Dreamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

Creamy chicken broccoli alfredo stuffed shells promise a delightful twist on classic pasta nights.

Comfort meets elegance in this cheesy Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Shells packed with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli create a mouthwatering main course.

Ricotta and parmesan cheese blend seamlessly with succulent meat and crisp vegetables.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that dance across your palate.

Melted cheese and rich sauce guarantee a satisfying meal everyone will adore.

You can’t resist diving into this irresistible pasta creation that transforms ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the shells from sticking together while cooking?

Rinse the cooked shells with cold water immediately after draining and gently separate them. You can also lightly brush them with olive oil to prevent sticking.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance. Prepare the dish completely, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold.

• What if I don't have ricotta cheese?

You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or cream cheese. Both will provide a similar creamy texture and help bind the filling ingredients together.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saving option. Simply shred the meat and use it in the filling mixture for added convenience and flavor.

Stuffed Shells Loaded With Chicken, Alfredo, And Broccoli Goodness

• Quick Family Meal: Perfect weeknight dinner that brings everyone together with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
• Customizable Comfort: Easy to adjust ingredients based on dietary preferences or what's available in your kitchen, making it a versatile recipe for different tastes.
• Time-Efficient Cooking: Requires just 30 minutes from prep to table, ideal for busy households wanting a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Nutritious One-Dish Wonder: Combines protein from chicken, vegetables from broccoli, and calcium from cheeses, creating a balanced meal that satisfies nutritional needs while tasting incredible.

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells Ingredient Essentials

• Pasta Shells: Large shells perfect for stuffing, hold the filling nicely and create a comforting texture.

• Shredded Chicken, Chopped Broccoli: Lean protein and green vegetable provide balanced nutrition, chicken can be rotisserie or home-cooked, broccoli adds fresh crunch and color.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy blend provides rich flavor and helps bind the filling, mozzarella adds stretch, Parmesan brings sharp taste.

• Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Classic herb mix enhances overall flavor profile, adds depth to the chicken and cheese mixture.

• Alfredo Sauce: Creamy white sauce that covers and complements the stuffed shells, provides moisture and richness.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds color and light herbal freshness.

• Olive Oil: Used for greasing the baking dish, prevents sticking and adds subtle flavor.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers dish during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

Stuffed Shell Instructions for Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick olive oil rubdown to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells

Boil the pasta shells according to the package guidelines.

Once they’re perfectly tender, drain them and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Filling Mixture

• Shredded chicken
• Chopped broccoli
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together until the mixture becomes a harmonious blend of flavors.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Carefully fill each pasta shell with the chicken and broccoli mixture.

Be gentle and avoid overstuffing to keep things neat.

Step 5: Arrange in Baking Dish

Nestle the stuffed shells into the prepared baking dish, creating a single layer of deliciousness.

Step 6: Add Alfredo Sauce

Drizzle the creamy Alfredo sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, ensuring every shell gets a luxurious coating.

Step 7: Initial Baking

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Step 8: Final Baking

Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven.

Bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

If desired, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve immediately and watch everyone dig in with excitement!

Stuffed Shell Prep Tips for Creamy Alfredo Perfection

• Pat cooked pasta shells dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a perfect texture and preventing watery filling.
• Let stuffed shells rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese and sauce to settle, enhancing overall taste and making serving easier.
• Swap chicken with turkey, rotisserie chicken, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for dietary preferences and variety.
• Briefly blanch broccoli before chopping to maintain vibrant color, reduce excess water, and preserve a crisp, fresh bite in the dish.
• Assemble stuffed shells up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making meal planning convenient and stress-free.

Reheat Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring they are completely cooled before sealing.
• Warm shells at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture, removing foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stopping halfway to stir and ensure even heating, adding a splash of extra Alfredo sauce to prevent dryness.
• Wrap shells tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in the freezer for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Sides That Go with Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Choose a chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement the creamy Alfredo sauce, cutting through its richness while enhancing the chicken and cheese flavors.
• Serve with Garlic Bread Sidekick: Prepare crusty garlic bread to mop up extra Alfredo sauce, adding a crunchy texture that balances the soft stuffed shells.
• Match with Fresh Salad Companion: Create a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a tangy contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta dish, helping cleanse the palate between bites.
• Refresh with Sparkling Water: Select sparkling water with a slice of lemon to cleanse the palate and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the heavy, creamy pasta.

Alfredo Shells with Cheesy Options

• Vegetarian Shells: Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein crumbles, using roasted cauliflower instead of broccoli for a hearty meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace traditional pasta shells with gluten-free jumbo shells, utilizing almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs in the filling for added texture.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use blanched zucchini boats or bell pepper halves as shell replacements, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining the creamy Alfredo flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy cheeses with cashew-based ricotta, nutritional yeast, and dairy-free mozzarella alternatives, ensuring a creamy and satisfying meal for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delightful chicken broccoli alfredo stuffed shells bring creamy Italian comfort to your dinner table. Cheesy pasta pockets packed with tender chicken and broccoli offer a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 12 large pasta shells
• 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed and chopped

Cheese Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the pan)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 375°F and lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with olive oil for seamless food release.
2. Submerge pasta shells in boiling water, following package guidance for perfect al dente texture, then carefully drain and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Create a robust filling by combining shredded chicken, finely chopped broccoli florets, creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan in a spacious mixing bowl, seasoning with garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and freshly cracked pepper.
4. Gently stuff each pasta shell with the meticulously blended chicken and broccoli mixture, ensuring a balanced and generous but not overflowing portion.
5. Arrange the delicately filled shells in a single, organized layer within the prepared baking dish, creating an appetizing presentation.
6. Lavishly drape the entire dish with smooth Alfredo sauce, allowing it to cascade between and around the stuffed shells for maximum flavor infusion.
7. Shield the dish with aluminum foil, creating a protective cover that traps moisture and ensures even cooking during the initial baking phase.
8. Slide the covered dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and heat thoroughly.
9. Uncover the dish, exposing the shells to direct heat, and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a golden, slightly crisp top and perfectly melted cheese.
10. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the finished dish for a vibrant pop of color and fresh herbal note before serving immediately.

Notes

• Customize the filling by swapping chicken with turkey, tofu, or plant-based protein for diet-specific variations.
• Ensure broccoli is finely chopped to distribute evenly and prevent large chunks that might disrupt the shell’s texture.
• Pre-cook broccoli slightly to reduce moisture and prevent watery filling that could make shells soggy.
• Experiment with low-fat cheese alternatives or dairy-free options for those with dietary restrictions without compromising flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg