Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are the answer to all your cravings. Imagine sinking your fork into a creamy, dreamy concoction, where tender chicken meets rich garlic butter sauce, all snugly encased in oversized pasta shells. It’s an explosion of flavor that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds.
Picture this: it’s a cozy evening, you’ve had a long day, and the last thing you want to do is whip up a complicated dinner. Enter these stuffed shells, ready to save the day! With every bite, you’ll be transported back to family gatherings where laughter filled the air and delicious aromas wafted through the kitchen. They’re perfect for any occasion – from a casual weeknight to impressing guests at a dinner party. Trust me; excitement is guaranteed!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dish offers an easy preparation method that will have you looking like a culinary genius in no time
- The flavor profile is rich and savory, with garlic and creamy cheese dancing together in harmony
- Visually, these stuffed shells are impressive enough for company yet simple enough for weeknight indulgence
- Enjoy them as a comforting main course or as part of an elaborate spread for special occasions
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Jumbo Pasta Shells: Ideal for stuffing; look for large shells that can hold plenty of filling.
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well; adjust based on your appetite.
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Fresh Garlic: Use about 4-5 cloves; fresh garlic enhances the flavor dramatically.
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Butter: Unsalted butter is best; it allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
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Heavy Cream: This gives the Alfredo sauce its irresistible creaminess; don’t skimp here.
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Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated adds a nutty flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
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Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs enhances the overall flavor profile; feel free to tweak it!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Pasta
Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a skillet over medium heat, melt some butter and add your seasoned chicken breasts. Cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through (about 6-7 minutes per side). Let them cool slightly before shredding.
Step 3: Make Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, add more butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant (around one minute). Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Step 4: Combine Filling
In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken with half of your creamy Alfredo sauce. Reserve the other half for topping later.
Step 5: Stuff Those Shells
Spoon generous amounts of the chicken mixture into each cooked pasta shell. Place them in a greased baking dish snugly together.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over stuffed shells and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra sauce for the perfect finishing touch! Enjoy every decadent bite of these Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells – they’re destined to become your new favorite comfort food!
You Must Know
- This delightful Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe offers a creamy, cheesy experience that is simply unforgettable
- The shells are perfect for family dinners and gatherings, ensuring every bite feels like a warm hug
- You can customize it to suit your taste preferences with ease
Perfecting the Cooking Process
For more inspiration, check out this useful cooking tips recipe.
Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy garlic butter sauce. This multitasking approach ensures everything is hot and ready to go when assembling your stuffed shells.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. You can also experiment with different cheeses or add fresh spinach for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the stuffed shells in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in the oven until heated through for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make your Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells even better, use freshly grated cheese for enhanced flavor
- Don’t skip resting the chicken after cooking; it helps retain moisture
- Always taste your sauce before mixing it in; you might want to adjust seasoning!
Sharing this recipe reminds me of the first time I made it for my friends—they devoured it so quickly I barely got a chance to enjoy my own creation!
FAQs:
What are Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells?
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a delicious pasta dish featuring large pasta shells filled with a creamy chicken and garlic butter sauce. The stuffing often includes ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and spinach, creating a rich and flavorful experience. This dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, providing comfort food that everyone will enjoy. For more inspiration, check out this delicious main dish recipes recipe.
How do I make Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo?
To make Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo, start by cooking your chicken with garlic and butter until golden brown. Prepare the Alfredo sauce by combining heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings in a saucepan. Mix the cooked chicken into the sauce. Finally, stuff cooked pasta shells with this mixture and bake until bubbly. This dish offers a delightful blend of flavors.
Can I prepare Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells in advance. Simply assemble the stuffed shells and place them in a baking dish without baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, bake them directly from the fridge, adding extra time if needed.
What can I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells?
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells pair wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread. You might also consider serving steamed vegetables or roasted asparagus for a balanced meal. These sides complement the rich flavors of the stuffed shells while providing a delightful contrast in textures.
Conclusion for Garlic Butter Chiken Alfredo Stuffed Shells:
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells combine creamy deliciousness with hearty filling for an unforgettable meal. This recipe allows you to enjoy comforting flavors while being simple enough for any home cook. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or special occasion, this dish promises satisfaction all around. Don’t forget to try out different variations to suit your taste!
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6 (12 stuffed shells) 1x
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a delightful comfort food that combines tender chicken in a creamy garlic butter sauce, all wrapped in jumbo pasta shells. This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive gathering with friends and family. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, each bite feels like a warm embrace, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add seasoned chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 6-7 minutes per side). Let cool slightly before shredding.
- In the same skillet, add remaining butter and minced garlic, sauté for about one minute until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add Italian seasoning.
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with half of the Alfredo sauce; reserve the other half for topping.
- Stuff each cooked shell with the chicken mixture and arrange in a greased baking dish.
- Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over stuffed shells and sprinkle with additional Parmesan if desired. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (200g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
