Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe for Dinner

Dreamy chicken broccoli alfredo stuffed shells bring comfort right to your dinner table.

Pasta shells cradle a creamy mixture that promises pure satisfaction.

Tender chicken pieces nestled with vibrant broccoli create a perfect harmony of flavors.

Melted cheese adds a luxurious touch to this classic Italian-inspired dish.

Each shell bursts with rich, velvety goodness that makes you want to savor every bite.

Weeknight dinners just became more exciting with this simple yet impressive recipe.

This meal will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Why Everyone Loves Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Prepare this delectable dish in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families craving a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Swap chicken for turkey, add different veggies, or adjust cheese types to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Cheesy, creamy, and packed with protein, these stuffed shells will have children and adults alike asking for seconds, transforming dinnertime into a joyful experience.
• Combines protein, vegetables, and carbs in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup time and offering a complete balanced meal that looks impressive but requires minimal effort.

Ingredients for Creamy Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Jumbo Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for stuffing, will hold the delicious filling and sauce.
• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that provides a hearty base for the stuffed shells, best when freshly cooked and shredded.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable adding nutrition and texture to the dish, should be slightly crisp.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds depth to the Alfredo sauce, preferably freshly grated.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Mild, melty cheese that creates a creamy and stretchy texture, provides golden top when baked.
• Heavy Cream: Rich base for Alfredo sauce, creates smooth and luxurious texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth sauce base.

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic flavor to the sauce, essential for depth.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance overall taste, adjust according to preference.

Steps to Assemble Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Boil Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop jumbo pasta shells into the water and cook until they reach al dente perfection. Carefully drain the shells and set them aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken

• Grill
• Pan-fry
• Bake

Cook the chicken until it’s completely done. Once cooled, shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Transform Broccoli

Steam fresh broccoli florets until they’re just tender but still maintain a slight crunch. Chop the steamed broccoli into small, manageable pieces perfect for stuffing.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Alfredo Sauce

• Butter
• Minced garlic
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Pepper

Melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Pour in cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in cheese and seasonings, whisking until the sauce reaches a rich, velvety consistency.

Step 5: Assemble Stuffed Shells

• Shredded chicken
• Chopped broccoli
• Mozzarella cheese

Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the mixture and arrange in the baking dish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking 5-10 minutes until the top turns golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Delight

Let the dish rest briefly after removing from the oven. Plate with a side of garlic bread or crisp salad for a complete, mouthwatering meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Expert Tips for Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Shells

• Prevent Shell Sticking: Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the boiled shells to keep them from clumping together while cooling.
• Boost Flavor Intensity: Add a pinch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the chicken while cooking to enhance the overall taste profile.
• Achieve Perfect Texture: Pat the steamed broccoli dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and prevent watery filling.
• Create Healthier Version: Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
• Customize Protein Options: Substitute chicken with rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or plant-based protein for versatile meal preparation.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Alfredo Shells the Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep the stuffed shells fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place shells in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Add a splash of cream or milk to restore moisture if needed.

Delicious Pairings for Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement the creamy alfredo sauce and cut through its richness. The wine's bright acidity balances the heavy cheese and chicken flavors.
• Create homemade or store-bought breadsticks seasoned with garlic and parmesan to enhance the dish's existing cheese and flavor profile. These crispy sides provide a perfect textural contrast to the soft stuffed shells.
• Prepare a light caesar salad with crisp romaine, parmesan shavings, and a tangy dressing. The salad's freshness and slight crunch will offset the rich, creamy pasta and provide a balanced meal experience.
• Roast seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus with olive oil and herbs. These vegetables add nutritional variety and a caramelized flavor that complements the chicken and broccoli stuffed shells.

Creative Twists on the Classic Chicken Alfredo Shells

• Vegetarian Shell Swap: Replace chicken with roasted white beans or tofu, using the same seasoning and preparation method for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Low-Carb Shell Alternative: Substitute pasta shells with large roasted zucchini boats or bell pepper halves, keeping the creamy Alfredo filling intact for a low-carbohydrate option.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use cashew cream instead of heavy cream, nutritional yeast in place of parmesan, and plant-based mozzarella to create a completely dairy-free recipe that maintains rich, creamy textures.
• Gluten-Free Version: Select gluten-free jumbo shells or use rice pasta shells, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for individuals with wheat sensitivities.

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken broccoli alfredo stuffed shells deliver creamy Italian comfort straight to your dinner table. Cheesy pasta pockets packed with tender chicken and crisp broccoli promise a delightful meal that satisfies with every luxurious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Vegetables:

• 2 cups (250 g) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 ½ cups (150 g) steamed broccoli, chopped

Cheese Ingredients:

• 1 cup (100 g) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese (for Alfredo sauce)
• ½ cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Other Ingredients:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter
• 2 cups (480 milliliters / 16 fluid ounces) heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Carefully prepare jumbo pasta shells by immersing them in generously salted water, cooking until they reach a tender yet firm consistency. Gently drain and allow them to cool slightly.
2. Select chicken breasts and cook thoroughly using preferred method – grilling, pan-searing, or baking. Once cooled, transform the meat into delicate shreds or precise, small cubes.
3. Tenderly steam broccoli florets, ensuring they maintain a slight crispness. Meticulously chop the steamed vegetables into compact pieces suitable for shell filling.
4. Craft the luxurious Alfredo sauce by melting butter in a spacious saucepan. Introduce minced garlic and sauté until aromatic. Stream heavy cream and allow gentle simmering. Incorporate parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper, stirring until the sauce reaches a velvety, thick consistency.
5. Warm the oven to 375F (190C). Spread a gossamer layer of Alfredo sauce across the baking dish’s bottom. Construct each shell by generously filling with a harmonious blend of shredded chicken, chopped broccoli, and mozzarella cheese.
6. Cascade remaining Alfredo sauce over the arranged shells. Lavishly dust the surface with additional mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Shield the dish with aluminum foil, baking for 20-25 minutes until bubbling. Uncover and continue baking 5-10 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy cheese topping.
7. Allow the dish to rest momentarily after removing from the oven. Present the stuffed shells alongside complementary sides like crusty garlic bread or a refreshing salad for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Customize the chicken by using rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken for a quick time-saving hack.
• Steam broccoli briefly to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent overcooking, which can make it mushy and less appealing.
• Use whole wheat shells for added fiber and a slightly nutty flavor, perfect for health-conscious eaters.
• Consider low-fat alternatives like Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce the calorie content of the Alfredo sauce without sacrificing creaminess.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 660
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 190 mg