Irresistible Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a delightful medley of creamy, cheesy goodness wrapped in tender pasta shells. Imagine diving into a plate of these savory stuffed shells, where each bite bursts with flavor and warmth, creating an experience that makes your taste buds dance with joy. The rich aroma of garlic and butter wafts through the kitchen, beckoning everyone to the dinner table.

This dish is not just a meal; it’s a memory in the making. Picture cozy family dinners or a gathering of friends enjoying a hearty feast. Every stuffed shell is like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for those nights when you need comfort food that feels like home. Anticipate an explosion of flavors that will leave you craving more!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells make for an easy weeknight dinner that’s sure to impress
  • The rich and creamy flavor profile will have everyone asking for seconds
  • Their visually appealing presentation makes them perfect for special occasions or casual family meals
  • Plus, you can easily customize the filling based on personal preferences or what ingredients you have on hand

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Jumbo Pasta Shells: Opt for large shells that can hold plenty of creamy filling without breaking apart during cooking. For more inspiration, check out this cooking tips recipe.

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts will do the trick, but feel free to adjust based on your crowd size.

  • Fresh Garlic: Use 4-5 cloves of fresh garlic for that aromatic flavor; it’s the secret weapon in this dish.

  • Butter: A generous amount of unsalted butter adds richness and depth to the sauce; don’t skimp!

  • Heavy Cream: This ingredient transforms our sauce into a luscious, creamy delight—because who doesn’t love cream?

  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan provides that nutty flavor everyone adores; it’s worth the extra effort!

  • Spinach: A handful of fresh spinach adds color and nutrition without overpowering the flavors.

For the Sauce:

  • Chicken Broth: Choose low-sodium chicken broth for control over saltiness; we want flavor, not sodium overload.

  • Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs like oregano and basil rounds out the flavors beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray so your stuffed shells won’t stick like old gum under a school desk. For more inspiration, check out this main dish recipes recipe.

Step 2: Cook Your Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse them gently under cold water to prevent sticking—no one likes gluey pasta!

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about one minute). Add diced chicken breasts seasoned with Italian seasoning and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Toss in fresh spinach until wilted—like magic!

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet with chicken and garlic. Bring it to a gentle simmer before stirring in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and velvety smooth—this is where dreams come true!

Step 5: Stuff Those Shells

Take about two tablespoons of filling and stuff each cooked pasta shell generously! Place them seam-side up in your prepared baking dish like little soldiers ready for battle against hunger.

Step 6: Bake Away

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil during the last five minutes to let everything get golden brown and bubbly—trust me; it’s worth it!

Transfer to plates and drizzle with any remaining sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every bite as if you’ve just won a culinary lottery!

Now go ahead—dive into those Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells with reckless abandon! Your taste buds are waiting!

You Must Know

  • This delightful garlic butter chicken Alfredo stuffed shells recipe not only pleases the palate but also simplifies dinner planning
  • The creamy sauce and cheesy filling create a dish that looks as good as it tastes, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken to lock in flavors, then cook your pasta while you whip up the creamy Alfredo sauce. This sequence ensures everything is ready at the same time, preventing any culinary chaos that might ensue if you multitask too much.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your pantry’s contents. Try adding spinach for some greens, or switch to shrimp for a seafood twist. Seasonings like Italian herbs or a dash of red pepper flakes can elevate flavors to new heights.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, cover them with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, ensuring that the cheese stays melty and delicious.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • To achieve perfectly creamy Alfredo sauce, don’t rush adding the cheese; let it melt slowly for the best texture
  • Always taste your sauce before serving—it may need just a pinch more salt
  • Keep an eye on your pasta; overcooked shells can become mushy

Sometimes, I whip up garlic butter chicken Alfredo stuffed shells when my friends come over, and their delighted faces make all the cooking worth it—especially when they ask for seconds (or thirds).

FAQs:

What are Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells?

Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are large pasta shells filled with a creamy garlic butter chicken and Alfredo sauce mixture. This dish combines tender pasta with a rich filling that is both satisfying and flavorful. The stuffed shells are then baked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This recipe is perfect for a comforting family dinner or when entertaining guests, as it offers an elegant presentation and delicious taste.

How long does it take to make Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells?

Preparing Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells takes about 30 minutes for prep time and another 25-30 minutes for baking. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Overall, you can enjoy this hearty dish in under an hour, making it both quick and delicious.

Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells ahead of time. Assemble the stuffed shells, place them in a baking dish, cover with aluminum foil, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake them. When you’re ready to serve, just pop them in the oven and adjust the cooking time as needed since they will be cold from refrigeration. This makes it convenient for meal planning or unexpected guests.

What can I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells?

Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve them with steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to add color and nutrition to your plate. These side dishes enhance the flavors of the stuffed shells while providing balance to your meal.

Conclusion for Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells:

Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a delightful combination of flavors that satisfy any craving. The creamy filling paired with tender pasta creates a dish that’s both comforting and impressive. Preparing these stuffed shells is quick, making them ideal for any occasion. Whether served at family dinners or gatherings with friends, they promise to be a hit. Enjoy this delicious recipe that balances simplicity with gourmet flair!

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Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells


  • Author: Mark Taylor
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6

Description

Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food, wrapping tender jumbo pasta shells around a rich and creamy garlic butter chicken filling. Each bite delivers a burst of delightful flavors, making it perfect for cozy family gatherings or special occasions. This easy-to-make dish promises to impress, leaving everyone asking for seconds.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 jumbo pasta shells
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
  • 5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish.
  2. Cook pasta shells in boiling salted water until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add diced chicken seasoned with Italian seasoning; cook until golden brown.
  4. Stir in spinach until wilted, then add heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and mix in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
  5. Generously stuff each shell with filling and place seam-side up in the prepared dish.
  6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; uncover for the last 5 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (250g)
  • Calories: 540
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: - Customize fillings by adding vegetables like mushrooms or using shrimp instead of chicken. - For extra flavor, sprinkle with red pepper flakes or fresh herbs before serving.

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