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
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Submerge pasta shells in boiling water, following package guidance for perfect al dente texture, then carefully drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- 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.
- Gently stuff each pasta shell with the meticulously blended chicken and broccoli mixture, ensuring a balanced and generous but not overflowing portion.
- Arrange the delicately filled shells in a single, organized layer within the prepared baking dish, creating an appetizing presentation.
- Lavishly drape the entire dish with smooth Alfredo sauce, allowing it to cascade between and around the stuffed shells for maximum flavor infusion.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil, creating a protective cover that traps moisture and ensures even cooking during the initial baking phase.
- Slide the covered dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and heat thoroughly.
- 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.
- 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