Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

If you love creamy, cheesy pasta dishes with a savory punch, then this Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe is going to become one of your favorites. I remember making this for a cozy weekend dinner, and the whole family couldn’t stop raving about how rich and comforting the flavors were. The blend of tender chicken, garlic butter, and that luscious Alfredo sauce all wrapped inside tender jumbo shells really hits the spot after a long day.

This recipe shines when you’re craving something a little special but straightforward enough to prep without stress. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead because it reheats beautifully. Plus, the combination of garlic butter and creamy Alfredo feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to pull together in your own kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in the Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe plays a crucial role in building that creamy, garlicky, cheesy goodness we all crave. Shopping tip: try to get fresh garlic and good quality cheeses—they truly elevate the dish.

• Jumbo pasta shells: These are perfect for stuffing; just make sure to cook them al dente so they hold up while baking.
• Cooked chicken, shredded: Rotisserie chicken works wonders here for convenience and flavor.
• Alfredo sauce: Use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade if you want an extra touch of love.
• Ricotta cheese: Adds richness and creaminess to the filling—look for whole milk ricotta for the best texture.
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Provides that melty stretch we all love.
• Parmesan cheese, grated: Brings a salty, nutty depth that rounds out the cheese blend perfectly.
• Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is key here—it infuses the butter and the entire dish with that irresistible aroma.
• Unsalted butter: You’ll use this to make that flavorful garlic butter sauce—unsalted lets you control the saltiness.
• Parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a mild herbaceous note.
• Italian seasoning: A simple mix of herbs that brings everything together with a warm, savory flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Basic but essential to enhance all your flavors.
• Olive oil: Helps with sautéing the garlic and adds a hint of fruity richness.

Variations

I love how versatile the Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe is, and you should definitely make it your own. Don’t hesitate to tweak the cheese or add some veggies if that’s your vibe—cooking is all about what makes you happy at the table.

• Spinach or broccoli: I sometimes sneak in chopped spinach or steamed broccoli with the cheese filling for extra nutrients and freshness—it totally works!
• Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter elevates the flavor with a subtle heat that’s surprisingly addictive.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free jumbo shells if you’re sensitive to gluten—I’ve done this and the texture stays great.
• Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and boost the cheese and veggies for a meatless yet satisfying meal.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Jumbo Shells Perfectly

Start by boiling your jumbo pasta shells in salted water until they’re al dente—meaning they’re cooked but still firm to the bite. This usually takes around 10-12 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them or they’ll tear when you stuff them later. Once done, drain carefully and lay them flat on a lightly greased baking sheet so they don’t stick together.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

While the pasta cooks, melt your butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the olive oil and Italian seasoning, then season with salt and pepper. This garlic butter is going to infuse your chicken and sauce with so much flavor—trust me, don’t skip this step!

Step 3: Combine the Filling Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the shredded cooked chicken with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and about half of the Alfredo sauce. Pour in the garlic butter, stirring everything together until well combined. At this point, give it a taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed—the filling should be creamy and flavorful.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Spoon the chicken and cheese filling into each jumbo shell, filling them generously but without overstuffing. Arrange each filled shell snugly in a greased casserole dish. Once all shells are stuffed and in place, pour the remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over the top—it keeps everything moist and delicious during baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until it’s bubbly and golden on top. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving so the cheese settles nicely. This baking step is where all those flavors meld beautifully—I always look forward to this part!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. A light dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving also adds a nice salty kick. If you like, a little cracked black pepper on top brings out all the cheesy, savory notes beautifully.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I often serve a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette—its acidity balances the richness perfectly. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is another favorite to scoop up any extra sauce. Roasted or steamed green beans also make a simple, healthy side that pairs well with this hearty dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered the shells in a pretty ceramic dish sprinkled with extra herbs and mozzarella for a bubbly, golden crown on top. Another fun idea is serving individual stuffed shells in ramekins for a personal touch—everyone feels like they have their own special plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, which makes it even tastier the next day. Just make sure to cover it tightly so the pasta doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

This Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe freezes beautifully. To freeze, I place the stuffed and assembled shells in a freezer-safe dish, cover with foil, and freeze before baking. When you’re ready, just thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual—perfect for busy nights!

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, individual portions can be microwaved with a damp paper towel covering to keep the shells moist. This way, the creamy texture stays intact without drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe has become a go-to comfort dish in my kitchen, especially when I want to impress without spending hours cooking. It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, but still approachable for any home cook. I hope you give it a try soon—you might just find it becomes that special recipe you turn to when you want something cozy, satisfying, and totally delicious.

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