Garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells is the kind of dish that makes your taste buds dance like nobody’s watching. Imagine creamy, garlicky goodness enveloping tender pasta shells, all topped with a rich Alfredo sauce that’s so velvety it could give silk a run for its money. creamy broccoli alfredo penne The aroma wafts through your kitchen, drawing in family and friends faster than you can say “dinner’s ready.”
I remember the first time I made this dish; I was trying to impress my in-laws. Little did I know, I’d end up creating a family favorite! This recipe is perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings where everyone just wants to dig into something comforting and delicious. Get ready to experience flavors that will make you feel like a gourmet chef without breaking a sweat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells recipe is a breeze to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free
- The rich flavors offer an irresistible appeal that will have everyone asking for seconds
- Visually stunning with its creamy sauce and colorful garnishes, this dish is sure to impress any guest
- Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, it’s incredibly versatile and can be customized with your favorite ingredients
I’ll never forget when my kids took their first bite—they were literally speechless, which is rare for them!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Large Pasta Shells: These hold all the delicious filling inside and provide a delightful bite.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well; adjust based on serving size.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor—this dish needs all the garlic love it can get!
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the seasoning.
- Heavy Cream: This gives the Alfredo sauce its rich creaminess—don’t skimp on this ingredient.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best; it melts beautifully and adds depth. creamy parmesan sausage soup.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that elevates the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic but essential seasonings to enhance all flavors present.
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness to finish off the dish beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Pasta Shells: Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt and cook the pasta shells until al dente according to package instructions. Drain them gently, ensuring they don’t stick together.
Sauté the Chicken and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt some butter. Add diced chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper, cooking until golden brown. Toss in minced garlic until fragrant but not burnt. For more inspiration, check out this chicken tenders with garlic parmesan recipe.
Create the Alfredo Sauce: Lower the heat slightly; pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously. Add grated Parmesan cheese gradually until melted and smooth. Season with Italian herbs to elevate those flavors even more.
Stuff the Shells with Filling: Take each cooked shell and fill it generously with the chicken mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Place them snugly in a baking dish as you go along.
Add Sauce and Bake: Pour any remaining Alfredo sauce over your stuffed shells, covering them completely. Sprinkle extra cheese on top if you’re feeling adventurous! Bake in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Garnish and Serve!: Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving to add a burst of color. Dig into these heavenly stuffed shells while they’re still warm!
Now you have an irresistible garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells recipe that will make you look like a culinary genius! Enjoy this comforting meal that brings smiles around your dinner table every time you serve it up! Hawaiian chicken skewers.
You Must Know
- This garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells recipe combines creamy goodness with hearty pasta, creating a delightful dish
- Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in, each bite oozes flavor
- Don’t forget to sprinkle extra cheese on top for that melty touch!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first, then cook the pasta while preparing the sauce. This sequence helps you multitask efficiently and ensures everything is piping hot when served.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or add spinach for extra nutrition. Customize seasonings to match your taste, making this dish uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, preserving that creamy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfect stuffed shells, ensure the pasta is al dente; overcooked shells may fall apart
- Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or ricotta for varied flavors
- Always let your dish rest before serving; it enhances flavor fusion and makes serving easier
Creating this garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells has led to countless happy faces at my dinner table; even my picky cousin couldn’t resist going back for seconds! grilled stuffed peppers.
FAQ
Can I prepare garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells in advance?
Yes, you can assemble them a day before and refrigerate until ready to bake. For more inspiration, check out this easy one pot spaghetti recipe.
What can I substitute for chicken in this recipe?
Shrimp or vegetables work wonderfully as alternatives to chicken in this dish.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Adding a bit of cream cheese or a cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce beautifully.

Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells are a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender pasta with rich flavors. Each shell is generously filled with a savory chicken mixture, enveloped in a velvety Alfredo sauce and baked to perfection. This crowd-pleaser is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a delightful experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 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
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown. Stir in minced garlic until fragrant.
- Reduce heat and add heavy cream, stirring continuously. Gradually mix in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth; season with Italian herbs.
- Stuff each shell with the chicken mixture and place them in a baking dish. Pour remaining Alfredo sauce over the shells; sprinkle more cheese if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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