Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 jumbo pasta shells; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped; 2 cups Alfredo sauce; ¼ cup unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Additional mozzarella cheese for topping (about ½ cup)

Oh, you’re going to love making this Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe — it’s one of those weekend projects that feels fancy but is actually super doable. It’s comforting, creamy, and packed with flavorful chicken and plenty of cheesy goodness, all wrapped in giant pasta shells. Trust me, whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish will feel like a warm hug on a plate.

What makes this Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe special is that garlic butter sauce — it infuses every bite with that irresistible rich and savory kick. Plus, stuffing all that creamy chicken Alfredo inside jumbo shells makes it a fun and impressive meal without any guesswork. I’ve served this for casual dinners and even small celebrations, and it’s always a winner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create creamy, cheesy stuffed shells with just the right balance of garlic butter richness and Italian seasoning. When you shop, look for the freshest garlic and good quality cheeses—it really makes a difference here.

Jumbo pasta shells: These big shells are perfect for stuffing and hold the filling without breaking.
Cooked chicken, shredded: Using leftover rotisserie chicken or poached chicken keeps things quick and super tasty.
Alfredo sauce: I prefer homemade, but store-bought works fine to save time.
Ricotta cheese: Adds creamy texture to the filling.
Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheese pull moment.
Parmesan cheese, grated: For a sharp, nutty finish in the filling and sauce.
Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a must to give that bold flavor lift.
Unsalted butter: Use real butter for the best garlic butter sauce—don’t skimp here.
Parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, bright pop to contrast the rich sauce.
Italian seasoning: Classic herbs that tie all the flavors together perfectly.
Salt and pepper: To taste—don’t be shy with seasoning, especially for the filling.
Olive oil: Helps sauté the garlic without burning and adds extra flavor.

Variations

I love how versatile this Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe is—feel free to get creative based on what you’ve got on hand or dietary needs. I often switch up the cheese blend or add some veggies to make it a bit heartier.

Add spinach or kale: I toss in some sautéed greens for a fresh, nutritious boost that balances all that creaminess.
Make it spicy: Throw in crushed red pepper flakes to give the dish a little heat, perfect for those who like a kick.
Use turkey or sausage: Swap out chicken for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile I’ve really enjoyed.
Go dairy-free: Try dairy-free cheeses and a coconut-based Alfredo sauce—I’ve tested this for a friend, and it still delivered on taste.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Jumbo Pasta Shells

Start by cooking your jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions, but keep a close eye on them—they should be al dente so they hold their shape when stuffed. Once cooked, drain and lay them out on a lightly oiled sheet tray or plate to cool and avoid sticking. This step is key because soggy or overcooked shells can tear when you stuff them.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

While the pasta cools, melt your butter in a skillet over medium heat and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté gently until fragrant—about 1-2 minutes—to create that delicious garlic butter base. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should smell sweet and savory. I sometimes add a splash of olive oil here to keep the butter from browning too quickly.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a big bowl, combine shredded chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in some Alfredo sauce to bind it all together, then fold in a few spoonfuls of the warm garlic butter (reserve some for the baking dish). This mixture should be creamy but not runny so it stays inside those shells nicely.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Grab each jumbo shell and stuff it generously with the chicken Alfredo filling—aim for about a tablespoon or so per shell. Lay them seam side up in a buttered baking dish. This is where it starts looking like the showstopper dish it is, so take your time and enjoy the process.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells, drizzle the last of your garlic butter, and sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for a golden finish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and heated through. Remove the foil in the last 5 minutes if you want a lightly crisp cheese topping.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I usually finish these shells with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley because it adds that lovely pop of freshness and color. Sometimes I add a pinch of extra Parmesan or even some crushed red pepper flakes for those who want a little heat. It’s those small touches that make this dish look and taste like a restaurant meal.

Side Dishes

When I serve Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe, I like to keep it light with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted garlic broccoli. A side of crusty garlic bread pairs perfectly to sop up every last bit of that creamy sauce. These sides balance the richness and make the meal feel well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love baking the shells in individual ramekins for a personal touch—everyone gets their own cheesy, creamy pot of happiness. Another trick is layering some extra mozzarella and broiling it for a minute at the end to get that bubbly golden crust that makes everyone excited to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe store beautifully in the fridge. I put them in an airtight container and they last 3-4 days without losing flavor or texture. Just be sure to cover the dish tightly so the shells don’t dry out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen both assembled and cooked stuffed shells with great success. If you freeze before baking, wrap the dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then thaw overnight before baking. If freezing cooked leftovers, reheat gently to avoid drying out the cheesy goodness.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through—about 20 minutes. This method keeps the texture perfect and the sauce creamy, unlike microwaves that can make pasta tough or sauce separate.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and cook the chicken before shredding it. Using leftover cooked chicken, including frozen and reheated chicken, works well and can save prep time.
Is it okay to prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells a day ahead and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake. This is a great timesaver, especially when hosting guests. Just add extra baking time if chilled straight from the fridge.
Can I make the Alfredo sauce from scratch?

Definitely! Homemade Alfredo sauce tastes fantastic and is easy to make with butter, cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. But if you’re short on time, store-bought Alfredo sauce is a perfectly fine shortcut.
How do I know when the stuffed shells are done baking?

They’re ready when the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden. The internal temperature should be hot throughout, about 25-30 minutes covered at 350°F.
Can I substitute other types of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with provolone, fontina, or even a sharper cheddar for a twist. Just keep a balance of creamy and melty cheeses to maintain the dish’s rich texture.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen rotation because it manages to be indulgent and comforting without too much fuss. It’s a fantastic way to show off a little extra love through food, and the leftovers genuinely feel just as good as the first night. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’ll find it’s one of those dishes that’s both impressive and totally approachable, perfect for any occasion where you want something delicious and satisfying.