Indulge in a rich, creamy Italian-inspired dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful garlic butter, and cheesy Alfredo sauce all stuffed into jumbo pasta shells. This Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe is perfect for dinner parties, family meals, or whenever you want a comforting, crowd-pleasing entrée. Packed with savory flavors and creamy textures, it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite on your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce: Velvety Alfredo sauce infused with garlic and butter creates an irresistible base.
Tender Chicken: Juicy, well-seasoned chicken breasts add protein and heartiness.
Cheesy Goodness: A perfect blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese for rich flavor and gooey texture.
Perfect for Make-Ahead: Assemble ahead of time and bake just before serving.
Great for Families and Entertaining: Crowd-pleasing comfort food with an elegant presentation.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Shells:

Jumbo Pasta Shells (20): Serve as the base and are perfect for stuffing.

For the Chicken Filling:

Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Used for sautéing the chicken.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (2, diced): Main protein, cooked and seasoned.
Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Adds savory flavor to the chicken.
Salt & Pepper (to taste): Enhances overall seasoning.

For the Alfredo Sauce:

Unsalted Butter (¼ cup): Base for the garlic butter sauce.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with bold flavor.
Heavy Cream (1 cup): Creates a rich, creamy texture.
Chicken Broth (1 cup): Adds depth and balances the richness.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1 cup): Thickens and flavors the Alfredo sauce.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (½ cup + extra for topping): Melts into the sauce and adds gooey texture.
Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): Blends herbs for added flavor.

For Garnish:

Fresh Parsley (¼ cup, chopped): Adds a pop of color and freshness before serving

Tips and Tricks

Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for more intense flavor.
Don’t overcook the pasta shells to avoid mushy texture.
To reduce calories, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but expect a lighter sauce.
For extra richness, add a splash of white wine when simmering the sauce.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.

Variations and Customizations

Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
Cheese Upgrade: Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different cheese profile.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free jumbo shells and verify chicken broth is gluten-free.

Pairing Suggestions

Side Salad: A crisp Caesar or mixed green salad balances the creamy richness.
Garlic Bread: Classic garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks complement this pasta dish perfectly.
Wine Pairing: Pair with a chilled Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio for a complete meal.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze before baking in a freezer-safe dish for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before baking.
Reheat: Warm leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F until heated through or microwave in intervals.

Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Author: easysweetmeal
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells – Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with garlicky chicken, drowned in a creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce, and baked to golden perfection. The ultimate indulgent comfort food

Ingredients

Scale

20 jumbo pasta shells
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Pasta Shells
Cook jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook chicken for 7-8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir in Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Gradually add Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, stirring constantly until melted and creamy.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well to coat with sauce.
Stuff the Shells
Carefully fill each cooked shell with the creamy chicken Alfredo mixture. Arrange stuffed shells in a greased baking dish.
Bake
Pour remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over the shells. Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake in preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the hot shells before serving.

Notes

This Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe offers an elegant yet comforting meal loaded with creamy, cheesy goodness and tender chicken. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it’s a flavorful twist on traditional stuffed pasta dishes that everyone will love.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American