Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love creamy pasta dishes, this Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe will become a new favorite. It takes the indulgent flavors of chicken Alfredo and turns them into an oven-baked dish that is both elegant and comforting. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with tender chicken, garlic butter, and a rich Alfredo mixture, then baked until bubbling and golden. The result is a hearty, restaurant-style meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. I once tried this with rotisserie chicken, and it made the recipe even faster while still tasting amazing. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep, these stuffed shells deliver a perfect balance of cheesy, garlicky goodness that is impossible to resist.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells – A Creamy, Cheesy Comfort Dish
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a rich and comforting pasta dish made with jumbo shells filled with creamy garlic butter chicken and ricotta, topped with Alfredo sauce and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add diced chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 7–8 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- Spread 1 cup Alfredo sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the chicken mixture and arrange them in the baking dish.
- Pour remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over the shells and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Can substitute rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- Use homemade Alfredo sauce for richer flavor.
- Add spinach or broccoli to the filling for extra veggies.
- Best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Jumbo pasta shells – The perfect vessel for stuffing. Their large size holds the creamy filling without falling apart.
Cooked chicken – Shredded or diced chicken provides protein and heartiness. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
Butter – Melted butter infused with garlic forms the base of the filling, adding richness and flavor.
Garlic – Fresh garlic sautéed in butter infuses the dish with a bold, aromatic taste.
Cream cheese – Creates a creamy, tangy base that makes the filling smooth and decadent.
Heavy cream – Blended with Parmesan to form a classic Alfredo sauce that coats the shells.
Parmesan cheese – Adds sharp, nutty flavor to the Alfredo sauce and filling.
Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully, giving the dish its gooey, cheesy topping.
Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that enhances the chicken and Alfredo filling.
Salt and pepper – Simple seasonings that balance and bring out all the flavors.
Fresh parsley – A finishing garnish that adds color and freshness.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the shredded chicken, cream cheese, Parmesan, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Mix until creamy and well combined.
Meanwhile, prepare the Alfredo sauce by warming heavy cream in a saucepan, then stirring in Parmesan until smooth and thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Spoon the chicken mixture into each cooked shell and arrange them in a baking dish. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells, then sprinkle mozzarella on top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 servings, with 3–4 stuffed shells per person. Total cooking time is approximately 50 minutes, including prep, stuffing, and baking.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short bursts. For longer storage, freeze assembled but unbaked shells for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Variations and Customizations
Spinach Alfredo Shells – Mix sautéed spinach into the chicken filling for added veggies.
Bacon Lover’s Twist – Add crispy bacon bits to the stuffing for a smoky flavor.
Spicy Kick – Stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Four-Cheese Version – Add ricotta or fontina to the filling for extra creaminess.
Seafood Swap – Replace chicken with shrimp or crab for a seafood-inspired Alfredo.
Low-Carb Style – Use zucchini boats or bell peppers instead of pasta shells.
Herb-Infused Alfredo – Stir fresh basil or thyme into the sauce for more depth.
Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta shells to make it suitable for all diets.
Pesto Alfredo – Swirl a spoonful of pesto into the Alfredo sauce for a burst of flavor.
Buffalo Chicken Alfredo – Mix buffalo sauce into the chicken filling for a spicy twist.
FAQs
Can I use jarred Alfredo sauce?
Yes, it saves time, but homemade sauce has a richer flavor.
What’s the best chicken to use?
Cooked, shredded chicken breast or rotisserie chicken works best.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
Can I freeze stuffed shells?
Yes, freeze before baking for up to 2 months.
Do I have to cook the shells first?
Yes, cooking them al dente makes them easier to stuff and prevents toughness.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli pair well with the creamy filling.
How do I prevent shells from sticking?
Toss them lightly with oil after cooking so they don’t clump together.
Is this dish very heavy?
It is rich, but you can lighten it with half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Can I use other cheeses?
Yes, provolone, fontina, or gouda would all work well.
What sides go best with this recipe?
A fresh salad or garlic bread balances the richness.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are the definition of creamy, cheesy comfort food. With their tender pasta shells filled with garlicky chicken and topped with a luscious Alfredo sauce, they make an unforgettable meal. Whether you serve them for a cozy family dinner, a special occasion, or as a make-ahead freezer meal, this recipe is versatile and endlessly satisfying. Rich yet customizable, it’s the kind of dish that brings warmth and joy to the table every time.
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