Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food. Imagine sinking your fork into a tender pasta shell, bursting with creamy garlic butter chicken and a sprinkle of cheese that melts into a pool of heavenly goodness. The aroma wafting through your kitchen as they bake will have everyone racing to the dinner table, ready to dig in.
This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing friends at gatherings. I remember the first time I made these stuffed shells; my family devoured them faster than I could say “second helping.” With each bite, the rich flavors come alive, creating memories that last long after the plates are empty. Get ready for an amazing flavor experience!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation makes this dish a weeknight favorite for busy families
- The flavor profile combines savory garlic butter with rich Alfredo sauce for a comforting experience
- Visually appealing, these stuffed shells look stunning on any table
- Versatile enough to adapt for various dietary needs or ingredient swaps!
I still chuckle remembering my friend’s reaction when she took her first bite; she declared it was “life-changing” and promptly asked for the recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Jumbo Pasta Shells: Choose large shells that can hold plenty of stuffing—no one wants a sad, empty shell.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work perfectly here; adjust based on how many you’re feeding.
Fresh Garlic: Use firm cloves for intense flavor; roasting them enhances sweetness.
Butter: Opt for unsalted butter to control the seasoning without overpowering flavors.
Alfredo Sauce: Store-bought works great, but homemade can elevate this dish even further if you’re feeling ambitious.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This adds creaminess and stretch; who doesn’t love stretchy cheese?
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle on top brings a nutty finish that complements the dish beautifully.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out all those delicious flavors in your dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Pasta Shells: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add your jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt some butter and add chopped garlic. Cook until fragrant before adding diced chicken breasts seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until cooked through.
Create the Filling: Once the chicken is done cooking, mix it with Alfredo sauce and half of the mozzarella cheese in a bowl. The mixture should be creamy and smell divine—taste testing is mandatory here.
Stuff Those Shells!: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon generous amounts of filling into each cooked shell—don’t be shy! Arrange them in a greased baking dish as you go.
Add Sauce and Cheese Topping: Pour any remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells once they’re in place, then sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake Until Golden Brown!: Cover the baking dish with foil (to prevent burning) and bake for about 25 minutes. Remove foil at the end to let cheese get bubbly and golden brown.
When you pull these beauties out of the oven, let them rest for a few minutes—if you can resist diving in right away!
Now gather your loved ones around the table because it’s time to enjoy your Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells! You may want to keep some napkins handy because things might get cheesy…literally!
You Must Know
- Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a creamy delight that can impress anyone
- The rich flavors meld beautifully, creating a comforting dish loved by kids and adults alike
- Make sure to have extra garlic bread on hand; you’ll want to soak up every last drop of sauce!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by searing your chicken first to lock in those savory juices. While it rests, cook the pasta al dente and prepare your creamy Alfredo sauce all in one go for maximum efficiency.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or add spinach for a twist. You can also experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or parmesan to elevate the flavor profile of your stuffed shells.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring the cheese melts perfectly again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best stuffed shells, ensure your pasta is al dente; overcooked shells will become mushy
- Always season your filling well; it makes a world of difference in flavor
- Lastly, don’t skimp on the garlic – it’s the star of this dish!
I remember the first time I made these Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells for my family. Their faces lit up as they took their first bites, and I knew I had struck culinary gold.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought sauce saves time without sacrificing flavor; just heat and mix with garlic.
How do I prevent my pasta from sticking together?
Toss cooked shells with olive oil immediately after draining to keep them separated during assembly.
What sides pair well with stuffed shells?
Garlic bread and a fresh green salad complement this dish beautifully, adding texture and freshness.
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a comforting culinary delight that combines tender pasta shells filled with creamy garlic butter chicken and topped with melted cheese. This dish not only fills the stomach but warms the heart, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. With its irresistible aroma and rich flavors, every bite promises an unforgettable dining experience.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil salted water in a large pot and cook jumbo pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, cooking until browned and cooked through.
- In a bowl, combine cooked chicken with Alfredo sauce and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Stuff each pasta shell generously with the filling and arrange in a greased baking dish.
- Pour remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil to allow cheese to brown for an additional 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
