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
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Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce: Velvety Alfredo sauce infused with garlic and butter creates an irresistible base.
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Tender Chicken: Juicy, well-seasoned chicken breasts add protein and heartiness.
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Cheesy Goodness: A perfect blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese for rich flavor and gooey texture.
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Perfect for Make-Ahead: Assemble ahead of time and bake just before serving.
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Great for Families and Entertaining: Crowd-pleasing comfort food with an elegant presentation.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Shells:
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Jumbo Pasta Shells (20): Serve as the base and are perfect for stuffing.
For the Chicken Filling:
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Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Used for sautéing the chicken.
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (2, diced): Main protein, cooked and seasoned.
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Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Adds savory flavor to the chicken.
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Salt & Pepper (to taste): Enhances overall seasoning.
For the Alfredo Sauce:
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Unsalted Butter (¼ cup): Base for the garlic butter sauce.
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Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with bold flavor.
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Heavy Cream (1 cup): Creates a rich, creamy texture.
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Chicken Broth (1 cup): Adds depth and balances the richness.
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Grated Parmesan Cheese (1 cup): Thickens and flavors the Alfredo sauce.
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Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (½ cup + extra for topping): Melts into the sauce and adds gooey texture.
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Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): Blends herbs for added flavor.
For Garnish:
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Fresh Parsley (¼ cup, chopped): Adds a pop of color and freshness before serving
Tips and Tricks
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Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for more intense flavor.
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Don’t overcook the pasta shells to avoid mushy texture.
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To reduce calories, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but expect a lighter sauce.
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For extra richness, add a splash of white wine when simmering the sauce.
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Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
Variations and Customizations
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Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
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Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
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Cheese Upgrade: Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different cheese profile.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free jumbo shells and verify chicken broth is gluten-free.
Pairing Suggestions
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Side Salad: A crisp Caesar or mixed green salad balances the creamy richness.
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Garlic Bread: Classic garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks complement this pasta dish perfectly.
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Wine Pairing: Pair with a chilled Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio for a complete meal.
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freeze: Freeze before baking in a freezer-safe dish for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before baking.
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Reheat: Warm leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F until heated through or microwave in intervals.
Popular Questions
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble stuffed shells and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: What if I don’t have jumbo shells?
A: Large pasta like manicotti or large ravioli work well as alternatives.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use dairy-free cream, butter substitutes, and vegan cheese to adapt the recipe.
