Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

This garlic butter chicken Alfredo stuffed shells recipe transforms basic ingredients into an impressive dinner that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant. The combination of tender shredded chicken, aromatic garlic butter, and creamy Alfredo sauce stuffed into jumbo pasta shells creates a dish that's both comforting and elegant.

I first made these stuffed shells for a dinner party when I needed something foolproof yet impressive. The dish disappeared within minutes, and now it's become my signature recipe whenever I'm hosting friends who appreciate good Italian food.

Ingredients

• Jumbo pasta shells provide the perfect vessel for holding all that creamy filling
• Chicken breast creates a protein-packed base that absorbs flavors beautifully
• Alfredo sauce delivers rich creaminess without requiring you to make it from scratch
• Minced garlic infuses the entire dish with aromatic flavor
• Butter creates richness and helps carry the garlic flavor throughout
• Mozzarella cheese provides that perfect melty stretch when you take a bite
• Parmesan cheese adds savory depth and creates a golden crust
• Fresh parsley brightens the dish with color and freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Pasta

Cook the jumbo shells according to the package directions but aim for al dente because they'll continue cooking in the oven. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. After draining, lay them out separately on a baking sheet to prevent sticking together while you prepare the filling.

Create The Garlic Butter Base

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it starts to foam slightly. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and golden but not brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen and create the foundation for the incredible flavor in this dish.

Prepare The Chicken Filling

Add your shredded chicken to the garlic butter, season with salt and pepper, and toss until every piece is coated in that aromatic butter. Cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly so you can handle it when filling the shells.

Assemble The Stuffed Shells

Mix the garlic butter chicken with 1 cup of Alfredo sauce in a bowl until evenly combined. Take each pasta shell and stuff it generously with the chicken mixture, arranging them in a greased baking dish with the openings facing upward to hold in all the goodness.

Finish And Bake

Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the filled shells, making sure to cover them completely to prevent the pasta from drying out. Sprinkle with the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil for the final 5-10 minutes to achieve that perfect golden, bubbly cheese top.

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I discovered that using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver when making this recipe. The pre-seasoned meat adds another dimension of flavor that complements the garlic butter beautifully, and it reminds me of Sunday dinners when my grandmother would repurpose leftover roast chicken into amazing pasta dishes.

Make Ahead And Storage

These stuffed shells are perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the entire dish up to a day ahead, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Just add about 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold. Leftover stuffed shells will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze the baked shells in individual portions, wrapped in foil and placed in freezer bags. They can be reheated directly from frozen in a 350°F oven for about 30 minutes.

Variations To Try

While this recipe is delicious as written, it's also incredibly versatile. Try adding sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli to the chicken mixture for extra vegetables. Sun-dried tomatoes and artichoke hearts create a Mediterranean twist. For a spicy version, add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter. You can also substitute the chicken with Italian sausage or even make a vegetarian version with sautéed mushrooms. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to customize based on what you have on hand.

Serving Suggestions

These stuffed shells shine as the centerpiece of a meal, but a few simple sides can elevate your dinner even further. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides the perfect contrast to the rich pasta. Garlic bread or buttery breadsticks are ideal for soaking up any extra sauce. For a more elaborate meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy flavors beautifully.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these stuffed shells ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it covered. When ready to serve, allow the dish to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. You may need to add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

→ What can I substitute for alfredo sauce?

If you don't have alfredo sauce, you can make a quick substitute by combining 1 cup heavy cream with 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons butter, and a pinch of nutmeg. Heat gently until thickened. Alternatively, you could use a bechamel sauce with added Parmesan or even a creamy mushroom sauce.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken for this dish?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saving option. Simply shred the meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken and proceed with the garlic butter step. This provides tender, flavorful chicken without having to cook it from raw.

→ How do I prevent my pasta shells from breaking while cooking?

Cook the jumbo shells in plenty of salted water with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking. Be careful not to overcook them - they should be just al dente (still slightly firm) as they'll continue cooking in the oven. Drain them gently and lay them out separately on a baking sheet to cool slightly before handling and filling.

→ What sides pair well with stuffed shells?

These rich stuffed shells pair beautifully with lighter sides like a crisp green salad with vinaigrette, roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli, or garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce. A simple side of sautéed spinach with garlic also makes an excellent accompaniment.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, these stuffed shells freeze exceptionally well. You can freeze them either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the dish completely (except for the final cheese topping), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the cheese topping, and bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.