Description
Indulge in creamy, flavorful Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells, a comforting baked pasta dish featuring tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked jumbo pasta shells. This recipe combines the best of Italian-inspired flavors with a buttery garlic twist, ideal for a family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta Shells
- 12 large pasta shells
Chicken and Sauce
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the stuffed shells later.
- Cook Pasta Shells: Boil salted water and cook the large pasta shells until they are al dente. Drain and set aside carefully to avoid tearing.
- Cook Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper, cooking until golden brown on all sides.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Stuff Shells: Spoon the chicken Alfredo mixture into each cooked pasta shell and arrange them in a baking dish.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour any remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the dish is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta shells to avoid breakage while stuffing.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoother sauce consistency.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Ensure garlic is cooked just until fragrant to prevent bitterness.