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

Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells - Creamy Italian Comfort Food
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
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

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

Scale

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

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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