Garlic butter chicken Alfredo stuffed shells are like a warm hug for your taste buds. Imagine creamy Alfredo sauce cascading over tender pasta shells, each filled with juicy chicken and a hint of garlic that makes your mouth water. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, promising a flavor explosion that you canβt resist.

This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests at your next gathering. Trust me, when you serve these stuffed shells, everyone will be asking for seconds and maybe even thirds Youβll find it hard to resist diving into this cheesy, garlicky goodness.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation means you wonβt spend hours cooking
- Flavors meld beautifully for a creamy delight that satisfies every palate
- Visually stunning, these stuffed shells are sure to wow your dinner guests
- Versatile enough for a weeknight meal or special occasion alike, theyβre destined to become a family favorite
My friends went wild for these stuffed shells during our last get-together. I think I might have even seen someone sneak a shell into their bag for later
Essential Ingredients
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: Use large shells to hold all the creamy goodness inside they cook up perfectly al dente.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well adjust based on your crowd size.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for the best flavor more garlic equals more yum.
- Heavy Cream: A must-have for that rich Alfredo sauce donβt skimp on the creaminess
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts into the sauce beautifully avoid pre-grated stuff if you can.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness in your dish and enhance flavors.
- Spinach (optional): Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients feel free to toss it in with abandon.
- Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Italian Herbs): Essential for elevating flavors use generously to season every layer of this dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Letβs Make it Together
Prepare the Pasta Shells: First, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, melt some butter. Add diced chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
SautΓ© the Garlic and Spinach: Add minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and sautΓ© until fragrant about 1 minute. If using spinach, toss it in now until wilted.
Make the Alfredo Sauce: In another saucepan, melt butter over medium heat then stir in heavy cream and allow it to simmer gently. Gradually add grated Parmesan while stirring until melted and smooth.
Assemble the Stuffed Shells: Preheat oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Fill each pasta shell with the chicken mixture and arrange them in a baking dish. Pour Alfredo sauce over the top and sprinkle extra cheese if desired.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Cover with foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
And there you have it Your garlic butter chicken Alfredo stuffed shells are ready to steal the show at any meal Enjoy every cheesy bite
You Must Know
- Garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells are a crowd-pleaser that combines creamy goodness with cheesy delight
- The rich aroma wafting through your kitchen will make everyone curious, and the first bite?
- Pure bliss Plus, theyβre easy to customize based on your flavor preferences
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the seasoned chicken in garlic butter, then prepare the pasta while the chicken cooks. This method ensures everything comes together seamlessly for a creamy finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or add spinach for extra nutrition. Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or ricotta to elevate your stuffed shells.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350Β°F until warmed through for optimal taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh herbs for flavor they enhance the dishβs aroma and taste significantly
- Ensure your pasta is al dente it will hold up better when baking
- Donβt rush the sauce letting it simmer develops rich flavors that wow your guests
Cooking these garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells brings back fond memories of family gatherings where plates were wiped clean in seconds, leaving only satisfied smiles behind.
FAQ
Can I use gluten-free pasta for garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells?
Absolutely Gluten-free pasta works well and tastes great with this recipe.
How long can I store garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells?
These delicious stuffed shells can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.
What can I substitute for chicken in the recipe?
Shrimp or mushrooms make excellent substitutes, adding unique flavors to your stuffed shells.
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a comforting and delicious dish that combines creamy Alfredo sauce with tender pasta shells filled with juicy chicken and aromatic garlic. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe guarantees satisfied smiles all around. With easy preparation and a delightful flavor profile, these stuffed shells are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Italian herbs to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350Β°F (175Β°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 diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown (7-10 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and sautΓ© until fragrant (about 1 minute). If using spinach, add it now until wilted.
- In another saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then stir in heavy cream. Simmer gently and gradually add grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Fill each pasta shell with the chicken mixture and arrange them in a baking dish. Pour Alfredo sauce over the top and sprinkle with extra cheese if desired.
- Cover with foil and bake for about 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, consider mixing in vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers. Swap chicken for shrimp or mushrooms for different flavor profiles. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.