Introduction
Hey there! Today, I want to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes: Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser and perfect for when you want to impress your family or guests with a delicious and comforting meal. The combination of tender chicken, creamy alfredo sauce, and the aromatic flavors of garlic and butter make every bite absolutely divine. Trust me, once you try these stuffed shells, you’ll be craving them on a regular basis!
Why You’ll Love This
I make this dish when I want to indulge in some serious comfort food. The creamy alfredo sauce paired with the garlic butter chicken creates a heavenly combination that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. My family goes crazy for this because it’s incredibly satisfying and packed with flavors that will leave you wanting more. Plus, it’s a great dish to make ahead of time for those busy weeknights when you need something quick and easy to put on the table.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 1 pound of chicken breast, cooked and shredded
– 24 jumbo pasta shells
– 2 cups of alfredo sauce
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 4 tablespoons of butter
– 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Feel free to get creative with the ingredients! I sometimes use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breast myself when I’m in a hurry. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or add some chopped spinach for an extra nutritional boost.
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook them al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven later. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and well-coated in the garlic butter.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the chicken cool slightly.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken with 1 cup of alfredo sauce. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated.
7. Take each cooked jumbo pasta shell and fill it generously with the chicken and alfredo mixture. Place the filled shells in a greased baking dish.
8. Pour the remaining alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure they are fully covered.
9. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the shells.
10. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
I’ve found that using homemade alfredo sauce takes this dish to a whole new level. However, if you’re short on time, store-bought alfredo sauce works perfectly fine too. Just make sure to choose a high-quality brand that you enjoy.
Don’t worry if the stuffed shells look a bit weird before baking – they always do! Once they’re cooked, they will transform into a mouthwatering delight.
Variations
Over the years, I’ve tried a few variations of this recipe, and here are a couple of experiments that turned out delicious:
– Instead of chicken, try using cooked ground turkey or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
– Add a kick of spice by mixing in some crushed red pepper flakes into the garlic butter chicken mixture.
Equipment
If you don’t have a large skillet, you can use a frying pan or even a Dutch oven as a substitute. The key is to have enough space to sauté the garlic and cook the chicken without overcrowding the pan.
Storage
Although these Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, they are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Trust me, in my house, they never last more than a day!
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these stuffed shells with a simple green salad on the side and some crusty garlic bread. It’s a complete meal that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Feel free to make it your own and add your favorite sides!
Pro Tips
Through trial and error, I’ve learned a few valuable lessons when it comes to making Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells:
– Don’t rush the cooking process. Take your time to sauté the garlic until it’s fragrant, and cook the chicken until it’s heated through and well-coated in the garlic butter.
– If you want to add some extra flavor, try using a combination of different cheeses, such as fontina or Gruyère, in addition to the mozzarella and Parmesan.
FAQ
Q: Can I freeze these stuffed shells?
A: Absolutely! Once baked, let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: While jumbo pasta shells are the traditional choice for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of pasta, such as rigatoni or large manicotti shells. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different pasta shapes may have different cooking times.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to increase the baking time slightly to ensure they are heated through.
Q: Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken myself?
A: Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving hack. Simply shred the chicken and follow the recipe as directed.
I hope you enjoy making these Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells as much as I do. They truly are a labor of love that will bring joy to any mealtime. So, gather your ingredients, put on some good music, and let’s get cooking!
Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
A delicious and comforting dish featuring tender chicken, creamy alfredo sauce, and aromatic garlic butter stuffed into jumbo pasta shells, topped with a blend of cheeses and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 24 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups alfredo sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions, ensuring they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (1-2 minutes).
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Add shredded chicken to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5 minutes until heated through and coated in garlic butter. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
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In a mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken with 1 cup of alfredo sauce until evenly coated.
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Fill each pasta shell generously with the chicken and alfredo mixture, place in a greased baking dish.
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Pour remaining alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells to cover them fully.
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Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the shells.
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Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.