Quick Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

Creamy chicken & broccoli alfredo stuffed shells combine comfort and elegance in one delightful dish.

Pasta lovers will adore this hearty meal that brings together classic Italian flavors with a contemporary twist.

Rich, cheesy goodness awaits inside each perfectly cooked shell.

Tender chicken pieces nestle alongside vibrant broccoli florets, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Melted cheese and smooth alfredo sauce envelop every bite with pure deliciousness.

Sophisticated yet simple, this recipe promises to impress without demanding complicated techniques.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this irresistible pasta creation.

Why You’ll Love Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Create a Comforting Meal: Dive into a heartwarming dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy Alfredo sauce in perfectly stuffed pasta shells.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping chicken with turkey, adding different vegetables, or experimenting with cheese varieties to suit your taste preferences.
• Perfect for Family Gatherings: Impress your loved ones with a restaurant-quality meal that's both delicious and visually appealing, making it ideal for special dinners or weekend get-togethers.
• Master a Crowd-Pleasing Recipe: Learn a versatile cooking technique that transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping main course everyone will love and request again.

What You’ll Need For Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Main Ingredients:

Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells that will be stuffed with a flavorful mixture.

Chicken: Shredded chicken that serves as the primary protein in the dish.

Broccoli: Fresh broccoli that adds nutritious green color and texture to the filling.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that helps bind the filling together.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that adds richness to the stuffed shells.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp cheese that provides depth of flavor in both filling and sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Smooth dairy product that creates a luxurious base for the Alfredo sauce.
• Egg: Binds the filling ingredients and helps maintain the shell's structure.

• Butter, Garlic: Essential flavor base for the Alfredo sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb used for garnishing and adding a fresh finish.

Steps To Make Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven and Boiling Water

Get your oven cranking at 375°F and start a big pot of salted water boiling. This sets the stage for your pasta-making magic.

Step 2: Cook Perfect Pasta Shells

Toss those pasta shells into the rolling boil and cook until they’re perfectly al dente. Drain and let them cool down a bit – patience is key!

Step 3: Create the Tantalizing Filling

• Shredded chicken
• Chopped broccoli
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix everything until it’s beautifully combined and looks totally irresistible.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around until wonderfully fragrant. Slowly whisk in heavy cream, stirring constantly to keep things smooth.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken. Sprinkle in parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until the sauce becomes silky and luxurious.

Step 6: Stuff Those Shells

Carefully fill each cooled pasta shell with the chicken and broccoli mixture. Be generous but don’t overstuff – we want these shells to look elegant!

Step 7: Assemble and Bake

Place the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish. Pour that dreamy Alfredo sauce all over the top, making sure every shell gets some love.

Step 8: First Baking Round

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven. Bake for 25 minutes, letting all those flavors mingle and get acquainted.

Step 9: Final Golden Touch

Remove the foil and continue baking for 10-15 more minutes. You’re looking for golden shells and a bubbling sauce that screams “eat me!”

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips That Help With Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Perfect Shell Stuffing: Use a small spoon or piping bag to neatly fill pasta shells without tearing them, ensuring even distribution of chicken and broccoli mixture.
• Prevent Watery Filling: Pat chicken and broccoli dry before mixing to eliminate excess moisture that could make the stuffed shells soggy.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Let Alfredo sauce cool slightly before adding parmesan to prevent separation and create a smoother, more consistent sauce.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare shells and filling a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving to save time and enhance flavor melding.
• Dietary Swap Option: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, and use gluten-free pasta shells for a celiac-friendly adaptation.

Ways To Change Up Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Seafood Fusion: Replace chicken with succulent shrimp or tender crab meat for an oceanic protein swap that elevates the classic recipe.
• Vegetarian Comfort: Substitute chicken with roasted cauliflower or sautéed mushrooms, maintaining the creamy texture and hearty feel of the original dish.
• Spicy Southwest: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and sprinkle chili powder into the filling for a zesty, warm flavor profile that brings excitement to the plate.
• Mediterranean Spin: Incorporate spinach, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes to transform the recipe with bright, tangy Mediterranean ingredients.

Perfect Pairings For Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp Chardonnay with buttery notes that complement the creamy Alfredo sauce, balancing the richness of the cheese and chicken.
• Craft Beer Companion: Select a Belgian-style wheat beer or light pale ale with subtle citrus undertones to cut through the heavy, creamy texture and refresh the palate.
• Herbal Side Salad Boost: Create a zesty mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette and fresh herbs like basil or parsley to provide a bright, tangy contrast to the rich stuffed shells.
• Bright Vegetable Accompaniment: Roast asparagus spears with garlic and olive oil, offering a light, green vegetable side that adds nutritional balance and a crisp texture to the meal.

How To Store Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep them sealed to maintain moisture and prevent other food odors from seeping in.
• Wrap individual or entire portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Chicken and broccoli stuffed shells can stay frozen for 2-3 months without losing quality.
• Warm refrigerated shells in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. For frozen shells, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Assemble the dish completely, but don't bake. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. This method helps intensify flavors and saves time on busy days.

Questions About Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken are perfect because they’re already cooked and provide great flavor and texture.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Most children love cheesy pasta dishes, and the combination of chicken and broccoli makes it a nutritious meal that kids typically enjoy.

• How can I prevent the shells from becoming too dry?

Covering the dish with foil during initial baking helps retain moisture, and using the Alfredo sauce generously ensures the shells stay creamy and delicious.

Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken & broccoli alfredo stuffed shells bring comfort and Italian-inspired elegance to dinner tables. Pasta pockets packed with tender chicken, broccoli, and rich alfredo sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with every cheesy, satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 20 large pasta shells (500g)

Filling:

• 2 cups (500ml) shredded cooked chicken
• 1.5 cups (375ml) chopped broccoli florets
• 1 cup (250ml) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (250ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (125ml) grated parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 cups (500ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (125ml) butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (250ml) grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine shredded chicken, chopped broccoli, ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper until well integrated.
4. Prepare the Alfredo sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
5. Gradually whisk in heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent scorching, and simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Incorporate parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper into the sauce, continuing to stir until smooth and creamy.
7. Gently stuff each cooled pasta shell with the chicken and broccoli mixture, ensuring a generous but not overpacked filling.
8. Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish, then pour the entire Alfredo sauce evenly over the top.
9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until shells are golden and sauce is bubbling.
11. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving hot.

Notes

• Prevent soggy shells by slightly undercooking pasta during initial boiling, allowing it to finish cooking in the oven.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving protein option that adds extra flavor and reduces prep work.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version of the Alfredo sauce, reducing overall calorie content.
• Make this dish vegetarian by replacing chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower for a protein-packed alternative.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 738
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 918mg
• Fat: 48g
• Saturated Fat: 28g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 185mg