If you’re looking for stuffed chicken shells recipes that are creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, these Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are the perfect dish! Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a rich chicken Alfredo mixture, topped with gooey cheese, and baked in a velvety garlic butter Alfredo sauce.

This dish is ideal for easy dinners for large families, football Sunday dinner, or even a romantic Valentine dinner idea at home. It’s comforting, decadent, and surprisingly simple to make! Serve it with a crisp salad and garlic bread for a complete 4-course meal idea for dinner.

Why You’ll Love These Stuffed Shells Alfredo

Rich & Creamy – Made with a decadent garlic butter Alfredo sauce.
Perfect for Entertaining – Great for family gatherings, game nights, or date nights.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare in advance and bake when ready.
Crowd-Pleaser – A quick and easy dinner recipe that both kids and adults love!
Customizable – Make it vegetarian, add extra veggies, or swap proteins.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

For the Chicken Alfredo Filling:

2 cups (250g) cooked shredded chicken
1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese
½ cup (50g) shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
24 jumbo pasta shells (about half a box)

For the Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for depth of flavor)

For Topping:

1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make these creamy stuffed shells, you’ll need:

Large pot for boiling pasta
Mixing bowls
Skillet for the Alfredo sauce
9×13-inch baking dish
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Mix until well blended. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream, then whisk in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Shells

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread ½ cup of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Fill each cooked pasta shell with 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture, then place in the dish.
Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake & Serve

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
Let cool slightly, then garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Use rotisserie chicken – A quick shortcut for flavorful, juicy chicken.
Don’t overcook the pasta – Slightly undercooked shells hold their shape better when baked.
For extra flavor – Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling.
Make it ahead – Assemble the dish and refrigerate overnight before baking.
Want it even cheesier? – Add extra shredded mozzarella or a sprinkle of feta.

Fun Variations of Stuffed Shells Alfredo

Vegetarian Option – Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers.
Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce.
Seafood Alfredo Shells – Use shrimp or crab instead of chicken.
Low-Carb Version – Stuff the filling into zucchini boats instead of pasta shells.

How to Store & Keep Your Stuffed Shells Fresh

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Assemble the stuffed shells but do not bake. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until heated through.

Serving Ideas and Presentation Tips

Serve with garlic bread and a Caesar salad for a complete meal.
Pair with a glass of sparkling lemonade or iced tea.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra depth of flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Stuffed Shells

Overfilling the shells – Too much filling can cause them to break.
Not covering while baking – Keeps them from drying out before the cheese melts.
Skipping the sauce under the shells – Prevents sticking and adds extra flavor.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a fresh side.
Tomato basil soup for a cozy starter.
A crisp mixed greens salad to balance the richness.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready.

2. Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Absolutely! Use about 2 cups of store-bought sauce for a shortcut.

3. What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
Try cottage cheese or mascarpone for a similar texture.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

These Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor—perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re planning a football Sunday dinner, a Valentine’s date night, or an easy dinner for a large family, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Try this stuffed shells Alfredo recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Tag us on social media and subscribe for more quick and easy dinner recipes!