The aroma of garlic wafts through the air as you prepare to dive into a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds dancing. Picture this: creamy Alfredo sauce hugging tender stuffed shells, all brought together with the irresistible allure of garlic butter. Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Now, let me take you back to my very first attempt at making stuffed shells. It was a chaotic kitchen disaster, complete with fallen shells and a sauce splattered across the walls like an abstract painting. But oh, the joy I felt when I finally succeeded! This dish has become my go-to recipe, filling my home with laughter and delicious smells. It’s ideal for those who want to impress their guests or simply indulge in comfort food that feels like a celebration.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free
- The rich flavors meld beautifully, creating a creamy delight that everyone will rave about
- Its visual appeal is sure to impress at any dinner table, with vibrant colors and enticing aromas
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to modify based on what you have in your pantry!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chiken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Large Pasta Shells: About 20-25 shells are perfect for stuffing; look for the biggest ones you can find.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: You’ll need around 2-3 breasts for that succulent filling; adjust based on serving size.
Fresh Garlic: Use 4-5 cloves for robust flavor; fresh garlic makes all the difference!
Heavy Cream: About 1 cup gives the Alfredo sauce its rich creaminess; don’t skimp here.
Parmesan Cheese: Grate about a cup of freshly grated cheese for optimal flavor and meltiness.
For the Sauce:
Butter: Two tablespoons will add richness to your sauce; use unsalted for better control over seasoning.
End with: “The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.”
How to Make Garlic Butter Chiken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
In a skillet over medium heat, melt one tablespoon of butter. Add chopped chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about one minute. Pour in heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Shells
Spoon some of the creamy garlic butter sauce into the bottom of a baking dish. Fill each pasta shell with chicken mixture then place them in the baking dish.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Pour remaining sauce over filled shells. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes until bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
Once out of the oven, let them cool slightly before serving. Transfer to plates and drizzle with remaining sauce for that perfect finishing touch.
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are more than just food; they’re an experience! So grab your forks because this dish is ready to take center stage at your dinner table tonight! For more inspiration, check out this more main dish recipes recipe.
You Must Know
- This dish of Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for family gatherings but versatile enough for a cozy night in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
For more inspiration, check out this helpful cooking tips recipe.
First, sear the chicken to golden perfection, letting those juicy flavors develop. While that’s happening, boil your pasta shells until al dente. Finally, whip up your creamy Alfredo sauce while everything cooks to ensure hot, cheesy goodness awaits.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or mushrooms if you want a different protein or keep it plant-based. Try adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a colorful twist, or play with spices like crushed red pepper for an extra kick!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use a microwave if you’re in a hurry.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To avoid overcooked pasta, always check your shells a minute before the package instructions indicate
- Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties—trust me!
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk or cream to your sauce before serving
Sometimes I recall the first time I made these stuffed shells—they disappeared faster than I could dish them out! My family’s delighted faces made all the effort worthwhile and turned this recipe into a cherished family favorite.
FAQs:
What are Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells?
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a delicious pasta dish featuring large pasta shells filled with a creamy garlic butter chicken Alfredo sauce. This comforting meal combines tender chicken, savory garlic, and rich cream to create a satisfying flavor profile. The stuffed shells are often topped with cheese and baked until bubbly, making them an ideal dish for family dinners or gatherings.
How do I make Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo?
To make Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo, start by cooking your chicken in a skillet with garlic and butter until golden brown. Then, prepare the Alfredo sauce using heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings. Mix the cooked chicken into the sauce and stuff the mixture into cooked pasta shells. Finally, place the stuffed shells in a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until golden and hot.
Can I customize my Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells?
Yes! You can customize your Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. You might also substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience or use different types of cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar for varied flavor. Experimenting with spices and herbs can also enhance the taste to suit your preferences.
How long does it take to prepare Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells?
Preparation of Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells typically takes about 30 minutes, while baking usually requires an additional 20-25 minutes. Overall, you can expect the entire process to take around one hour from start to finish. This makes it a manageable option for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you’re short on time but still want a hearty meal.
Conclusion for Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells:
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells offer a delightful combination of flavors that will please any palate. With tender pasta shells filled with creamy Alfredo sauce and juicy chicken, this dish is both comforting and satisfying. Customizing your stuffed shells allows you to get creative while keeping preparation time reasonable. Serve this dish at your next gathering or enjoy it as a cozy weeknight dinner that everyone will love!
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a delightful comfort food that brings together tender pasta shells filled with juicy chicken and enveloped in a creamy garlic Alfredo sauce. Topped with melted cheese, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. With its rich flavors and satisfying aroma, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 20 large pasta shells
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add chopped chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown (6-8 minutes).
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream, bring to a simmer, and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Spoon some sauce into a baking dish. Fill each shell with the chicken mixture and place them in the dish.
- Pour remaining sauce over the shells and sprinkle with additional cheese if desired. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (approx. 250g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
