Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells is a dish that sings comfort food from the moment it hits your plate. Imagine giant pasta shells embracing a creamy, dreamy filling of garlic butter chicken and cheesy goodness, baked to golden perfection. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have you drooling before the first bite, while each forkful dances on your taste buds, creating a flavor fiesta you’ll never forget.
This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Picture cozy family dinners or romantic evenings where laughter fills the air as everyone digs into this hearty delight. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible—garlicky, buttery, and oh-so-comforting! Get ready to impress your friends and family while enjoying the anticipation of that first delicious bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delectable Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe combines convenience with gourmet flair, making weeknight dinners feel special
- Each bite bursts with rich flavors that everyone will adore
- Preparing this dish is straightforward and requires minimal cleanup, allowing for more time to enjoy with loved ones
- Its stunning presentation makes it perfect for gatherings or special occasions
I remember the first time I made these stuffed shells for my family; their reactions were priceless! My kids were practically dancing around the table in excitement.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Jumbo Pasta Shells: These sturdy shells hold all that gooey goodness inside; just be sure not to overcook them.
-
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts are ideal for a hearty filling; feel free to adjust based on hunger levels.
-
Fresh Garlic: Use about 4 cloves minced; fresh garlic adds an aromatic kick that dried garlic can’t match.
-
Heavy Cream: For that luscious Alfredo sauce, heavy cream provides a rich texture that makes everything feel indulgent.
-
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives depth to the sauce; opt for freshly grated for maximum flavor.
-
Butter: A generous amount of butter is essential for making the garlic flavor pop while keeping everything creamy.
-
Spinach (optional): Adding fresh spinach brings color and nutrients; plus, it pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
-
Italian Seasoning: A sprinkle of Italian seasoning elevates the dish with herbs like oregano and basil for authentic flavor.
-
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors in this dish; don’t skimp on these!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Cook the Pasta Shells: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt generously and cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain carefully and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Chicken Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant without burning it—about one minute. Toss in diced chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown.
Create the Alfredo Sauce: Pour in heavy cream along with Italian seasoning into the skillet with cooked chicken. Stir continuously as it simmers gently—not boiling—until thickened, about 5 minutes. Mix in grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
Add Spinach (optional): If using spinach, fold fresh leaves into the sauce mixture now until wilted—a vibrant pop of color enhances both looks and taste!
Stuff the Pasta Shells: Spoon generous amounts of filling into each cooked shell—don’t be shy here! Place filled shells upright in a greased baking dish to show off their fabulousness.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Pour any remaining Alfredo sauce over stuffed shells before sprinkling more cheese on top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown—a glorious sight indeed!
Now gather everyone around because they’re going to love this!
Enjoy your homemade Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells alongside a fresh salad or some crusty bread for dipping into all that luscious sauce. Each bite should remind you why cooking can be such an enjoyable adventure!
You Must Know
- Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a delicious combination of creamy goodness and savory flavors
- The rich aroma fills your kitchen, making it irresistible
- Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, these shells are sure to be a hit on any dinner table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the pasta shells, then sauté the chicken in garlic butter while preparing the creamy sauce. This sequence ensures everything is fresh and hot when served.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or add spinach for extra nutrition. Use different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for unique flavor variations.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente; this helps prevent mushiness after baking
- Always let the filling cool before stuffing to avoid breaking the shells
- Adding extra cheese on top creates a delightful golden crust during baking
Sharing a meal of Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells with friends became a treasured memory—everyone raved about it, and I left the table feeling like a culinary superstar.
FAQ
Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare them in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What can I substitute for chicken in this recipe?
Shrimp, turkey, or even a mix of veggies work wonderfully as alternatives.
How do I prevent stuffed shells from drying out?
Cover them with foil while baking to lock in moisture and keep them tender.
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food, featuring large pasta shells filled with a creamy garlic butter chicken mixture and topped with melted cheese. This crowd-pleaser is perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions, delivering rich flavors in every bite. Baked to golden perfection, these stuffed shells offer an irresistible combination of cheesy goodness and savory chicken that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown.
- Stir in heavy cream and Italian seasoning, simmering gently until thickened (about 5 minutes). Mix in grated Parmesan until melted.
- If using spinach, fold it into the sauce mixture until wilted.
- Stuff cooked shells generously with the filling and place them upright in a greased baking dish.
- Pour remaining Alfredo sauce over filled shells and sprinkle extra cheese on top. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
