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
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the kitchen workspace by heating the oven to 375°F and lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Meticulously fill each tender pasta shell with the prepared chicken mixture, nestling them carefully into the prepared baking dish.
- Enhance the dish by drizzling the silky Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells, generously sprinkling additional mozzarella to create a golden, bubbling cheese topping.
- Bake the assembled dish first covered with foil, then uncovered, allowing the cheese to melt and develop a tempting golden-brown crust.
- 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