Looking for a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe! This dish is a creamy and flavorful twist on traditional stuffed shells that will have your taste buds singing with joy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Rich and creamy flavors: The combination of garlic, butter, chicken, and Alfredo sauce creates a decadent and indulgent dish that will satisfy all your comfort food cravings.
- Quick and easy prep: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredient Notes:
- Jumbo pasta shells: These large pasta shells are perfect for stuffing with the delicious filling.
- Cooked chicken, shredded: Use leftover roasted or grilled chicken for added flavor.
- Alfredo sauce: Store-bought or homemade Alfredo sauce can be used for convenience.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and richness to the filling.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Provides that gooey, melty cheese factor.
- Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the dish.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a delicious garlicky aroma.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
- Parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh and herby element to the dish.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing and cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the chicken and cheese mixture.
- In a skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Place stuffed shells in a baking dish, pour garlic butter sauce over the shells, and sprinkle with additional cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven until bubbly and golden brown.
Helpful Tips:
- To make this recipe vegetarian, swap out the chicken for sautéed vegetables or tofu.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta shells.
- Make a double batch and freeze half for an easy meal prep option.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.
- Garnish with fresh basil or additional parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Pair with a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade for the perfect accompaniment.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe and adds a delicious flavor to the filling. - Can I freeze these stuffed shells before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, simply thaw and bake according to the recipe instructions. - Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as fontina, Gouda, or cheddar for a unique flavor twist.
Conclusion:
Try out this Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe for a comforting and satisfying meal that will surely become a family favorite. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy the delicious flavors of this dish!
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious flavors of garlic butter chicken Alfredo stuffed shells. Tender pasta shells are filled with a creamy mixture of chicken, cheeses, and garlic, then baked to perfection in a rich Alfredo sauce. This comforting dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 16 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Cook the pasta shells: Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, melted butter, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Fill the shells: Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the chicken and cheese mixture, then place them in the greased baking dish.
- Bake: Pour Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells, sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese, and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy your garlic butter chicken Alfredo stuffed shells!
Notes
- You can add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for extra flavor.
- Feel free to use store-bought or homemade Alfredo sauce.
- This dish can be prepared in advance and baked when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg