Irresistible Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe

Stuffed pasta shells bring comfort to your dinner table with an irresistible combination of tender chicken and vibrant broccoli.

Imagine a dish that perfectly balances rich, velvety textures with wholesome ingredients.

Warm, inviting aromas will drift through your kitchen as these delectable shells bake to golden perfection.

creamy sauces envelop each pasta pocket, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that satisfy deep hunger.

Nutritious vegetables and protein combine in a single, mouthwatering meal that promises to impress.

Every forkful delivers a delightful mix of hearty and delicate elements that make this recipe special.

You can find these stuffed shells become an instant favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Explore this comforting culinary experience that revolutionizes simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

What Makes Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Pasta Shells So Satisfying

• Dive into a delightful pasta dish that wraps tender chicken and vibrant broccoli in velvety Alfredo sauce, creating a warm, satisfying meal that hugs your taste buds.
• Whip up this hassle-free recipe in under an hour, using straightforward ingredients and easy steps that make dinner preparation a breeze for busy families.
• Combine lean protein from chicken and nutrient-rich broccoli in a single dish, transforming a classic comfort food into a more balanced, wholesome meal that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Easily swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your family's preferences, making this versatile recipe a flexible favorite for different tastes and dietary needs.

Everything You Need for Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Pasta Shells

• Pasta Shells: Large shells perfect for stuffing with creamy filling, look for jumbo-sized shells for best results.

• Chicken, Broccoli: Lean protein and green vegetable create a balanced and nutritious filling, choose boneless skinless chicken breasts for easiest preparation.

• Butter, Garlic, Heavy Cream, Milk: Rich base for creamy Alfredo sauce, fresh garlic provides deeper flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheeses that add richness and create golden brown topping, select high-quality block cheese for best melting.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish, adjust to personal taste preference.

How to Assemble Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Pasta Shells Step by Step

Step 1: Create Silky Alfredo Sauce

• Butter
• Minced garlic
• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Black pepper

In a medium saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic over medium heat. Pour in cream and milk, gently warming until small bubbles form. Remove from heat and whisk in cheeses until smooth. Season with a light sprinkle of black pepper.

Step 2: Prepare Pasta Shells

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add pasta shells and cook according to package directions until tender but firm. Drain shells and spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool completely.

Step 3: Craft Flavorful Chicken Broccoli Filling

• Shredded cooked chicken
• Chopped broccoli florets
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Freshly ground pepper

Fold in one cup of prepared Alfredo sauce, ensuring every morsel is beautifully coated.

Step 4: Assemble Delectable Stuffed Shells

Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Carefully stuff each cooled pasta shell with the chicken-broccoli mixture. Arrange shells in neat rows within the baking dish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour remaining Alfredo sauce over stuffed shells. Generously sprinkle additional Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, cheesy masterpiece!

Smart Tips to Nail Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Pasta Shells

• Prevent Soggy Shells: Pat pasta shells dry after cooking to ensure they maintain structural integrity and don't become mushy when stuffed.
• Balance Filling Portions: Use a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon to evenly distribute chicken-broccoli mixture, guaranteeing consistent flavor in every bite.
• Maximize Cheese Melting: Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and create a beautiful golden-brown top with perfect texture.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Briefly sauté chopped broccoli before mixing into filling to intensify its nutty taste and reduce excess moisture.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble stuffed shells a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a stress-free meal preparation.

Keeping Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Pasta Shells Fresh for Later

• Refrigerate: Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain optimal freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover the pasta shells with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through, ensuring cheese melts smoothly and filling reaches steaming temperature.
• Microwave Option: Place individual shells on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Tasty Matches for Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Pasta Shells

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy Alfredo sauce and cut through the richness of the cheesy pasta shells. The wine's acidity balances the dish's heaviness and enhances the chicken and broccoli flavors.
• Serve with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light side salad with mixed greens, fresh parsley, dill, and a lemon vinaigrette. The bright, zesty salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy pasta dish and adds a nutritious element to the meal.
• Add Garlic Bread on the Side: Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up the extra Alfredo sauce. The crunchy texture and garlicky flavor perfectly complement the soft pasta shells and provide an additional layer of deliciousness to the overall dining experience.
• Pour Sparkling Water with Lemon: A chilled glass of sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lemon helps cleanse the palate between bites. The light, effervescent drink cuts through the dish's richness and provides a refreshing accompaniment to the creamy pasta.

Creative Twists on Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Pasta Shells

• Mediterranean Escape: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp and add sundried tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese to the filling for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Spinach Lover's Dream: Swap broccoli with fresh spinach and incorporate ricotta cheese into the filling for a green, creamy alternative that's packed with nutrients.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Mix in diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and add taco seasoning to the chicken for a zesty, southwestern flavor profile that brings heat and excitement to the classic recipe.
• Vegetarian Comfort: Trade chicken for roasted butternut squash and white beans, then blend nutritional yeast into the Alfredo sauce to create a satisfying plant-based option that doesn't compromise on richness.

Questions About Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Pasta Shells? We’ve Got Answers

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just thaw and drain it completely before mixing into the filling to prevent excess moisture.

• How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the stuffed shells and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10 minutes to baking time if coming straight from the refrigerator.

• What can I substitute for chicken?

You can easily use turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even plant-based chicken alternatives for a similar texture and flavor profile.

Creamy Chicken And Broccoli Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in these delectable chicken and broccoli stuffed pasta shells, celebrating classic Italian-American flavors with a hearty, cheesy twist. Perfectly balanced and irresistibly creamy, each shell promises a delightful meal where you’ll savor every rich, comforting bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie recommended)
• 1 bag (12 ounces) frozen broccoli florets, steamed and chopped

Pasta and Cheese:

• 1 box (12 ounces) Jumbo Shells
• 1 ¼ cups shredded Mozzarella cheese (⅔ cup + 1 cup)
• ¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (½ cup + ⅔ cup)

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ¼ cups whole milk
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft the velvety Alfredo sauce by gently melting butter with fragrant garlic in a saucepan. Gradually incorporate heavy cream and milk, bringing the mixture to a delicate simmer.
2. Remove sauce from heat and whisk in Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses until smooth. Season with a light sprinkle of pepper, creating a rich, creamy base.
3. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Carefully submerge pasta shells and cook until they reach a perfect al dente texture.
4. Drain pasta shells and spread them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet to cool and prevent sticking.
5. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Fold in finely chopped broccoli until evenly distributed.
6. Drizzle one cup of prepared Alfredo sauce over the chicken-broccoli mixture, gently stirring to coat all ingredients thoroughly.
7. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing the surface to prevent sticking.
8. Carefully stuff each cooled pasta shell with the chicken and broccoli filling, arranging them neatly in the prepared baking dish.
9. Lavishly pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Generously sprinkle additional Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses across the top of the dish.
11. Place in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F and bake for 25 minutes, or until the dish becomes heated through and the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Notes

• Prep ahead by cooking chicken and chopping broccoli in advance to save time during assembly.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker and more convenient protein option that adds extra flavor.
• Choose medium to large pasta shells to ensure enough space for generous filling and easy stuffing.
• Ensure shells are cooled before stuffing to prevent filling from becoming too runny or falling apart.
• Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make serving easier.
• Pair with a light side salad or garlic bread to complete this hearty and comforting meal.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 130mg