The Creamiest Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

Creamy garlic butter chicken Alfredo stuffed shells bring comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Pasta shells cradle tender chicken and rich, velvety sauce in every single bite.

Cheese melts into every crevice, creating a mouthwatering experience that feels like a warm hug.

Home cooks can easily master this indulgent dish with just a few simple ingredients.

Packed with flavor and incredibly satisfying, these stuffed shells make weeknight dinners feel special.

Cheese lovers and pasta enthusiasts will absolutely adore this decadent meal that comes together effortlessly.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this incredible culinary creation that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Bursting With Flavor

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Pack your plate with creamy, cheesy goodness that satisfies every comfort food craving with minimal kitchen effort.
• Customize Your Creation: Swap chicken for shredded turkey, add spinach, or include different herbs to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Impressive Dinner Party Dish: Transforms an ordinary meal into a restaurant-quality experience that looks complex but requires straightforward preparation techniques.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire dish in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making meal planning and entertaining stress-free and convenient.

Key Ingredients To Make Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Jumbo Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for stuffing with delicious fillings.

• Chicken: Cooked and seasoned meat that provides a hearty and flavorful filling for the shells.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy cheeses that create a rich and luxurious filling and topping for the dish.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth and velvety base for the Alfredo sauce.
• Butter, Garlic: Provide a rich and aromatic foundation for the sauce.

• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper, Nutmeg: Spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh touch and visual appeal to the finished dish.

Stepwise Instructions To Prepare Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by setting it to a toasty 375°F. This will create the perfect environment for baking your delicious shells.

Step 2: Prepare Pasta Shells

Boil the pasta shells until they’re perfectly tender but still have a slight bite. Drain and let them cool down, preparing them for their cheesy filling.

Step 3: Cook Flavorful Chicken

• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together and let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 4: Create Cheesy Chicken Mixture

• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Seasoned chicken mixture

Blend until everything is perfectly incorporated.

Step 5: Whip Up Luxurious Alfredo Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter and cook garlic until fragrant.

• Heavy cream
• Nutmeg
• Salt
• Pepper

Simmer and stir, gradually adding Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes wonderfully thick and creamy.

Step 6: Layer the Baking Dish

Spread a generous cup of Alfredo sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the cheesy chicken mixture and arrange them neatly.

Step 7: Shower with Alfredo

Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure they’re completely covered in creamy goodness.

Step 8: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese over the shells, creating a golden, irresistible crust.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25 minutes.

Watch as the cheese melts and bubbles, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Pull the dish out of the oven and dust with fresh parsley.

Serve immediately while the shells are hot and the cheese is gloriously melted.

Expert Tips To Enhance Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Cook pasta shells just until al dente to avoid mushy texture when baking.
• Use a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for rich, creamy filling with depth of flavor.
• Simmer Alfredo sauce slowly and stir continuously to prevent burning and achieve smooth, thick texture.
• Season chicken generously with Italian herbs and let it cool slightly before mixing with cheese to prevent moisture buildup.
• Sprinkle extra mozzarella on top for a golden, crispy cheese crust that adds texture and visual appeal.

Variations To Refresh Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Seafood Sensation: Replace chicken with succulent shrimp or tender crab meat for a luxurious ocean-inspired version of the classic dish.
• Vegetarian Comfort: Swap chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms, creating a hearty plant-based alternative that's packed with flavor.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Use zucchini boats or large bell pepper halves instead of pasta shells, maintaining the creamy Alfredo essence while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Gluten-Free Option: Utilize gluten-free pasta shells and replace traditional flour-based ingredients with certified gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Great Pairings With Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Choose a crisp Chardonnay with buttery notes to complement the rich Alfredo sauce and garlic undertones.

Pair with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creamy texture and provide a zesty contrast.

Serve alongside roasted asparagus spears drizzled with olive oil and sea salt to add a green vegetable element that enhances the dish’s decadence.

Add garlic bread with a crunchy crust to provide a different mouthfeel and soak up the delicious Alfredo sauce.

How To Keep Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled stuffed shells to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes for crispy cheese topping.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken are ideal. They’re easy to shred and mix into the filling, providing tender and flavorful meat.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake for 30-35 minutes, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! These stuffed shells freeze well. After baking, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.

Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Indulgent garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells bring Italian comfort cuisine to your dinner table with creamy, cheesy perfection. Pasta shells packed with tender chicken and rich alfredo sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Chicken Stuffed Shells Ingredients:

Main Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

Cheeses:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dairy and Fats:

• 5 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups heavy cream

Pasta and Toppings:

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

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Instructions

1. Activate the oven to 375°F, preparing a perfect cooking environment for the stuffed shells.
2. Boil pasta shells until perfectly tender yet firm, then drain and allow to cool completely.
3. Create a flavorful chicken base by warming butter in a skillet, sautéing garlic until aromatic, then incorporating cooked chicken with Italian seasoning and spices.
4. Blend ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses with the seasoned chicken mixture, ensuring thorough and even distribution of ingredients.
5. Craft the creamy Alfredo sauce by melting butter, introducing garlic, then slowly incorporating heavy cream and seasonings. Simmer gently while stirring, gradually introducing Parmesan until the sauce reaches a luxurious consistency.
6. Establish a rich foundation by spreading a layer of Alfredo sauce across the baking dish, then meticulously fill each pasta shell with the cheese and chicken mixture.
7. Generously cascade the remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring complete and even coverage.
8. Distribute an additional layer of mozzarella cheese across the top, creating a golden, bubbling surface.
9. Bake for 25 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.
10. Finish by scattering fresh parsley over the dish, adding a vibrant touch of color and fresh flavor before serving piping hot.

Notes

• Customize the chicken by using rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation or swap with shredded turkey for variety.
• Reduce the richness by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, creating a lighter Alfredo sauce without compromising flavor.
• Make it gluten-free by substituting regular pasta shells with gluten-free pasta shells and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Meal prep friendly: Assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, making it perfect for busy weeknights or advance planning.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 650 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 48 g
• Saturated Fat: 29 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg