Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

If you love creamy, cheesy pasta dishes, then Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells are about to become your new favorite comfort meal! This dish combines tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and rich Alfredo sauce, all stuffed inside jumbo pasta shells and baked to golden, bubbly perfection. Each bite delivers a delicious balance of creamy sauce, hearty filling, and a hint of garlic that makes this dish truly irresistible.

Stuffed shells are a fantastic way to elevate an everyday pasta dish into something impressive without requiring too much extra effort. The combination of chicken and broccoli is not only classic but also nutritionally balanced, offering protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. Topped with gooey melted cheese, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving guests, this dish delivers both flavor and convenience. You can make it ahead of time, refrigerate or freeze it, and bake it whenever you’re ready to serve. Plus, it’s versatile—feel free to swap ingredients or customize the filling to your liking!

Why You’ll Love Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

There are so many reasons why this dish is a must-try! It’s everything you love about creamy Alfredo pasta, but with an extra cheesy, baked goodness that makes it even more comforting.

First, it’s an all-in-one meal—you get tender pasta, protein-packed chicken, and nutrient-rich broccoli in every bite. There’s no need to prepare extra side dishes unless you want to! The cheesy Alfredo sauce coats every shell beautifully, ensuring that each bite is rich, creamy, and satisfying.

Another reason to love this recipe is that it’s perfect for meal prep. You can assemble everything ahead of time and simply pop it in the oven when ready to eat. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for yourself, this dish is a great make-ahead option that tastes just as amazing the next day.

Finally, this dish is endlessly customizable! Want to add some heat? Toss in some red pepper flakes. Looking for a lighter version? Use whole wheat pasta shells and a homemade light Alfredo sauce. Want to add even more veggies? Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers would be fantastic additions. No matter how you make it, this dish is pure comfort food perfection!

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 540
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 3g

Ingredients for Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

For the Filling:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup steamed broccoli, chopped
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg (to help bind the filling)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for depth of flavor)

For the Pasta:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells (plus extra in case some break)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook 1-2 minutes less than package directions (since they will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, chopped broccoli, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously. Once the cream is warm, whisk in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until smooth and thickened. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

1. Spread ½ cup of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
2. Fill each cooked pasta shell with the chicken and broccoli mixture, then place them in the dish.
3. Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.
4. Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella cheese for a gooey, cheesy finish.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil and enjoy your Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells!

Ingredient Background

Each ingredient in Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells plays a key role in creating a dish that is both rich and satisfying.

Chicken is the primary protein source in this dish, adding a hearty, savory element. Using cooked, shredded chicken makes assembly easy—rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, or you can use leftover baked or poached chicken.

Broccoli is a perfect pairing with Alfredo sauce because its mild, slightly sweet flavor complements the rich, creamy sauce. Steaming the broccoli until tender ensures it blends well with the filling while still adding a bit of texture.

Jumbo pasta shells act as the vessel for all the delicious ingredients. They hold the filling well while offering the perfect bite of creamy, cheesy goodness with every forkful. Cooking them slightly under the recommended time prevents them from becoming too soft when baked.

Ricotta cheese creates a smooth, creamy base for the filling. It binds the chicken and broccoli together while adding a slight richness without overpowering the dish. It’s lighter than cream cheese but still offers that indulgent, velvety texture.

Alfredo sauce is what makes this dish so decadent! A homemade version using butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese creates a silky, luxurious sauce. Store-bought Alfredo works in a pinch, but homemade brings a fresh, restaurant-quality taste.

Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese provide the cheesy, golden-baked finish. Mozzarella melts beautifully, creating that irresistible stretch, while Parmesan adds depth with its sharp, nutty flavor.

Technique Tips for Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Perfecting this dish comes down to mastering a few key techniques that ensure every bite is creamy, flavorful, and well-balanced.

1. Preventing the Pasta from Tearing

Jumbo pasta shells are delicate, so handle them gently. Cook them just shy of al dente, then drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps them firm enough to hold the filling without falling apart.

