Heavenly Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

Pasta nights just got a delicious upgrade with this garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells creation that promises pure comfort.

shells bursting with rich, velvety filling will make you the star of any dinner gathering.

Succulent chicken blends seamlessly with creamy sauce, promising a meal that feels both luxurious and homey.

Cheese lovers will swoon over the melted goodness tucked inside each perfectly cooked pasta pocket.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients merge with classic American flavors for a truly spectacular dish.

Weeknight dinners can absolutely feel gourmet with minimal effort and maximum flavor impact.

Prepare to wow everyone around the table with this irresistible recipe that transforms a simple meal into a memorable feast.

FAQs

• Is the chicken pre-cooked before stuffing the shells?

Yes, you’ll want to use shredded cooked chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, or cook and shred chicken breasts specifically for this recipe.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed shells and prepare the Alfredo sauce a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and bake when ready to serve. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to baking time if assembling from cold.

• What cheese works best for this recipe?

Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are ideal. These cheeses provide a creamy texture and rich flavor. Fresh Parmesan is recommended for the best taste, but pre-grated works too.

• How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is mild and creamy. If you want more kick, add red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce or sprinkle some on top before serving. The dish is designed to be flavorful but not hot.

Why Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Shells Are So Rich

Conquer Comfort Food Cravings: This chicken alfredo stuffed shells recipe delivers mouthwatering satisfaction in every bite.

Effortless Elegance: Perfect for busy home cooks who want restaurant-quality meals without complicated techniques, this dish requires basic cooking skills and minimal prep time.

Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with cheesy goodness and tender chicken, this recipe guarantees clean plates and happy faces around the dinner table – even picky eaters will beg for seconds.

Versatile Meal Solution: Whether you’re hosting a casual weeknight dinner or planning a cozy weekend meal, these stuffed shells adapt beautifully to any dining occasion, impressing guests with minimal effort.

Chicken Alfredo Shells Ingredients

• Shredded Chicken: Tender protein base for the filling, best with rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy component that binds the filling together, whole milk variety recommended.
• Egg: Helps bind and stabilize the filling mixture.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, melty texture and savory depth, freshly grated preferred over pre-shredded.
• Heavy Cream: Creates smooth and luxurious base for Alfredo sauce.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create sauce and sauté ingredients.

• Pasta Shells: Large shells perfect for stuffing, cook al dente to prevent breaking.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides intense flavor, more aromatic than powdered.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that adds traditional Italian flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance overall taste.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Additional background flavor for sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish for color and fresh herb note.

Alfredo Stuffed Shells Rich Baking Guide

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken Base

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around until it releases its amazing aroma.

Add shredded chicken and swirl it through the buttery goodness.

Take it off the heat and let it chill for a moment.

Step 3: Create the Magical Filling

• Sautéed chicken
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything until it’s beautifully combined.

Step 4: Craft the Dreamy Alfredo Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter and welcome minced garlic.

• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Let it simmer and thicken for a few minutes.

Step 5: Stuff Those Shells

Take your cooked pasta shells and generously fill each one with the chicken mixture.

Nestle them snugly in your prepared baking dish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Drizzle the Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells.

Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top.

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Pull the dish out of the oven.

Scatter fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Stuffed Shells Garlic Chicken Alfredo Tips

• Cook shells al dente to prevent overcooking during baking, ensuring a tender texture that holds the delicious filling.
• Let garlic sauté briefly to release its aromatic compounds, creating deeper, more complex taste profiles in both chicken filling and Alfredo sauce.
• Mix different cheese types for optimal melting and rich, creamy texture; ricotta adds softness while mozzarella and Parmesan provide sharp, tangy notes.
• Simmer Alfredo sauce slowly, whisking continuously to prevent separation and achieve smooth, velvety consistency that coats pasta shells evenly.
• Substitute shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or plant-based alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences and protein needs.

How to Save Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and maintain creamy texture.

Side Picks for Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Craft a Classic Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay to complement the creamy, rich Alfredo sauce and cut through the buttery chicken filling.
• Elevate with Fresh Salad Partner: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, adding bright, tangy notes that balance the heavy, decadent pasta dish and provide refreshing contrast.
• Recommend Herbal Bread Accompaniment: Serve warm, garlic-herb focaccia bread alongside the stuffed shells, allowing diners to soak up extra Alfredo sauce and enhance the overall meal's herbal undertones.
• Create Zesty Veggie Side: Prepare roasted asparagus with garlic and parmesan, offering a green vegetable that matches the dish's flavor profile while adding nutritional balance and textural variety.

Stuffed Shells With Filling Swaps

• Vegetarian Deconstructed: Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach. Use plant-based ricotta and mozzarella for a dairy-free version.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap traditional pasta shells with gluten-free jumbo shells. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
• Seafood Swap: Substitute chicken with cooked shrimp or crab meat for a luxurious marine-inspired version. Adjust seasoning to complement seafood's delicate flavor.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use roasted zucchini boats instead of pasta shells. Fill with chicken mixture and top with Alfredo sauce for a keto-friendly option.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent shells packed with creamy garlic butter chicken create an irresistible Italian-American fusion delight. Rich pasta pockets invite comfort and indulgence, promising a memorable meal you’ll savor with pure culinary enthusiasm.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 large egg

Cheeses:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) unsalted butter
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Assembly Ingredients:

• 20–25 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente
• 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the kitchen workspace by heating the oven to 375°F and lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Create a flavorful chicken base by gently melting butter in a skillet, infusing it with aromatic garlic until its fragrance releases, then incorporating shredded chicken to absorb the rich, garlicky essence.
3. Craft the filling mixture by blending the garlic-infused chicken with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, aged Parmesan, a whisked egg, and a harmonious blend of Italian herbs and seasonings.
4. Develop a luxurious Alfredo sauce by slowly melting butter, introducing minced garlic, then streaming in heavy cream and whisking in Parmesan until the sauce transforms into a velvety, slightly thickened consistency.
5. Meticulously fill each tender pasta shell with the prepared chicken mixture, nestling them carefully into the prepared baking dish.
6. Enhance the dish by drizzling the silky Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells, generously sprinkling additional mozzarella to create a golden, bubbling cheese topping.
7. Bake the assembled dish first covered with foil, then uncovered, allowing the cheese to melt and develop a tempting golden-brown crust.
8. Finish the culinary creation by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley, adding a burst of color and fresh herbaceous flavor before serving piping hot.

Notes

• Opt for rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor when preparing the filling.
• Drain ricotta cheese thoroughly to prevent excess moisture and ensure a creamy, not watery, filling.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the most robust and authentic cheese flavor in the Alfredo sauce.
• Customize the recipe by adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the chicken mixture for extra nutrition and depth.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 635
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 39 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 175 mg