Baked Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

If you love indulgent, cheesy pasta dishes, these Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells will quickly become a favorite in your home. The combination of tender chicken, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese inside perfectly cooked jumbo shells makes each bite feel like a hug in a dish. The garlic butter sauce is the perfect complement, adding a savory, rich flavor to each stuffed shell.

What makes this recipe even more irresistible is its versatility. It’s ideal for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special family gatherings or even dinner parties. You can also prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for a couple of days or freeze it for a quick and easy meal later on.

Let’s walk you through how to make this incredible dish step by step, so you can enjoy the magic of Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells right in your kitchen.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Before you get started, gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process. For this dish, you’ll need the following:

For the Stuffed Shells:

• 12 jumbo pasta shells: The large pasta shells are perfect for stuffing, providing ample space for the creamy chicken filling.
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience, or simply cook fresh chicken breasts and shred them.
• 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese: Ricotta adds a creamy, mild flavor and a smooth texture that perfectly complements the chicken and mozzarella.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: This gives the dish a gooey, melty texture that enhances the overall experience of each stuffed shell.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor that balances out the richness of the ricotta and mozzarella.
• 1 egg, beaten: The egg helps bind the filling together, keeping everything intact while baking.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley adds color and a burst of flavor to the filling, brightening the overall dish.
• Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning and balancing the flavors.

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Butter is the base of this luscious garlic butter sauce, adding richness and depth of flavor.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the sauce with its unmistakable fragrance and savory flavor.
• 1 cup heavy cream: The heavy cream gives the sauce its creamy, velvety texture that makes this dish feel extra luxurious.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Chicken broth adds moisture and depth to the sauce, while also helping it come together smoothly.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This seasoning brings an aromatic blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust the seasoning to your preference to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a vibrant, fresh touch when sprinkled over the dish right before serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for baking the stuffed shells, ensuring that the cheese melts beautifully and the sauce thickens just right.

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light layer of olive oil to prevent sticking. This will make cleanup a breeze and ensure that your delicious stuffed shells come out perfectly.

2. Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add your jumbo pasta shells and cook them according to the package directions until they are al dente. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the oven.

Once the shells are cooked, drain them and set them aside to cool slightly. You don’t want them too hot when you start stuffing them, as they could break apart or melt the cheese prematurely.

3. Prepare the Chicken Filling

While the pasta shells are cooling, it’s time to prepare the creamy chicken filling. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:

• Shredded chicken: If you haven’t done so already, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Using cooked, shredded chicken (such as rotisserie chicken) is ideal for saving time.
• Ricotta cheese: This will be the creamy base for your stuffing, giving each shell a velvety texture.
• Mozzarella cheese: Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella into the mix. The remaining mozzarella will be used for topping the shells.
• Parmesan cheese: The Parmesan adds a rich, savory flavor that complements the other cheeses.
• Egg: The beaten egg helps to bind all the ingredients together, so the filling stays intact when baked.
• Fresh parsley: Add the 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley to bring color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the filling.
• Salt and pepper: Season with salt and pepper to taste to ensure the filling is perfectly balanced.

Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should be creamy and slightly thick, making it easy to stuff into the shells.

4. Stuff the Shells

Carefully take each cooked pasta shell and stuff it with the chicken and cheese mixture. Be generous with the filling, ensuring each shell is packed with the creamy, flavorful mixture. Place each stuffed shell into the prepared baking dish, arranging them neatly in a single layer.

5. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Now, it’s time to make the luscious garlic butter sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden brown. Be careful not to burn it.

Next, add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the pan, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste.

The sauce should be creamy and slightly thickened, perfect for smothering over the stuffed shells.

6. Assemble the Dish

Once the garlic butter sauce is ready, pour it evenly over the stuffed shells in the baking dish, ensuring that each shell is coated in a rich, creamy sauce. Top the dish with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. This will melt and bubble beautifully in the oven, creating a golden, cheesy crust on top of the shells.

7. Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

For the last 5 minutes, remove the foil to allow the cheese to brown slightly and create a delicious, golden top. This step is crucial for achieving that irresistible, bubbly, cheesy goodness that makes stuffed shells so satisfying.

8. Serve

Once your Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot, and enjoy the rich, creamy goodness with every bite!

Serving Suggestions

These Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells make for an indulgent meal on their own, but they pair perfectly with a few sides:

• Garlic bread: Serve alongside some warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up the extra garlic butter sauce.
• Salad: A light, refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the stuffed shells.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted asparagus or broccoli complements the creamy pasta dish perfectly, adding a bit of freshness and crunch.

Nutritional Information

These Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are undeniably delicious but also quite filling. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values per serving:

• Calories: 500 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbs: 45g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

While this dish is indulgent, it offers a good balance of protein and carbs, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta Instead of Jumbo Shells?

Absolutely! If you don’t have jumbo pasta shells on hand, you can substitute them with manicotti, cannelloni, or even lasagna noodles rolled around the filling. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I Use Store-Bought Alfredo Sauce Instead of Making My Own?

Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought Alfredo sauce as a substitute for the homemade garlic butter sauce. However, making the sauce from scratch enhances the flavors and ensures a fresher, richer taste.

How Do I Store Leftover Stuffed Shells?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place the shells in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method retains the best texture.

Can I Freeze This Dish?

Yes! To freeze, assemble the stuffed shells in a baking dish but do not bake them. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and follow the original baking instructions, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

What Can I Serve with Stuffed Shells?

These Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are rich and filling on their own, but they pair wonderfully with:

• Garlic bread – Perfect for scooping up the extra sauce.
• A fresh green salad – A light, tangy vinaigrette balances the creamy dish.
• Roasted vegetables – Asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy, flavorful side.

Can I Make This Recipe Without Chicken?

Of course! You can make a vegetarian version by swapping the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even ricotta and extra cheese. This will still result in a delicious, creamy stuffed shell dish.

How Can I Make the Sauce Thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can:

• Simmer the sauce for a few extra minutes to reduce it.
• Add ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese while stirring.
• Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, then whisk it into the sauce to thicken it.

Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can assemble the stuffed shells and refrigerate them (uncooked) for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover the dish with foil and bake as directed when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion: The Perfect Comfort Dish for Any Occasion

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than these Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells. With their creamy chicken and cheese filling, rich garlic butter sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella topping, they’re guaranteed to become a family favorite.

This dish is not only indulgent but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or impressing guests at a gathering, these stuffed shells deliver flavor and satisfaction in every bite. Plus, with so many variations and make-ahead options, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.

So why wait? Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and treat yourself to this decadent pasta dish. Don’t forget to serve it with some garlic bread or a fresh salad for the perfect meal!

Tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments how it turned out! And if you’re looking for more delicious and comforting pasta dishes, be sure to check out:

• One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Sausage Garlic Fettuccine
• Brownie Refrigerator Cake
• Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Happy cooking!

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