Introduction
When I first made Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells, I didn’t expect it to become a favorite in our household, but it quickly became a hit. The creamy Alfredo sauce, combined with tender chicken, gooey melted cheeses, and the perfectly cooked jumbo pasta shells, created a meal that had everyone asking for seconds. The flavors blend so well together, and the dish has the perfect balance of richness from the cheese and cream, with just enough garlic to make it flavorful without being overpowering. It’s one of those meals that’s both comforting and indulgent—perfect for a family dinner or even special occasions.
The best part is how simple it is to prepare despite the delicious complexity of flavors. From the initial prep to the final baking, this recipe is manageable for any home cook looking to impress. Let’s dive into how to make this amazing dish!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 18-20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is hot and ready when it’s time to bake the stuffed shells.
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions, making sure they are al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the chicken filling: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add the cooked chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and let the mixture cool slightly before proceeding.
- Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the seasoned chicken mixture. Stir until everything is well incorporated and set aside.
- Prepare the Alfredo sauce: In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce thickens.
- Assemble the dish: Spread 1 cup of the Alfredo sauce evenly at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Stuff each pasta shell with the chicken and cheese filling and place them in the dish, arranging them neatly.
- Top with Alfredo sauce: Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells, covering them completely.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top of the shells and sauce for a golden, cheesy topping.
- Bake the shells: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving. Enjoy hot!
Nutrition Facts
(Per serving, serves 6-8)
- Calories: 480
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 26g
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
How to Serve
- Serve the stuffed shells hot, straight from the oven.
- Pair the dish with a simple salad for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the shells.
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Enjoy alongside a glass of white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the creamy richness of the dish.
- Garnish with extra fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese before serving for added flavor.
Additional Tips
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an even quicker meal, substitute the cooked chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken. It’s convenient and saves time on prep.
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce if you like a bit of heat.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes into the filling for added flavor and nutrition.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the stuffed shells in advance, refrigerate them, and bake them later when you’re ready to serve.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
- Add Bacon: For extra flavor, sprinkle crumbled crispy bacon on top before baking, or mix it into the chicken filling.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Spicy Chicken Alfredo: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chicken filling or Alfredo sauce for a spicy kick.
- Different Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese blends, such as provolone, Gruyère, or Gouda, to give the dish a unique flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Main Course: This dish is hearty enough to stand alone as a main course for dinner.
- Pair with a Salad: Serve alongside a crisp, green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the rich, creamy pasta.
- Garlic Bread: Pair this dish with homemade garlic bread or a warm baguette for extra carbs and flavor.
- Pair with Wine: A chilled glass of white wine, like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, pairs wonderfully with the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Perfect for Family Dinners: This recipe serves multiple people, making it perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together.
Freezing and Storage
- Storing Leftovers: Allow the stuffed shells to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Freezing Instructions: To freeze, assemble the stuffed shells as instructed but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. When ready to cook, bake straight from the freezer, adding an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating: Reheat the leftover shells in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
FAQ Section
- Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?
While jumbo shells work best for stuffing, you can also use manicotti tubes or even large conchiglie pasta. - Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the shells ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. - Can I freeze Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked stuffed shells for up to 3 months. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding extra time as needed. - What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese, try using cottage cheese or mascarpone for a different texture and flavor. - How can I make the Alfredo sauce richer?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a slightly lighter sauce, but using heavy cream makes the sauce richer and creamier. - Can I use shredded chicken instead of diced chicken?
Yes, shredded chicken works great for this recipe and might even be easier to mix into the filling. - Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes, spinach, mushrooms, and even roasted bell peppers can add more flavor and nutrition to the stuffing mixture. - How do I prevent the shells from sticking together while cooking?
Be sure to cook the pasta shells al dente, and rinse them with cold water after draining to prevent them from sticking together. - What can I do if the Alfredo sauce is too thick?
If your sauce thickens too much, just add a bit more cream or milk to reach the desired consistency. - How do I know when the stuffed shells are fully baked?
The shells are done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. You can check by inserting a fork into the center of a shell to ensure it’s heated through.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells is a dish that offers a perfect blend of flavors, textures, and comfort. With a creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese stuffed into al dente pasta shells, it’s a family favorite that’s easy to make and sure to impress. Whether for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or meal prep, this recipe is versatile, filling, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.