Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells: A Cozy Winter Indulgence

As the air turns crisp and the evenings grow longer, I find myself craving hearty, comforting dishes with a touch of decadence. This recipe transforms classic stuffed shells into a velvety, buttery treasure trove filled with fragrant garlic butter chicken and rich Alfredo sauce. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or making your weeknight feel special.

What makes this dish stand out is how the warm, gooey pasta melds with the savory chicken and the irresistible aroma of garlic and butter. Each bite delivers a luscious, almost indulgent experience that feels like a culinary hug. Plus, stuffing shells feels like a fun, nostalgic ritual that sparks joy in the kitchen.

WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE?

• The aroma of roasted garlic and melting butter fills the kitchen and lifts my mood instantly.
• The combo of creamy Alfredo sauce with tender chicken is endlessly satisfying.
• Stuffing pasta shells feels like a little culinary craft, making me feel proud and playful.
• This dish makes leftovers feel like a luxurious treat, perfect for busy mornings.

AVOID MY DISASTER (You’re Welcome)

• FORGOT the pasta was boiling—shells cracked and pasta was mushy, but I rebuilt with fresh shells.
• DUMPED too much cheese—causing a greasy mess, so I poured off excess and added fresh sauce.
• OVER-TORCHED the garlic—bitterness ruined the smell, so I swept it aside and started fresh.
• TOO LATE for the sauce to thicken—quickly added a cornstarch slurry, and it shimmered perfectly.

QUICK FIXES THAT SAVE YOUR DAY

• When shells stick, splash in hot water to loosen and make filling easier.
• Patch over a sauce that’s too thin with a splash of cream and grated cheese.
• Shield over-browned garlic by stirring in a splash of broth—I smell garlic, not bitterness.
• When cheese clumps, add a touch of milk and whisk gently for smoothness.
• When in doubt, keep a can of tomato sauce handy for quick flavor boosts.

This dish couldn’t be more timely. As colder evenings settle in, the warm flavors of garlic, butter, and creamy Alfredo provide undeniable comfort. It’s the kind of meal that makes you pause, smile, and savor every bite—a reminder that food can be both simple and extraordinary.

There’s a certain satisfaction in pulling a bubbling casserole from the oven, the aroma swirling around you like a cozy blanket. Every layer of flavor feels like a small victory, turning an ordinary ingredient list into something memorable. In times like these, a dish like this helps slow down, appreciate home-cooked goodness, and indulge in the familiar, tender flavors we all need.

Garlic Butter Chicken Stuffed Shells with Alfredo Sauce

This dish features large pasta shells filled with a garlic-infused butter chicken mixture, baked in a creamy Alfredo sauce until bubbling and golden. The final appearance showcases tender pasta with a rich, velvety coating and melted cheese topping, offering a comforting and indulgent presentation.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 12 ounces large pasta shells uncooked
• 2 cups chopped cooked chicken shredded or diced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 4 tablespoons butter divided
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded, divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup tomato sauce optional, for extra flavor

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Baking dish
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Cook the large pasta shells in boiling salted water until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
2. In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, until the garlic is soft and aromatic.
3. Stir in the cooked chicken and cook for another 2-3 minutes to warm through, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add the garlic chicken mixture into the Alfredo sauce, stirring to combine and create a flavorful filling.
6. Gently stuff each cooked shell with the garlic chicken Alfredo mixture, then place them seam-side up in a greased baking dish.
7. Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the filled shells, making sure they are well coated. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly on top.
8. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled dish uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbling and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
9. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to settle and the dish to firm up slightly.
10. Garnish with extra Parmesan or chopped fresh herbs if desired, then serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness.

Creating this Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells isn’t just about satisfying a craving. It’s about cherishing those moments when comfort food becomes an act of tenderness and care. The richness of the sauce, balanced with the savory chicken and fragrant garlic, makes each bite worth lingering over.

As the seasons shift, dishes like this remind us that real magic happens when we combine simple ingredients with a little love and patience. Sharing a dish like this turns an ordinary night into a small celebration of flavor, warmth, and home.

Emily Carter

I’m Emily Carter, the founder of Lifestyle Landscape Insight. Born and raised in Austin, Texas, I’ve carried a lifelong passion for cooking and storytelling. Growing up in a family where the kitchen was the heart of every gathering, I found joy in experimenting with recipes, discovering local flavors, and celebrating food as a way of life.