If you’re looking for a dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken infused with aromatic garlic butter and creamy Alfredo sauce, all nestled inside perfectly cooked pasta shells. The golden, bubbly topping and the fresh parsley garnish bring a restaurant-quality meal right to your table, making this recipe a beloved favorite that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From the rich butter that creates a luscious sauce to the bright parsley that adds a fresh pop of color, each element is simple yet essential.
- 12 large pasta shells: These act as perfect little vessels to hold all the delicious filling without falling apart.
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb): Tender protein that’s chopped and cooked to golden perfection for the filling.
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Garlic delivers an irresistible aroma and bold flavor that caramelizes beautifully in butter.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter: Butter contributes rich creaminess and helps meld the ingredients together.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the velvety Alfredo sauce that coats every bite with silky goodness.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan brings nutty, savory depth and helps thicken the sauce naturally.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs adding a classic Mediterranean flair that brightens the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing every flavor component.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh, vibrant touch that lifts the final presentation.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pasta Shells
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cooking the large pasta shells in plenty of salted boiling water until they’re al dente—just tender enough to bite but still firm enough to hold the filling. Once cooked, drain them carefully and set them aside to cool so they’re ready for stuffing.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken in Garlic Butter
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add your diced chicken breasts, seasoned generously with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken turns a lovely golden brown, ensuring it’s cooked through but still moist. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, making sure the garlic doesn’t burn but infuses the chicken with its signature aroma.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Lower the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a smooth base. Gradually sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt completely and thicken the sauce. Stir in the Italian seasoning and adjust the salt and pepper as necessary to balance the flavors. This creamy sauce is what makes each stuffed shell irresistibly rich.
Step 4: Stuff the Shells and Assemble
Carefully spoon the chicken and Alfredo mixture into each cooked pasta shell, filling them generously but without overstuffing. Arrange the filled shells snugly in a baking dish, then pour any remaining Alfredo sauce over the entire dish. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little more Parmesan on top before baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the tops of the shells have a gorgeous golden brown finish. This final step melds all the flavors beautifully and gives you that irresistible baked texture.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the perfect finishing garnish for this dish, adding a bright, herbal note and a burst of color that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, golden shells. Consider a light sprinkle right before serving to keep the parsley fresh and vibrant.
Side Dishes
Since the Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe is rich and flavorful, pairing it with lighter sides works wonderfully. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the creaminess, or you can serve roasted vegetables that bring earthiness and texture. Garlic bread is another fantastic choice if you want to keep the comforting Italian theme going.
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating individual stuffed shells on a small white dish for an elegant, restaurant-style presentation at your dinner party. Alternatively, bake the dish in a beautiful ceramic casserole for a cozy family-style meal, letting everyone scoop out their portions amidst lively conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them a perfect ready-made meal for busy evenings after a big cooking session.
Freezing
This recipe freezes exceptionally well. Assemble the stuffed shells in a freezer-safe dish but skip baking until you’re ready to enjoy them. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 15 minutes to the baking time and covering with foil until heated through.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for a couple of minutes or bake the entire dish at 350°F (175°C) until the Alfredo sauce is bubbly and hot. Adding a touch of cream or a sprinkle of cheese before reheating can bring back the luscious texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of shells?
Absolutely! While large pasta shells are ideal for stuffing, you can substitute jumbo manicotti tubes or even stuffed cannelloni. Just make sure whatever pasta you choose is cooked al dente and sturdy enough to hold the filling.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
If you want to skip the chicken, try filling the shells with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and artichokes to keep a rich, savory flavor. The creamy Alfredo sauce still makes it decadent and satisfying.
What can I do to make this recipe lighter?
You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese to cut down on calories while maintaining a creamy sauce. Also, using part-skim mozzarella instead of Parmesan can reduce richness if desired.
How can I make this ahead for a dinner party?
Prepare and stuff the shells up to one day in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving to ensure a hot, fresh, and bubbly dish that looks as stunning as it tastes.
What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Season the chicken well and cook it over medium heat just until browned and cooked through without overcooking. Finely dicing the chicken also helps it mix well with the sauce and keeps every forkful moist and tender.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe enough for anyone craving a cozy, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor yet surprisingly easy to make. Whether it’s a special occasion or a weeknight treat, this dish never disappoints. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your go-to recipes in no time!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells combine tender pasta shells filled with a creamy, garlicky chicken Alfredo mixture, baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh parsley. This comforting Italian-inspired dish is perfect for a family dinner, pairing rich flavors of garlic butter, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning in a satisfying casserole.
Ingredients
Pasta Shells
- 12 large pasta shells
Chicken and Sauce
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed shells.
- Cook Pasta Shells: Boil salted water and cook the pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly so they are ready to be stuffed.
- Cook Chicken and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the diced chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown and fully cooked through. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Stuff Shells: Spoon the chicken Alfredo mixture into each cooked pasta shell. Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish in a single layer. Pour any remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over the shells. Optionally, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- For best results, cook pasta shells just until al dente to prevent overcooking during baking.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
- Feel free to add spinach or mushrooms into the filling for added flavor and nutrition.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for a smoother sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- Leftover stuffed shells can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
