Looking for a tasty Italian dinner that’s both comforting and flavorful? My Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe is perfect. It’s filled with tender chicken, three amazing cheeses, and a rich homemade alfredo sauce. This dish will make your dinner time unforgettable.
Picture jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory chicken mix, then covered in a creamy garlic butter sauce. This recipe is sure to wow your family and guests with its rich taste and easy prep.
Key Takeaways
- Easy to prepare weeknight dinner option
- Combines rich alfredo sauce with tender chicken
- Perfect for entertaining or family meals
- Customizable with various cheese and protein options
- Makes delicious leftovers for next-day lunch
Introduction to Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Explore the comfort of a classic dish that turns simple pasta into a feast. Jumbo shell pasta recipes are a canvas for creativity. The chicken alfredo pasta bake is a favorite, blending rich flavors and textures.
What are Stuffed Shells?
Stuffed shells are a cherished Italian-American pasta tradition. These large, curved shells are perfect for creamy fillings. They’re made from semolina wheat, making them versatile in cooking.
- Large, curved pasta shells
- Typically made from semolina wheat
- Perfect for holding rich, creamy fillings
Why Choose Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo?
The garlic butter sauce makes this dish truly special. It combines tender chicken, creamy Alfredo, and aromatic garlic butter.
| Flavor Component | Contribution to Dish |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Protein-rich and tender |
| Alfredo Sauce | Creamy and indulgent |
| Garlic Butter | Rich, aromatic depth |
Perfect for Any Occasion
These stuffed shells are great for any meal. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners or special events. You can prep them ahead, refrigerate, and bake when you’re ready. It’s a convenient, gourmet option!
- Family dinners
- Potluck gatherings
- Make-ahead meal prep
- Impressive dinner parties
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Making a delicious cheesy chicken pasta casserole starts with choosing the right ingredients. This easy weeknight dinner needs a mix of high-quality parts. These parts turn simple pasta shells into a tasty dish. I’ll show you the key ingredients and some fun variations to make your dish stand out.
Essential Ingredients for Delicious Stuffed Shells
This classic chicken Alfredo stuffed shells recipe needs a few important things. These ingredients work together to make a creamy, tasty dish:
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: 20 whole shells are perfect for our tasty filling
- Rotisserie Chicken: 2 cups of shredded chicken add protein
- Cheese Blend: Mix of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta
- Garlic Butter Sauce Ingredients
Optional Add-Ins and Flavor Boosters
Want to make your easy weeknight dinner even better? Try these fun variations:
- Spinach for extra nutrition
- Red pepper flakes for a spicy taste
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley
- Different cheese mixes
Recommended Ingredient Selections
| Ingredient Category | Recommended Brands/Types |
|---|---|
| Pasta Shells | Barilla Jumbo Shells |
| Cheese | Belgioioso Parmesan, Fresh Mozzarella |
| Chicken | Rotisserie Chicken from Whole Foods or Costco |
Choosing each ingredient carefully makes a big difference. It turns a simple recipe into a memorable meal. The right ingredients are key to a cheesy chicken pasta casserole that will wow everyone.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making the perfect creamy pasta shells recipe needs attention to detail. I’ll guide you through each step. This Italian stuffed pasta dinner will wow your family and friends.
Preparing the Filling
First, get your ingredients for the chicken filling ready. Mix:
- Shredded cooked chicken
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan
- Beaten egg
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to mix these ingredients well in a big bowl. Aim for a smooth and creamy mix. This will fill each pasta shell just right. For more stuffed shell tips, visit Crenn Recipes.
Cooking the Pasta Shells
Choose large pasta shells and boil them in salted water until al dente. This usually takes 8-9 minutes. Then, drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
Assembling the Shells
Stuff each shell with the chicken mix. Place the filled shells in a greased baking dish. Make sure they fit snugly but don’t overcrowd.
Baking to Perfection
Spread your homemade garlic butter Alfredo sauce over the shells. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. The top should be golden and bubbly. You’ll get a creamy pasta shells recipe that’s a hit with everyone.
Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Serving this chicken alfredo pasta bake is a joy. It’s best with light, fresh sides that balance its rich flavor. This makes the dish even more enjoyable.
Best Pairings for Serving
I suggest a crisp garden salad with light vinaigrette or roasted veggies. Garlic bread is also great, letting you enjoy the Alfredo sauce fully. These simple additions make the meal complete and satisfying.
How to Store Leftovers
Storing leftovers needs care. Put the shells in an airtight container and refrigerate right away. They stay good for 3-5 days. But, don’t freeze them as the sauce can get watery.
Reheating Tips and Tricks
Reheating must be gentle to keep the shells creamy. Use an oven at 350°F, covered with foil. Adding a bit of cream can make the sauce rich again, just like the first time.
FAQ
What are stuffed shells, and how are they different from other pasta dishes?
Stuffed shells are large pasta shells filled with cheese, meat, or veggies. They’re baked with sauce. This dish is special because each shell is filled individually. It offers a unique mix of pasta, filling, and sauce in every bite.
Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them up to 24 hours in advance. Just assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge. Add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to heat it through.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken with roasted veggies, plant-based chicken, or more cheese. Ricotta and spinach make a great vegetarian filling.
What are the best cheeses to use in this recipe?
Use mozzarella for melting, parmesan for flavor, and ricotta for creaminess. Fresh, quality cheeses will make the dish taste better.
How long can I store leftovers of Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat covered in foil at 350°F. This keeps the dish creamy and prevents the pasta from drying out.
Can I freeze Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells?
Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking, or bake from frozen, adding extra time.
What side dishes pair well with Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells?
Choose light, fresh sides to balance the rich shells. A Caesar salad, roasted veggies, garlic bread, or an Italian chopped salad are great options.
How can I prevent the pasta shells from sticking together during cooking?
Cook shells in salted water, stirring often. Rinse with cold water and lay them out to dry. A light olive oil coating helps prevent sticking.
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells – Creamy Italian Comfort Food
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Looking for a tasty Italian dinner that’s both comforting and flavorful? My Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe is perfect. It’s filled with tender chicken, three amazing cheeses, and a rich homemade alfredo sauce.
Ingredients
20 jumbo pasta shells
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, beaten
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons butter
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese for sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish
2. Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente, drain and rinse with cold water
3. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, beaten egg, and parsley
4. Season chicken mixture with salt and pepper, mix well
5. For garlic butter alfredo sauce, melt butter in a saucepan and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute
6. Add heavy cream to the pan and simmer for 3-4 minutes
7. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, season with salt and pepper
8. Stuff each pasta shell with the chicken mixture and place in prepared baking dish
9. Pour garlic butter alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells
10. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through and bubbly
11. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to brown the top
12. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving
Notes
Can be prepared 24 hours in advance and refrigerated
Add 10-15 minutes to baking time if cooking from cold
For vegetarian version, substitute chicken with roasted vegetables or spinach
Store leftovers in refrigerator for 3-4 days
Reheat gently at 350°F covered with foil
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4 shells
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg