Garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells is not just a dish it’s a love letter to your taste buds. Imagine velvety, rich alfredo sauce mingling with tender chicken, all nestled within giant pasta shells that are begging to be devoured. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, making even the most dedicated dieters weak at the knees. You know that feeling when you get home after a long day and want nothing more than to wrap yourself in a warm blanket of comfort food? This dish is that blanket.

I remember the first time I made garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells for my family. My cousin, who normally turns her nose up at anything remotely resembling “healthy,” inhaled her serving like it was an Olympic event. We ended up fighting over the last shell, proving once again that pasta has magical powers to unite even the most competitive relatives. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering of friends, this dish is your go-to for unforgettable flavors and smiles.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells recipe combines simplicity and flavor for an easy meal
- The creamy sauce complements the juicy chicken perfectly
- Visually stunning, these stuffed shells will impress your guests
- Customize with veggies or different proteins for added variety
When I served this dish during our annual family reunion, I received raving reviews from everyone at the table.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: These big guys are perfect for stuffing with creamy goodness, so don’t skimp on size
- Boneless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts for this recipe they cook quickly and absorb flavor well.
- Fresh Garlic: Use 4-5 cloves of fresh garlic because who doesn’t love that aromatic punch?
- Butter: A couple tablespoons of unsalted butter will enhance the richness of your sauce.
- Heavy Cream: For that luscious alfredo texture, heavy cream is non-negotiable no skim milk here
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh parmesan as it melts better than pre-shredded varieties and adds depth.
- Italian Seasoning: A teaspoon of this blend brings out all those comforting Italian flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning your ingredients don’t forget to taste as you go
- Fresh Parsley (optional): Just a sprinkle on top adds a burst of color and freshness to each serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Boil the Pasta Shells: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente according to package directions usually about 9 minutes.
Cook the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, melt some butter and add diced chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through around 6-8 minutes should do it.
Sauté the Garlic: Reduce heat to low and add minced garlic to the pan with chicken. Stir frequently until fragrant about 1 minute and watch out burnt garlic is not your friend
Create the Alfredo Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and stir in grated parmesan cheese along with Italian seasoning. Let it simmer gently until it thickens slightly this should take about 3-5 minutes.
Stuff Those Shells : Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Fill each cooked shell with the creamy chicken mixture using a spoon or piping bag it’s messy but oh-so-fun
Bake Until Golden Brown: Place stuffed shells in a greased baking dish, drizzle any leftover sauce on top, then bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Now you have made garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells a delightful culinary masterpiece that will have everyone begging for seconds Enjoy every creamy bite as you sit back, relax, and soak in all those compliments coming your way
You Must Know
- Garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells are creamy, cheesy, and perfect for a cozy dinner
- They can be made ahead of time, making weeknight meals a breeze
- The heavenly aroma will fill your kitchen, enticing everyone to the table before they even take a bite
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your garlic butter sauce while boiling the pasta. This multitasking method keeps everything hot and fresh, ensuring that your stuffed shells are packed with flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to your filling for extra nutrients and vibrant colors. You could also swap out chicken for shrimp if you’re feeling adventurous.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, keeping that cheesy goodness intact.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente to avoid mushy shells when baked
- Use fresh herbs like parsley for a burst of flavor
- Don’t skimp on the cheese it’s what makes these stuffed shells truly irresistible
Sharing my first attempt at garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells was hilarious. My friends couldn’t stop raving about them, even when I accidentally forgot to add salt
FAQ
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Absolutely Store-bought Alfredo saves time without sacrificing flavor in garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Swap chicken for mushrooms or zucchini and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I freeze garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells?
Yes Just assemble them, freeze before baking, and cook directly from frozen when ready to enjoy.
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells are a creamy, indulgent dish that brings comfort to any table. These jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with tender chicken, fresh garlic, and a rich alfredo sauce, making them a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The delightful aroma and luscious flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 3–4 boneless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil the pasta shells in salted water until al dente (about 9 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and cook diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper until golden brown (6-8 minutes). Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Simmer until thickened (3-5 minutes).
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Stuff each shell with the chicken mixture and place in a greased baking dish. Drizzle remaining sauce on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: - For added nutrition, consider mixing in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. - You can substitute chicken with shrimp or use store-bought Alfredo sauce for convenience.