Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells is like a hug in pasta form. Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, cheesy stuffed shells bursting with the rich flavors of garlic, butter, and creamy Alfredo sauce. Your taste buds will dance with joy as the heavenly aroma wafts through your kitchen, teasing your senses and making everyone wonder what’s cooking. For more inspiration, check out this cooking tips recipe.
This dish brings back memories of family dinners where laughter echoed around the table, and plates were piled high with delicious food. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight meal or an impressive dish for a gathering, Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells never fail to impress. Get ready to indulge in a flavor explosion that will leave you longing for seconds. For more inspiration, check out this main dish recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The rich flavors of garlic butter and creamy Alfredo create a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist
- With its vibrant presentation and cheesy goodness, it’s visually appealing on any dinner table
- Versatile enough for any occasion, these stuffed shells can serve as a main course or an exquisite appetizer
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Jumbo Pasta Shells: These large shells are perfect for holding all the delicious filling.
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Opt for about three to four breasts; adjust according to your serving needs.
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Fresh Garlic: Use whole cloves; fresh garlic packs more flavor than pre-minced varieties.
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Butter: Unsalted butter works best; it’ll allow you to control the saltiness in this recipe.
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Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the Alfredo sauce; don’t skimp on it if you want that creamy texture.
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Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully and enhances flavor.
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Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds freshness and color to the dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain them carefully so they don’t stick together.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a skillet over medium heat, melt two tablespoons of butter. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them to the pan. Sauté for about six minutes on each side until cooked through. Let them cool before shredding into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant—about one minute—but don’t let it burn! Pour in heavy cream while stirring constantly. Add half of the Parmesan cheese and mix until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Filling Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken with half of the garlic butter sauce and remaining Parmesan cheese. Spoon this delightful mixture into each cooked pasta shell until they’re generously filled.
Step 5: Assemble in Baking Dish
Spread some leftover garlic butter sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Place filled shells upright in the dish and drizzle more sauce over them before sprinkling additional cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Cover with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven for about twenty-five minutes. Remove foil during the last five minutes for that golden cheesy finish we all crave!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every mouthwatering bite!
You Must Know
- This Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a crowd-pleaser that can turn any ordinary dinner into a celebration
- The creamy sauce, combined with the rich garlic butter, creates an unforgettable experience for your taste buds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in those mouthwatering flavors, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy garlic butter sauce. This sequence ensures that everything finishes simultaneously for a satisfying dish that’s ready to impress.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells by swapping out the chicken for shrimp or adding spinach for extra nutrition. You can also experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a spicy twist.
Storing & Reheating
To store your delicious stuffed shells, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When reheating, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through to maintain creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh garlic for the best flavor in your sauce
- Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be al dente since it will cook more in the oven
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream to your sauce before mixing it with the stuffed shells
I remember making Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells for my family’s movie night, and their faces lit up with delight. That satisfied silence while they devoured each shell was music to my ears!
FAQs:
What ingredients do I need for Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells?
To make Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells, you will need large pasta shells, cooked chicken breast, garlic, butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasoning. Don’t forget to grab some salt and pepper to taste. These ingredients come together to create a deliciously creamy filling that perfectly complements the shells.
How long does it take to prepare Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells?
Preparing Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells typically takes about 30 minutes. This includes cooking the chicken if it’s not already prepped and boiling the pasta shells. Once you assemble everything in a baking dish, baking it will take an additional 25-30 minutes. In total, you can expect about an hour from start to finish before enjoying this delectable dish.
Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells ahead of time. Assemble the stuffed shells in a baking dish and cover them with foil. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake them straight from the fridge; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells?
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You might also consider serving steamed vegetables or a light soup as side dishes. The creamy flavors of the stuffed shells can be balanced out by something crisp and refreshing on the side.
Conclusion for Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells:
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a delightful combination of rich flavors and comforting textures. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With its creamy filling made from chicken and flavorful garlic butter sauce, it’s sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients or sides for a personal touch! Enjoy your delicious creation!
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy garlic butter sauce and succulent shredded chicken. Baked to perfection and topped with melted cheese, this dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Each bite offers a delightful blend of rich flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Experience the joy of bringing loved ones together over this decadent meal.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 breasts)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook jumbo shells in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper; sauté for about 6 minutes on each side until cooked through. Let cool and shred.
- In the same skillet, add remaining butter and garlic; sauté until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and half of the Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Combine shredded chicken with half the garlic butter sauce and remaining Parmesan in a bowl. Fill cooked shells with this mixture.
- Spread some garlic sauce in a baking dish, place filled shells upright, drizzle with remaining sauce, and sprinkle additional cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to achieve a golden finish.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 402
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 715mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 93mg
