Irresistible Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

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It’s that magical moment when garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells come to life, filling your kitchen with an aroma that could make even the most disciplined dieter weak in the knees. Picture this: large pasta shells, generously stuffed with a creamy garlic-infused chicken mixture, slathered in rich Alfredo sauce. Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Each bite is a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds, leaving you craving more. For more inspiration, check out this Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers recipe.

Now, let me take you back to a cozy family dinner where these stuffed shells stole the show. As I plated them for my friends and family, their eyes lit up like kids on Christmas morning. The laughter and compliments were nonstop, and by the end of the meal, not a shell remained. It’s moments like these that make cooking worthwhile—sharing joy through delicious food that warms both heart and stomach.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells are quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights
  • The flavors meld beautifully, creating a dish that’s sure to impress
  • Their stunning presentation makes them ideal for gatherings or special occasions
  • Plus, you can easily customize the filling based on your preferences or ingredients on hand

I remember the first time I made these; my friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious they were.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Large Pasta Shells: These hold all the flavorful goodness inside; choose ones that are sturdy enough to handle stuffing.

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work best; adjust according to how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.

  • Fresh Garlic: Use firm cloves for maximum flavor; roasting them brings out their natural sweetness.

  • Heavy Cream: Essential for creating that luscious Alfredo sauce; don’t skimp on quality here.

  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated gives better flavor than pre-packaged; it melts beautifully into the sauce.

  • Spinach (Optional): Adds nutrition and color; use fresh or frozen based on what you have available.

  • Butter: For sautéing the garlic and chicken; it adds richness to every bite.

  • Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that elevate all flavors in this dish; don’t forget them!

  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings an aromatic punch to your filling.

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 water in a large pot. Once boiling, add salt generously before cooking the pasta until al dente as per package instructions—usually around 8-10 minutes.

Sauté the Chicken and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt some butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add diced chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper, cooking until no longer pink.

Create the Alfredo Sauce: Pour heavy cream into your skillet with cooked chicken. Chick Fil A Mac And Cheese Stir in grated Parmesan cheese while simmering gently until thickened—this should take about 5-7 minutes.

Mix in Spinach (If Using): If you’re adding spinach for health points (and color), fold it into the sauce now until wilted. This keeps everything vibrant and nutritious!

Stuff Your Shells!: Carefully fill each cooked shell with your creamy mixture using a spoon or piping bag—be generous! Place them snugly in a greased baking dish.

Bake Until Golden Brown: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour remaining Alfredo sauce over stuffed shells and sprinkle extra Parmesan on top before baking for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Now you’ve got yourself some scrumptious garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells ready to impress anyone lucky enough to be at your table! Serve them hot, perhaps with a side salad or garlic bread for dipping—the perfect accompaniment! Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken. Garlic Parmesan Fries. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs recipe.

This recipe is sure to become a family favorite, bringing everyone together around the dinner table while creating memories filled with laughter and satisfaction over each cheesy bite. Enjoy!

You Must Know

  • Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are rich and creamy, making them the ultimate comfort food
  • The fragrant garlic and buttery sauce create an irresistible aroma, drawing everyone to the dinner table
  • These shells can be made ahead, perfect for busy weeknights!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta shells till al dente, then prepare your garlic butter sauce while they cool. Sear the chicken until golden, mix with cheese and sauce, and stuff each shell. Finally, bake until bubbly for a comforting dish.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or sautéed veggies. Add spices like crushed red pepper or fresh herbs to spice things up. Don’t forget extra cheese on top for that melty goodness!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, keeping them moist and delicious.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • To make your Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells even better, always use fresh ingredients, avoid overcooking the pasta shells, and let the stuffed shells rest before serving
  • This way, flavors meld beautifully!

Sometimes I think my family loves these stuffed shells more than me! Seeing their delighted faces when I serve this dish makes all the effort worthwhile—it’s pure joy wrapped in pasta.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed and cooked thoroughly before using.

What cheese works best for stuffing?

A blend of ricotta and mozzarella gives a creamy texture and lovely flavor.

How do I prevent stuffed shells from drying out?

Cover with foil while baking to retain moisture; uncover during last few minutes for browning.

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Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells


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  • Author: Larissa W.
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6

Description

Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a comforting and delicious dish that brings joy to the dinner table. These large pasta shells are generously filled with a creamy garlic-infused chicken mixture, draped in rich Alfredo sauce, and baked to golden perfection.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 large pasta shells
  • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta shells until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper; cook until no longer pink.
  3. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese; simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened. If using, mix in spinach until wilted.
  4. Stuff each pasta shell with the chicken mixture and place in a greased baking dish. Pour remaining Alfredo sauce over shells and sprinkle with extra Parmesan.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (250g)
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Tags:

Chicken Alfredo / comfort food / creamy pasta / easy recipe / family dinner / garlic butter / stuffed shells

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