Velvety Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe for Pasta Lovers

Creamy chicken alfredo stuffed shells bring a delightful twist to classic Italian comfort food.

Pasta lovers appreciate the rich, velvety sauce that coats each tender shell.

Shells packed with seasoned chicken create a mouthwatering main dish that impresses at any gathering.

Melted cheese adds an irresistible golden layer of goodness to this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Cheese lovers will swoon over the blend of savory ingredients nestled inside perfectly cooked pasta.

Nutritious and satisfying, this dish combines simple ingredients for maximum flavor.

You can whip up this delectable meal in under an hour and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Why Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe Works Every Time

• Conquer Comfort Food: Dive into a luxurious pasta dish that combines creamy Alfredo sauce with tender chicken and cheesy goodness, making every bite a comforting culinary adventure.
• Simplify Dinner Prep: This recipe transforms basic ingredients into an impressive meal that looks like it took hours, but actually comes together with minimal kitchen effort and maximum flavor impact.
• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken for other proteins, adjust cheese quantities, or add extra herbs to make this recipe perfectly suited to your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Performance: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings where you want to impress without spending extensive time in the kitchen, these stuffed shells guarantee smiles and second helpings.

What Goes Into Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for stuffing with a creamy chicken mixture.

• Shredded Chicken: Tender meat that provides the main protein and flavor for the stuffed shells.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy cheeses that create a rich and smooth filling with a delightful melted texture.

• Alfredo Sauce: Creamy white sauce that adds luxurious moisture to the dish.
• Butter, Garlic: Classic combination that provides a rich, aromatic base for the filling.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds a fresh, green finish to the baked shells.

• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the dish during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

Steps To Cook Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F and get it ready for some magic cooking action.

Step 2: Boil and Prep the Pasta

Grab a big pot and fill it with salted water. Bring to a rolling boil and drop in jumbo pasta shells. Cook until they’re perfectly tender but still firm. Drain and let them cool down just enough to handle.

Step 3: Create the Flavor-Packed Filling

• Shredded chicken
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Minced garlic

Melt butter in a skillet and sauté garlic until it’s super fragrant. In a mixing bowl, combine all filling ingredients with the sautéed garlic. Season with salt and pepper, mixing until everything is beautifully blended.

Step 4: Stuff Those Shells

Carefully spoon the chicken mixture into each pasta shell. Nestle the stuffed shells into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, making sure they’re snug and cozy.

Step 5: Sauce It Up

Drizzle Alfredo sauce over the shells, covering them completely. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top for an extra cheesy layer.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil. Continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Devour

Pull the dish out and let it rest for a few minutes. Scatter fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Tips That Help Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe Shine

• Choose Al Dente Shells: Cook pasta shells just until firm to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking, ensuring a perfect texture in every bite.
• Boost Flavor with Garlic: Sauté garlic briefly to release its aromatic oils without burning, creating a rich, deep flavor foundation for the dish.
• Control Cheese Melting: Use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan to achieve a creamy, stretchy topping that browns beautifully without becoming greasy.
• Prevent Dry Filling: Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to the filling mixture if it seems too dry, keeping the stuffed shells moist and flavorful.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

Ways To Make Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe Your Own

• Low-Carb Shell Swap: Replace jumbo pasta shells with zucchini boats or large bell pepper halves for a gluten-free, lower-carb alternative.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms or plant-based chicken alternatives, keeping the creamy Alfredo sauce and cheese layers intact.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, swap Parmesan for feta cheese, and incorporate spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use cashew cream instead of ricotta, nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan, and dairy-free mozzarella to create a lactose-free version of the dish.

Food That Pairs With Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

• Pair Fresh Citrus White Wine: Select a crisp, light Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the rich, creamy chicken alfredo stuffed shells. These wines cut through the heavy cheese and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Create Mediterranean Side Salad: Toss together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light lemon vinaigrette. The bright, tangy flavors will balance the decadent pasta dish and add nutritional freshness.
• Roast Herbed Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty bread brushed with olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh herbs like basil and parsley. These crispy, aromatic slices will soak up the delicious alfredo sauce perfectly.

How To Store Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe Well

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled shells to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Preheat oven to 350°F.

Answering Questions On Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly! It’s a quick and convenient way to get tender, flavorful chicken without extra cooking.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. It’s great for making in advance and saves time during busy weekdays.

• What can I substitute if I don't have jumbo shells?

Large pasta tubes or even large pasta sheets rolled into tubes will work well. Just ensure they’re large enough to hold the filling comfortably.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this recipe?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic cooking techniques like mixing ingredients, stuffing shells, and baking. Anyone can make it with a little patience.

Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken alfredo stuffed shells bring Italian comfort to dinner tables with irresistible cheesy goodness. Pasta shells packed with tender chicken and rich alfredo sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 cups Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F, ensuring optimal temperature for baking the stuffed shells.
2. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Carefully add jumbo pasta shells, cooking until they reach al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and allow to cool slightly for easy handling.
3. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Quickly sauté minced garlic until aromatic, avoiding browning. Transfer to a mixing bowl containing shredded chicken, ricotta, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, and seasonings. Blend ingredients until uniformly combined.
4. Gently spoon the chicken-cheese mixture into each pasta shell, creating plump, generously filled pockets. Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, positioning them closely together.
5. Drizzle Alfredo sauce evenly across the shells, ensuring complete coverage. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese over the top, creating a tempting cheesy layer.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbling.
7. Remove from oven and let rest briefly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant finishing touch. Serve immediately while warm and deliciously creamy.

Notes

• Pick jumbo shells carefully to ensure they’re large enough for stuffing without tearing, avoiding frustration during preparation.
• Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent shells from becoming mushy when baked, maintaining a perfect texture.
• Drain shells immediately and spread on a clean kitchen towel to stop cooking and prevent sticking, making filling easier.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving hack that adds extra flavor and reduces meal prep complexity.
• Pat chicken dry before mixing to prevent excess moisture from making the filling watery and losing rich creamy consistency.
• Customize the recipe by substituting ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter version or adding spinach for extra nutrition.
• Allow dish to rest 5-10 minutes after baking, helping cheese set and making serving cleaner and more manageable.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg