Garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells are an explosion of flavor that will have your taste buds dancing like nobody’s watching. Picture this: creamy Alfredo sauce swirling around tender chicken, all cradled within giant pasta shells that are just waiting to be devoured. Itβs a meal that screams comfort and joy, perfect for when you want to indulge or impress.
Now, imagine gathering around the dinner table with family or friends, everyone digging into these cheesy delights and laughing at the day’s mishaps. This dish is not just food itβs a memory-maker, ideal for cozy weeknights or special occasions where deliciousness reigns supreme. Get ready to dive into a world of flavor
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells recipe is easy to make, so even novice cooks can shine in the kitchen
- The rich flavors blend perfectly, creating an irresistible dish everyone will love
- Visually stunning, these stuffed shells will impress your dinner guests without breaking a sweat
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings everyone will ask for seconds
I remember the first time I made garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells my friends were so amazed they forgot their own names and just kept saying “yum ”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Large Pasta Shells: Use extra-large shells they hold ample filling and stay sturdy during baking.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 2-3 breasts work well they’re easy to cook and shred.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor more garlic means more happiness
- Butter: Use unsalted butter to control saltiness it enhances the sauce’s richness beautifully.
- Heavy Cream: This creates a luscious Alfredo sauce there’s no such thing as too much cream here.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for optimal meltiness and flavor no pre-packaged stuff allowed
- Spinach (optional): Add some greens if you like itβs a sneaky way to boost nutrition without sacrificing taste.
- Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs brings depth and warmth to the dish sprinkle generously
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning your filling and sauce to perfection.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Pasta Shells: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain them and set aside while they cool slightly.
SautΓ© the Chicken with Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt some butter. Add minced garlic until fragrant then toss in diced chicken. Cook until golden brown and cooked through.
Create the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese while whisking until melted and smooth.
Combine Filling Ingredients: In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with half of the Alfredo sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and spinach if using. Be sure everything is evenly coated.
Stuff the Shells Up : Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Take each shell and generously fill it with the creamy chicken mixture. Place them in a baking dish lined with some extra Alfredo sauce at the bottom.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Pour remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle more Parmesan on top. Bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Now youβve got yourself an impressive meal that tastes as good as it looks Serve these garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells fresh from the oven with a sprinkle of parsley if youβre feeling fancy.
Enjoy every scrumptious bite
You Must Know
- This garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells dish is a crowd-pleaser, combining creamy goodness with savory chicken
- The aroma of garlic fills the kitchen, promising a delicious meal
- Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, itβs sure to become a favorite
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the pasta shells while you sear the chicken. After that, prepare the creamy alfredo sauce and mix in the cooked chicken for a smooth blend of flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding vegetables like spinach or swapping out chicken for shrimp. Experiment with different cheeses to find your perfect flavor combination.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350Β°F until warmed through for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make your garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells even better, focus on using fresh herbs for enhanced flavor
- Avoid overcooking the pasta by ensuring itβs al dente before stuffing
- Finally, never skip grating fresh cheese it melts beautifully and elevates the dish
It’s funny how my first attempt at this dish turned into a kitchen disaster shells everywhere But my family loved it so much they requested it again, proving that even chaos can lead to culinary success.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought alfredo sauce?
Yes, store-bought alfredo sauce can save time without sacrificing too much flavor.
How do I prevent stuffed shells from breaking?
Make sure to cook pasta shells al dente so they donβt become too soft and fragile.
Can I freeze garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells?
Absolutely Just freeze before baking and thaw overnight before cooking.

Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells are a delightful fusion of creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and large pasta shells, creating a comforting dish perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners. Each bite is an explosion of flavor that will leave everyone asking for more.
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. SautΓ© minced garlic until fragrant; add diced chicken and cook until golden brown.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Combine shredded chicken with half of the Alfredo sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and spinach.
- Fill each shell with the chicken mixture and place in a baking dish lined with remaining Alfredo sauce.
- Pour leftover sauce over stuffed shells and sprinkle with more Parmesan. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (250g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Customize by adding vegetables like bell peppers or substituting chicken with shrimp. For extra flavor, use fresh herbs such as basil or parsley. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze unbaked shells.