Do you crave a dish that combines the indulgent flavors of garlic butter, creamy Alfredo sauce, and tender chicken all wrapped in a perfectly cooked pasta shell? Look no further! Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. This recipe features large pasta shells stuffed with a luscious chicken Alfredo mixture, topped with gooey mozzarella cheese and baked to golden perfection.
Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or cooking for a special gathering, these stuffed shells will impress everyone at the table. With a balance of creamy, savory, and cheesy goodness, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and explore the simple steps to make this meal your go-to comfort food!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Before we jump into the steps, here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish:
- 12 large pasta shells, cooked and drained
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
These ingredients will transform into the most flavorful stuffed shells with a creamy Alfredo sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken.
Preparing Your Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Preheat the Oven: Setting the Stage for Perfect Stuffed Shells
To kick off the recipe, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the ideal temperature for baking the stuffed shells, allowing the cheese to melt and the sauce to bubble up without overcooking the pasta. While the oven heats up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent any sticking and ensure your stuffed shells come out perfectly.
Preparing the Garlic Butter Sauce: The Heart of the Dish
Now, let’s start with the garlic butter sauce that will bring this dish to life. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be cautious not to burn the garlic — you want it to become aromatic, but not browned.
This garlic butter base will infuse the dish with a rich and savory flavor that elevates the creamy Alfredo sauce and the chicken.
Making the Alfredo Sauce: Creamy and Dreamy
Once the garlic is fragrant, it’s time to add the creamy goodness. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup milk, stirring continuously to combine. Let the mixture come to a simmer, cooking for about 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
Then, add the Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to the skillet. Stir the sauce constantly to allow the cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken further, about 2-3 minutes.
You’ll notice that the sauce begins to turn velvety and smooth. This rich Alfredo sauce is the key to creating the indulgent flavor that makes this dish so irresistible.
Stuffing the Shells: Filling Each One with Flavor
Now that your sauce is ready, it’s time to prepare the shells! Stir the shredded chicken into the garlic butter Alfredo sauce, making sure the chicken is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
Take each of the 12 cooked pasta shells and stuff them generously with the chicken and sauce mixture. Be sure to pack the shells tightly to ensure every bite is filled with that delicious chicken Alfredo goodness.
Once all the shells are stuffed, carefully place them into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. The stuffed shells will create a beautiful layer in the dish, each one brimming with creamy, cheesy filling.
Topping with Cheese: More Cheesy Goodness
To elevate the cheesy factor, pour any remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells in the baking dish. Then, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the shells. The mozzarella will melt and bubble up, creating that gooey, golden layer that makes this dish even more irresistible.
Baking: Perfecting the Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
With the shells all stuffed and topped with cheese, it’s time to pop them into the oven. Place foil over the baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes. During this time, the shells will heat through, the cheese will melt, and the sauce will thicken to perfection.
For the final touch, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown and bubble up. This extra step will give you the cheesy, golden crust that everyone loves.
Garnishing and Serving: The Finishing Touch
Once the stuffed shells are out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and added flavor. This vibrant green garnish will contrast beautifully with the creamy Alfredo sauce and give your dish an elegant, restaurant-worthy finish.
Serve your Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells hot and enjoy the combination of creamy, cheesy, and garlicky goodness in every bite!
Nutritional Information for Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
This dish is a rich and comforting meal, and while it’s packed with flavor, it’s important to understand the nutritional breakdown:
- Calories: 480 kcal per serving
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
These nutritional values make Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells a satisfying meal that’s sure to please your taste buds while keeping you full and content.
Variations and Customizations
Add Veggies for Extra Nutrition
Want to boost the nutritional value of this dish? Consider adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms to the stuffing mixture. These additions will not only add vitamins and fiber but also enhance the flavor profile, making the dish even more vibrant and satisfying.
Make it Spicy
If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce. The creamy base will balance out the heat, creating a mouthwatering spicy twist to this classic dish.
Gluten-Free Option
For those who need to avoid gluten, swap out the regular pasta shells for gluten-free pasta. Just make sure the other ingredients, such as the cheese and heavy cream, are also gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the dish.
FAQs About Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can definitely make the stuffed shells in advance. Simply stuff the shells, place them in the baking dish, and cover with foil. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, bake the shells as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure they’re heated through.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken. Just shred it and mix it into the Alfredo sauce for a quick and easy alternative.
Can I freeze Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells?
Yes, this dish freezes beautifully! To freeze, assemble the stuffed shells in the baking dish, cover with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the dish overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
What sides should I serve with this dish?
These stuffed shells are rich and hearty on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad, some garlic bread, or a side of roasted vegetables to add some balance to your meal.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells is the perfect dish for anyone craving a creamy, cheesy, and comforting meal. With its rich Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and gooey melted cheese, this dish has everything you need for a satisfying dinner. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
So, why wait? Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a meal that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or preparing a meal for guests, these stuffed shells are a sure-fire crowd-pleaser.
For more tasty recipes, check out these crowd favorites:
- Chicken Alfredo Bacon Tortellini
- Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage: Comforting & Creamy
- One-Pan Bacon Alfredo Tortellini Delight: A Creamy & Crispy Treat
Each recipe is packed with flavor, making them perfect companions to your Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells meal.
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Best Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are the perfect combination of creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and gooey melted cheese, all wrapped up in pasta shells. This hearty dish is easy to make and will become a family favorite, with rich garlic butter flavor that complements the creamy, cheesy filling.
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells, cooked and drained
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly (about 2-3 minutes).
- Stir the shredded chicken into the garlic butter Alfredo sauce.
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with a generous amount of the chicken mixture and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour any remaining Alfredo sauce over the shells and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- If you want to make this recipe ahead of time, you can refrigerate the stuffed shells for up to 24 hours before baking.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with a lighter cream or milk alternative.
- To add extra flavor, try mixing in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a bit of fresh basil to the Alfredo sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: garlic butter chicken, chicken alfredo stuffed shells, pasta shells, creamy stuffed shells, cheesy pasta dinner