors are balanced perfectly.

For the Pasta:

• Jumbo pasta shells: The vessel for all the delicious filling and sauce. Jumbo shells are perfect for stuffing and hold up beautifully when baked.

(Note: Full measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Let’s get started on these mouthwatering stuffed shells:

Cook the Pasta:

1. Boil the Pasta: Start by cooking the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions. Drain and set aside, making sure to toss them with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Chicken Filling:

1. Cook the Chicken: In a skillet, cook the chicken breasts in a bit of olive oil until golden brown and fully cooked. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks or chop it into small pieces.
2. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.

Make the Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce:

1. Cook the Garlic: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add the Cream and Parmesan: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Once it’s well mixed, add the parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Simmer: Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.

Assemble the Stuffed Shells:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Stuff the Shells: Fill each cooked pasta shell with the chicken and cheese mixture. Be generous with the filling! Place the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish.
3. Top with Sauce: Pour the garlic butter alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells, covering them generously.
4. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the shells are heated through.

Final Touches:

1. Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle the stuffed shells with freshly chopped parsley and more parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per Serving: 510
Total Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 680mg
Total Carbohydrates: 37g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 29g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

These stuffed shells are a complete meal on their own, but here are some ways to elevate your serving:

• Garlic Bread: Serve with crispy garlic bread to soak up that creamy alfredo sauce.
• Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stuffed shells.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers add a healthy and colorful side to this meal.
• Extra Parmesan: Serve with a sprinkle of extra parmesan on top for that extra cheesy touch.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the stuffed shells in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Frozen Options: These stuffed shells freeze beautifully. Just assemble the dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. Bake straight from the freezer for 45-50 minutes.
• Chicken Substitutes: If you prefer a different protein, try swapping the chicken for ground turkey, sausage, or even a meatless option like mushrooms.
• Herbs and Spices: Experiment with adding fresh thyme or oregano to the filling for extra flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Yes! If you can’t find jumbo shells, you can use any large pasta like manicotti or even rigatoni for the stuffing.

Q2: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A2: Absolutely! If you have rotisserie chicken or leftovers, just shred it and use it in place of freshly cooked chicken.

Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just add extra time to the baking to ensure they’re heated through.

Q4: Can I use a store-bought alfredo sauce?
A4: While homemade sauce is always best, you can definitely use a store-bought alfredo sauce to save time. Just make sure to add the garlic butter for extra flavor.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Q6: Can I freeze the stuffed shells?
A6: Yes! Assemble the shells and freeze them before baking. When ready to bake, just add a little extra time in the oven.

Q7: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A7: Yes! Substitute the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or spinach, or any other vegetable filling you like.

Q8: Can I use low-fat cream or cheese?
A8: You can, but keep in mind that the texture and richness may be slightly different. The full-fat options give this dish its creamy, indulgent texture.

Q9: Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
A9: Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or even finely chopped broccoli would be great additions to the filling.

Q10: How can I make this spicier?
A10: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a little heat, or mix some chopped jalapeños into the chicken filling.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are everything you love about comfort food—cheesy, creamy, and so satisfying—but taken to the next level with the addition of juicy chicken and a rich, garlic-infused alfredo sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy every bite of this indulgent, cheesy goodness—you won’t be disappointed!

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