When the aroma of garlic butter chicken Alfredo stuffed shells wafts through your kitchen, it’s like a warm hug for your senses. Imagine creamy Alfredo sauce enveloping tender pasta shells, all while being infused with the rich flavors of garlic and succulent chicken. This dish is not only a feast for the stomach but also a delight for the eyes, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Growing up, this was my go-to recipe whenever I wanted to impress friends or family. The excitement on their faces as they dug into those cheesy, stuffed shells was priceless. You can whip this up for a special occasion or even a weeknight dinner that feels like a celebration. Trust me; your taste buds are in for an unforgettable experience.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation means you can impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen
- The flavor profile combines savory garlic and creamy cheese in every bite
- Visually stunning, these stuffed shells look as good as they taste and will wow anyone at your table
- Versatile enough to adapt with different fillers or sauces based on your preferences
I still remember the first time I made these stuffed shells; my friends couldn’t stop raving about them and even asked for seconds—who knew I had such culinary prowess?
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Jumbo Pasta Shells: These large shells hold all that creamy goodness inside; make sure they’re sturdy enough to prevent breakage.
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts; adjust the quantity based on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
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Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm cloves; fresh garlic brings out the best flavors in this dish.
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Heavy Cream: For that luscious Alfredo sauce texture; don’t skimp on creaminess!
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Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh cheese if possible for maximum flavor impact; it makes a world of difference!
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Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs adds depth to both the chicken and sauce.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process; never underestimate their power!
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Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle adds color and freshness right before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Pasta Shells: Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes.
Cook Your Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Cook diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper until golden brown and fully cooked—about 6-8 minutes will do.
Sauté the Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet with chicken just before it’s done cooking. Sauté until fragrant—this should take about 1 minute, filling your kitchen with heavenly aromas.
Create Your Alfredo Sauce: Pour heavy cream into the skillet along with grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and combined. Let it simmer lightly until thickened—around 5 minutes works wonders here.
Stuff Those Shells!: Carefully fill each cooked shell with the chicken Alfredo mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Be generous but try not to overstuff them—you want them to stay intact!
Bake to Perfection : Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange filled shells in a greased baking dish, pour any remaining sauce over them, then cover with foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Enjoy this original creation that brings comfort food vibes straight to your dinner table! Each bite will remind you why garlic butter chicken Alfredo stuffed shells are worth every moment spent preparing them.
You Must Know
- Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells deliver creamy comfort and a flavor explosion, making dinner a hit
- The rich aroma will have everyone gathering in the kitchen, eager to dig in
- This dish is perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a cozy meal
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the chicken and garlic in butter; then boil the pasta while preparing the creamy Alfredo sauce. This sequence maximizes flavor and ensures everything is ready at the same time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. You can also try different cheeses, such as mozzarella or gouda, for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells, cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness
- Always taste your sauce before serving; adjust seasoning for perfection
- Lastly, use fresh garlic instead of powdered for an aromatic boost that enhances flavor beautifully
The first time I made these Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells, my friends couldn’t stop raving about them. Their excited reactions made me feel like a culinary wizard!
FAQ
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes if shells are unavailable.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Replace chicken with sautéed vegetables or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option.
Can I freeze the stuffed shells?
Absolutely! Freeze them before baking; just add extra baking time when cooking from frozen.
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a creamy, indulgent dish that combines tender jumbo pasta shells filled with succulent chicken and a rich garlic-infused Alfredo sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, this recipe is both visually stunning and deeply satisfying. With minimal prep time and mouthwatering flavors, you’ll impress your guests while enjoying the comfort of home-cooked goodness.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the jumbo shells until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and cook diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper until golden brown (6-8 minutes). Add minced garlic during the last minute of cooking.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir in grated Parmesan cheese, simmering until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Carefully stuff each shell with the chicken Alfredo mixture; arrange in a greased baking dish.
- Pour any remaining sauce over the shells, cover with foil, and bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 stuffed shells (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
