Garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells are like a warm hug after a long day. Imagine sinking your fork into tender pasta shells filled with creamy goodness, each bite bursting with rich garlic butter flavor. garlic butter cheese bombs The aromas wafting from your oven will have everyone in the house asking, “What’s cooking?” Trust me, this dish isn’t just food; it’s a culinary experience that wraps you in comfort.
Every time I whip up this dish, I’m reminded of family gatherings where laughter and delicious food were abundant. Picture my little cousin attempting to stuff the shells and ending up with more filling on her face than in the pasta! This dish is perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests at a dinner party. Get ready to dive into a delightful adventure of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- The rich flavors combine perfectly, creating an irresistible dish that looks stunning on any table
- These stuffed shells are versatile enough for any occasion, from casual family meals to elegant gatherings
- The creamy texture and savory notes make it a crowd-pleaser for all ages
I remember my best friend’s reaction when she first tasted these stuffed shells; she declared it was the best pasta she had ever eaten!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Jumbo Pasta Shells: Choose large, sturdy shells that hold up well against stuffing and baking.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work great; feel free to adjust based on your crew’s appetite.
Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm cloves to ensure maximum flavor in your buttery sauce.
Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the seasoning better throughout the dish.
Heavy Cream: Adds richness; go for high-fat cream for an ultra-creamy texture. creamy asparagus soup.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully and enhances the flavor profile.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs adds depth; don’t skimp on this one!
Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing all those delicious flavors in every layer.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Shells: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions; drain and set aside while they cool slightly.
Cook the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add minced garlic until fragrant. Add diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, around 7-10 minutes.
Create the Sauce: Stir in heavy cream and Italian seasoning into the chicken mixture. Let it simmer gently until thickened but still pourable, about 5 minutes.
Mix Filling Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine some of your creamy chicken mix with grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed for perfection.
Stuff Those Shells: Carefully spoon the luscious filling into each cooked shell using a small spoon or piping bag for precision. Place them snugly into a greased baking dish.
Bake to Perfection: Pour remaining sauce over stuffed shells and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese. Bake covered with foil for 20 minutes; then uncover for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Now you have yourself an impressive garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells dish that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you! Enjoy every cheesy bite! sheet pan chicken fajitas. grilled chicken recipe.
You Must Know
- Garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells are a creamy delight, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in
- The combination of flavors and textures creates a dish that feels indulgent yet comforting
- Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the chicken in garlic butter, then boil the pasta while preparing the alfredo sauce. This order ensures everything is perfectly timed and hot when assembling.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or toss in some spinach for added nutrition. Experimenting with spices can elevate this dish even further.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure perfect stuffed shells, avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be al dente
- Use fresh herbs for a brighter flavor that pops
- When baking, cover with foil initially to prevent burning while allowing flavors to meld beautifully
Cooking garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells always brings back memories of cozy family dinners. My friends raved about them, and I felt like a culinary wizard! For more inspiration, check out this chicken spring rolls recipe recipe.
FAQ
Can I make garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes, prepare them a day prior and refrigerate until baking.
What can I use instead of pasta shells?
You can use manicotti or even zucchini boats as a healthier alternative.
How do I know when my stuffed shells are done?
Look for bubbling sauce and golden cheese on top for perfect doneness.
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6 (2 stuffed shells per serving) 1x
Description
Garlic butter chicken alfredo stuffed shells are the ultimate comfort food, combining tender jumbo pasta shells with a creamy, flavorful filling that’s sure to impress. Each bite is a delightful blend of rich garlic butter and savory chicken, enveloped in a luscious alfredo sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings, this dish brings warmth and joy to the table. Easy to prepare, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta shells according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add diced chicken and cook until browned (7-10 minutes).
- Stir in heavy cream and Italian seasoning; simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.
- Combine some of the chicken mixture with Parmesan cheese in a bowl; season with salt and pepper.
- Stuff each shell with the filling and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
- Pour remaining sauce over stuffed shells, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