2. Ensuring the Filling is Moist and Flavorful

Since chicken and ricotta cheese can be on the drier side, the key is not overstuffing the shells. Keeping a good ratio of cheese, chicken, and Alfredo sauce in the mix helps retain moisture and guarantees a creamy texture in every bite.

3. Getting the Perfect Baked Cheese Topping

For an extra golden, bubbly cheese topping, bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes and switch to broil for 2 minutes at the end. Watch closely to prevent burning—this step adds a delicious crispy cheese layer!

Alternative Presentation Ideas

While this dish is perfect as is, you can get creative with how you serve and present it!

For an elegant dinner party, serve the stuffed shells in individual ramekins or small oven-safe dishes. This makes for a beautiful, restaurant-style presentation with perfectly portioned servings.

For a casual family-style meal, bake everything in a large dish and serve straight from the pan. Pair with a side of garlic bread and a crisp Caesar salad for a comforting Italian-inspired feast.

If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative, swap the pasta shells for grilled zucchini or eggplant slices. Roll up the filling inside the vegetable slices, layer with Alfredo sauce, and bake for a lighter take on this dish.

Freezing and Storing Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

One of the best things about this recipe is how well it stores and reheats, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal.

Refrigeration:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second increments until warm.

Freezing:

• Assemble the stuffed shells in a freezer-safe dish, but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. If baking from frozen, add an extra 15-20 minutes to the bake time.

Meal Prep Tip:

For easy portioning, freeze individual stuffed shells on a baking sheet first. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. This way, you can bake only as many as needed at a time.

Healthier Twist Ideas

If you want to lighten up this dish while keeping it just as delicious, here are a few ideas:

1. Use Whole Wheat or Protein-Packed Pasta

Whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber and keeps you fuller longer. You can also use chickpea or lentil pasta shells for a high-protein, gluten-free option.

2. Swap Out Heavy Cream

Instead of traditional heavy cream, try evaporated milk or half-and-half to reduce fat while still maintaining a creamy texture. A blend of Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese can also work for a lower-fat Alfredo sauce.

3. Add More Vegetables

Boost the nutrition by adding mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers to the filling. They enhance the flavor while keeping the dish balanced and nutrient-dense.

Serving Suggestions for Events

This dish is incredibly versatile and works well for various occasions, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings.

For a cozy family dinner, serve with a side of garlic knots and roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

For a holiday meal or potluck, bake the stuffed shells in a deep casserole dish and let guests serve themselves. Provide extra Parmesan and Alfredo sauce on the side for added richness.

For a romantic dinner, serve with a glass of white wine (like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio) and a fresh arugula salad with balsamic dressing to balance out the creamy pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

Yes! While homemade sauce adds extra flavor, a high-quality store-bought Alfredo works just as well for convenience.

2. What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?

Use two forks to pull apart cooked chicken, or for an easier method, shred it in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment.

3. Can I make this recipe without ricotta cheese?

Absolutely! You can substitute cottage cheese or cream cheese for a slightly different texture and flavor.

4. Can I add other cheeses to the dish?

Yes! Gouda, Fontina, or even a bit of sharp white cheddar can be mixed in for extra cheesiness.

5. How do I prevent my pasta shells from breaking?

Cook them just until slightly underdone, then rinse under cold water immediately to stop the cooking process.

6. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Just thaw and drain well before mixing into the filling to avoid excess moisture.

7. What’s the best way to make this dish spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling or sauce for a spicy kick.

8. Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra broccoli or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

9. Can I bake this in a muffin tin for bite-sized portions?

Definitely! Stuff each shell and place them in a muffin tin for perfect single-serving portions.

10. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Bake covered at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave in short bursts, adding a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.

Conclusion

Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal, special occasion, or meal prep, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Try it today and enjoy every delicious, melty bite!

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