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Take your classic Chicken Alfredo to the next level with these Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells! Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a savory mixture of tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and fragrant herbs, all smothered in a rich garlic butter Alfredo sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or a special occasion, this dish is both comforting and gourmet.

Imagine the creamy flavors of traditional Chicken Alfredo reimagined in stuffed pasta shells—each bite is packed with cheesy, garlicky goodness and tender chicken that melts in your mouth. With a golden, bubbly topping and the aromatic hint of parsley and Italian seasoning, this dish is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Creamy & Cheesy: Packed with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for ultimate comfort.
  • Garlic Butter Flavor: Adds rich, aromatic depth to every bite.
  • Family-Friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages.
  • Versatile: Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or red pepper flakes for variety.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance or freeze for a quick meal later.

Ingredients

For the Shells & Filling:

  • 16 jumbo pasta shells
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (½ cup goes into the filling, ½ cup on top)
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (¼ cup in filling, ¼ cup on top)

For the Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Pasta

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  2. Add butter and let it melt. Stir in shredded chicken.
  3. Pour in Alfredo sauce, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes until heated through.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling

  1. In a large bowl, combine ricotta, ½ cup mozzarella, and ¼ cup Parmesan. Mix until smooth.
  2. Stir in the chicken Alfredo mixture until fully combined.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

  1. Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
  2. Carefully stuff each cooked shell with the chicken and cheese mixture.
  3. Arrange stuffed shells in the baking dish.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Top shells with remaining Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
  2. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  3. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  4. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • Prevent Tearing: Cook shells just al dente and handle gently when stuffing.
  • Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the Alfredo sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat.
  • Vegetables: Incorporate spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers into the filling.
  • Lighter Option: Swap half the ricotta with cottage cheese or use light Alfredo sauce.
  • Make-Ahead & Freezing: Assemble shells up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for 24 hours or freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 15–20 minutes to baking time.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a fresh green salad tossed in light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
  • Pair with garlic bread for an indulgent, hearty meal.
  • Drizzle extra Alfredo sauce over the top for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Nutritional Highlights (per 2 stuffed shells)

  • Calories: ~450
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbs: 30g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Calcium: ~20% daily value

The chicken provides protein, while garlic and cheeses add flavor and nutrients. Balance with lighter sides or vegetables for a complete meal.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble shells up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze these stuffed shells?
Absolutely! Freeze assembled shells in a covered dish for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15–20 minutes.

What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
You can substitute cottage cheese or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes, but homemade sauce gives a fresher, more flavorful taste.

Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a delicious, comforting, and versatile dish that combines creamy cheese, tender chicken, and aromatic garlic butter sauce in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or make-ahead meals, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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