If you’re searching for the ultimate weeknight comfort food, look no further than Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells. These luscious pasta shells are filled with tender garlic butter chicken, three kinds of cheese, and classic Italian seasoning, then nestled in rich Alfredo sauce and baked until bubbly. The result is a showstopper everyone at your table will crave again and again—it’s creamy, savory, and absolutely irresistible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity: each ingredient plays a starring role, adding flavor, creaminess, or texture to every bite. Make sure to grab high-quality staples, and you’ll be rewarded with a restaurant-worthy meal right from your own oven!
- Jumbo pasta shells (20): Their size is perfect for stuffing and they hold up beautifully during baking.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): The backbone of that incredible garlic butter chicken flavor—don’t skimp here.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Sautéed garlic infuses everything with fragrant warmth and depth.
- Cooked chicken, shredded (2 cups): Feel free to use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Adds creaminess and keeps the filling luxuriously light.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully for perfect stretch and gooey factor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): For sharp, nutty richness that makes the filling extra savory.
- Egg (1): Helps bind the ingredients so the filling stays together in each shell.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A classic blend for that herby, unmistakably Italian aroma.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for bringing out all those flavors.
- Alfredo sauce (2 cups): Use homemade or your favorite store-bought variety for that creamy, garlicky base.
- Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): Sprinkled on top, it adds freshness, color, and a burst of flavor.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Step 1: Get Those Shells Ready
Start by cooking your jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until they’re just al dente—you want them sturdy enough to hold all that delicious filling. Drain well and let them cool slightly so they’re easy to handle as you stuff them in a bit.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic Butter Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add your minced garlic. You only need about a minute for the garlic to become fragrant—don’t let it get too brown. Then toss in the shredded chicken, stirring so every bite gets coated in that warm, golden garlic butter. Once everything smells incredible, take it off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a big mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, half of your mozzarella, grated Parmesan, the egg, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and that irresistible garlic butter chicken. Stir until everything is blended into a creamy, cheesy, herby filling—you’ll want to taste-test for salt and make sure you’re happy with the flavors here!
Step 4: Assemble the Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Spread a generous layer of Alfredo sauce (about 1/2 cup) over the bottom of your 9×13-inch baking dish. Carefully fill each shell with the chicken and cheese mixture, nestling them seam-side up in the sauce. Arrange them close together so they don’t tip over or dry out as they bake.
Step 5: Saucing and Topping
Pour the rest of your Alfredo sauce evenly across the tops of the stuffed shells, making sure every shell gets a little love. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over everything, and you’ll set the stage for that gooey, golden finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil (this keeps everything extra luscious) and bake for 25 minutes at 375°F. Then, uncover and continue baking for about 10 minutes, until the top is bubbling and slightly golden. If you like extra color, broil for the last minute—just watch closely!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Let the Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells cool for a few minutes before sprinkling with chopped parsley, if using. This final touch adds just the right amount of fresh flavor and vibrant green color. Now, you’re ready to dig in!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only brings a pop of color but also adds a lovely, clean flavor to balance the richness of the Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells. If you’re feeling fancy, a bit of extra grated Parmesan just before serving takes things up another notch.
Side Dishes
For a full Italian-inspired meal, pair your stuffed shells with a crisp green salad and a hunk of crusty garlic bread to mop up all that luscious Alfredo sauce. Roasted or steamed broccoli also works beautifully to balance out the dish with some extra veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking the shells in individual ramekins for personalized portions—perfect for dinner parties or a family-style Sunday supper. For a cozy gathering, serve them straight from the baking dish family-style, or line up the shells in a single layer for an impressive buffet presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They reheat wonderfully and often taste just as good—if not better—the next day as all the flavors meld together.
Freezing
These stuffed shells are a superstar freezer meal! Assemble the whole dish but hold off on baking. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10 to 15 minutes as needed.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 15-20 minutes). Add a splash of extra Alfredo sauce if you like it extra creamy! You can also microwave individual portions for a delicious lunch on the go.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells, saving you time while still packing tons of flavor. Just shred the meat and proceed as directed.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free jumbo pasta shells. Double-check your Alfredo sauce ingredients as well to ensure there are no hidden sources of gluten.
Can I prepare Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble everything up to a day in advance, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cook time to compensate for the cold start.
How do I keep the shells from sticking together?
Toss the drained shells gently with a drizzle of olive oil, or rinse them with cool water right after draining. This helps prevent sticking and makes filling them much easier.
What can I add for extra flavor or texture?
Stir in sautéed spinach or cooked, crumbled bacon for a unique twist. Sun-dried tomatoes or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can give the Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells extra depth and zip!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about sharing a bubbling dish of Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells with the people you love. It’s heartwarming, crowd-pleasing, and bound to become a new favorite at your table. I can’t wait for you to try it and see for yourself how a handful of simple ingredients can become pure comfort in every bite!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 5 servings (about 4 shells per serving)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells for a comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Jumbo Pasta Shells:
20 shells
Unsalted Butter:
2 tablespoons
Garlic Cloves:
3, minced
Cooked Chicken:
2 cups, shredded
Ricotta Cheese:
1 cup
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese:
1 cup
Grated Parmesan Cheese:
1/2 cup
Egg:
1
Italian Seasoning:
1 teaspoon
Salt and Pepper:
to taste
Alfredo Sauce:
2 cups (homemade or store-bought)
Fresh Parsley:
2 tablespoons, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells: according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and chicken: in butter until fragrant; let cool.
- Combine cheeses and seasonings: with the chicken mixture.
- Fill shells: with the mixture and place in a baking dish.
- Pour Alfredo sauce: over the shells and top with mozzarella.
- Bake: covered for 25 minutes, then uncovered for 10 minutes until golden.
- Garnish: with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For extra flavor, add spinach or bacon to the filling.
- This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 stuffed shells
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
