If there’s one dish that effortlessly combines indulgence, elegance, and weeknight comfort, it’s Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells. This recipe brings together everything we crave in a hearty baked pasta: tender chicken coated in garlic butter, rich homemade Alfredo sauce, and jumbo pasta shells stuffed to the brim and baked until irresistibly creamy and golden.

Stuffed shells have long been a staple of family dinners, potlucks, and cozy Sunday meals, but this version elevates the classic by swapping marinara for a silky garlic Alfredo sauce and layering in buttery, savory chicken. The result is a dish that feels restaurant-worthy yet deeply comforting — perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or impressing guests without stress.

This recipe was designed to be approachable yet luxurious. No complicated techniques, no hard-to-find ingredients — just smart layering of flavors and textures. Every bite delivers soft pasta, juicy chicken, rich cheese, and that unmistakable garlic butter warmth that makes you want to go back for seconds (and thirds).

Whether you’re planning a family dinner, holiday gathering, or freezer-friendly make-ahead meal, these Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells belong in your rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines garlic butter chicken and creamy Alfredo in one dish
Perfect balance of cheesy, creamy, and savory flavors
Great for make-ahead meals and freezing
Crowd-pleasing comfort food that feels elevated
Customizable with veggies, spices, or different cheeses

This dish bridges the gap between everyday dinner and special-occasion indulgence — the kind of recipe that becomes a signature favorite.

Ingredients

Jumbo pasta shells
Cooked chicken breast or thighs, finely chopped or shredded
Unsalted butter
Fresh garlic, minced
Heavy cream
Cream cheese, softened
Grated parmesan cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Italian seasoning
Salt
Black pepper
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped

Each ingredient plays a specific role: the butter and garlic build depth, the cream and cheese create richness, and the chicken adds satisfying protein that makes this dish filling and comforting.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells until just al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a tray to cool.
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Stir in the cooked chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes so the chicken absorbs the garlic butter flavor. Remove from heat.
In a saucepan over low heat, add heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir continuously until smooth and fully melted.
Add grated parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until thickened and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Combine the garlic butter chicken mixture with half of the Alfredo sauce, mixing until evenly coated.
Spoon a thin layer of Alfredo sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Stuff each cooked pasta shell generously with the chicken Alfredo filling and arrange in the dish.
Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure they are well covered.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
Let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.

Flavor Tips for the Best Stuffed Shells

Use freshly grated parmesan for smoother sauce texture
Don’t overcook the shells — slightly firm pasta holds filling better
Let the sauce simmer gently to avoid separating
Season in layers: chicken, sauce, and final bake

These small details make a big difference in the final result.

Variations You’ll Want to Try

Spinach Garlic Alfredo Shells:
Stir sautéed spinach into the chicken mixture for added freshness and color.

Spicy Alfredo Shells:
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce for heat.

Mushroom Chicken Alfredo:
Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic butter before adding chicken.

Three-Cheese Version:
Mix ricotta into the filling for an even creamier texture.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Instructions

This recipe is ideal for meal prep.

Make Ahead:
Assemble the stuffed shells completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Freezer Friendly:
Assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15–20 minutes to covered bake time.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells with:

A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
Roasted broccoli or asparagus
Simple tomato cucumber salad for contrast

The richness of the dish pairs beautifully with fresh, acidic sides.

A Comfort Food Classic with a Modern Twist

Stuffed shells originated as a creative way to stretch ingredients and feed families generously. This Alfredo-based version honors that tradition while bringing modern comfort-food flair. It’s cozy, satisfying, and designed to bring people together around the table.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a celebratory dinner, this recipe delivers warmth, flavor, and pure comfort — exactly what great food should do.