The aroma of garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells wafts through the kitchen like a warm hug, wrapping you in comfort and nostalgia. Picture this: creamy, cheesy goodness cradling tender chicken, all snuggled up in pasta shells that are just waiting to be devoured. It’s a dish that brings everyone together, perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings with friends.
Imagine the excitement on your loved ones’ faces as you unveil this masterpiece at the dinner table. The anticipation builds as they catch a whiff of garlic and butter dancing in the air, promising an unforgettable flavor experience that will have them asking for seconds and maybe even thirds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners
- The rich flavors of garlic butter and creamy Alfredo sauce will leave everyone wanting more
- Visually stunning with its golden-brown topping, it’s sure to impress guests at any gathering
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients or leftovers
I remember the first time I made this dish my friends practically fought over the last shell. It was a culinary victory I won’t soon forget
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: Choose large shells that can hold plenty of filling they should be sturdy enough to withstand baking.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well feel free to adjust for larger gatherings or hungry appetites.
- Fresh Garlic: Use firm cloves for maximum flavor roasted garlic adds a lovely sweetness too.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is best it allows you to control the saltiness in your sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Essential for that rich Alfredo sauce texture don’t skimp on this creamy goodness
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh cheese for the best flavor pre-shredded options lack that delightful creaminess.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs adds depth feel free to use fresh herbs if you have them
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings don’t forget to taste along the way
- Fresh Parsley (optional): Add a pop of color and freshness as a garnish before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat and Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that heats up, cook your jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente.
Cook the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, melt some butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant but not burned about one minute then add diced chicken. Cook until golden brown and cooked through.
Create the Alfredo Sauce: In the same pan, pour in heavy cream and stir in grated Parmesan cheese over low heat. Keep stirring until melted and smooth this is where magic happens.
Mix It All Together: Combine cooked chicken with Alfredo sauce in a bowl. Spoon this heavenly mixture into each pasta shell generously.
Transfer and Bake : Place filled shells into a greased baking dish. Pour any remaining Alfredo sauce over the top, then sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Finish Off with Flavor : Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving
Now you have a plateful of garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells ready to delight everyone at your table Enjoy every bite as laughter fills the room
You Must Know
- Garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells are a delightful twist on traditional pasta
- The creamy sauce and tender chicken create a comforting dish perfect for any occasion
- Plus, it’s an impressive meal that looks like you spent hours making it
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the shells first once they’re cooking, sauté the chicken in garlic butter. Prepare the alfredo sauce while everything cooks to ensure perfect timing and temperature.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or add spinach for extra nutrition. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper for a spicy kick if that tickles your taste buds.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, ensuring the creamy texture remains intact.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best flavor, use fresh garlic instead of powdered
- When boiling pasta, add salt to enhance flavor
- For a creamier texture, add more cheese to your alfredo sauce as desired
Sharing this recipe reminded me of a dinner party where my friends devoured these stuffed shells before I even got a chance to sit down
FAQ
Can I use different types of cheese in the stuffed shells?
Absolutely Feel free to mix mozzarella with provolone or even ricotta for extra creaminess.
How do I prevent the stuffed shells from sticking together?
Make sure to toss them gently in olive oil after draining to keep them separate.
What can I serve with garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells?
A simple side salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly with this rich and creamy dish.
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells are a delightful comfort food that combines creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and jumbo pasta shells. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners with friends, promising a flavor-packed experience that everyone will love. With its rich aroma and visually appealing presentation, it’s sure to impress at any table.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add diced chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese over low heat until melted and smooth.
- Combine the cooked chicken with the Alfredo sauce. Spoon the mixture into each pasta shell.
- Place filled shells in a greased baking dish, pour remaining Alfredo sauce on top, and sprinkle more Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Garnish with parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (200g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg