Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe: Divine Dinner!

Creamy and comforting, these chicken broccoli alfredo stuffed shells bring serious flavor to your dinner table.

Pasta shells packed with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli create a delightful combination that satisfies every craving.

The rich alfredo sauce wraps each shell in a blanket of cheesy goodness.

Melted cheese and perfectly seasoned ingredients turn this dish into a weeknight favorite.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of protein, vegetables, and indulgent sauce.

You’ll love how simple ingredients transform into an impressive meal that looks like it took hours to prepare.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that promises to make dinner both delicious and memorable.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 780 kcal

Servings: 3

What’s Inside Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Ideal for holding creamy fillings, choose thick-walled shells that maintain structure during baking.

• Cooked Chicken, Broccoli: Lean protein and green veggie combo adds nutrition and hearty texture; select tender, freshly cooked chicken and crisp broccoli florets.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy, melty cheeses create rich flavor layers; opt for fresh, high-quality cheeses for best results.
• Egg: Binds filling ingredients together and provides structural support.

• Butter: Creates smooth, rich sauce base; use unsalted for better flavor control.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious, silky texture to Alfredo sauce.
• Garlic: Adds deep, aromatic flavor; choose fresh garlic for most intense taste.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance overall dish flavor; use freshly ground black pepper for maximum zest.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, fresh finish to completed dish.

Kitchen Supplies For Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta shells with enough water and space.
• Colander: Perfect for draining and rinsing cooked pasta quickly.
• Large mixing bowl: Needed to combine chicken, broccoli, and cheese filling ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing filling components.
• Saucepan: Necessary for preparing creamy Alfredo sauce over medium heat.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal for assembling and baking stuffed shells.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients for consistent results.
• Cheese grater: Useful for grating fresh Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
• Foil: Covers dish during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

Steps To Prepare Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Shell Preparation

Boil a pot of water with a pinch of salt. Gently drop jumbo pasta shells into the bubbling water, letting them dance until they’re perfectly tender. Carefully drain and cool the shells under a gentle water stream.

• Flavor Fusion

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine tender shredded chicken, vibrant broccoli florets, and creamy cheeses. Blend the ingredients with a dash of garlic powder and a whisper of seasoning, creating a harmonious filling that promises deliciousness.

• Sauce Magic

Melt butter in a warm pan, then welcome minced garlic for a quick sizzle. Pour in velvety cream, letting it transform into a luxurious sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese until the mixture becomes silky smooth and irresistibly rich.

• Shell Stuffing

Warm the oven to a cozy 375F. Spread a generous layer of sauce across the baking dish. Lovingly fill each shell with the chicken and broccoli mixture, nestling them close together like treasured gems.

• Baking Brilliance

Shower the shells with a snowfall of remaining cheese. Cover with foil and let the dish bake until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly masterpiece. Uncover for a final golden touch.

• Serving Moments

Allow the dish to rest briefly, letting flavors mingle and settle. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a touch of green elegance.

Helpful Tweaks For Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook shells just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking. Test shells by cutting one open to ensure a slight firmness in the center.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to baking time when cooking directly from the refrigerator.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with diced turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or plant-based alternatives like seasoned tofu or chickpeas for different protein options.
• Low-Carb Twist: Transform the recipe into a casserole by skipping pasta shells and layering ingredients in a baking dish. Use cauliflower or zucchini as a low-carb substitute for shells.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute dairy ingredients with cashew cream, dairy-free cheese alternatives, and nutritional yeast to create a lactose-free version that maintains rich, creamy flavors.

Serve Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells With Comfort

• Fresh Garden Salad Companion: Toss a crisp mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta dish.
• Crusty Bread Sidekick: Serve warm garlic bread or herbed focaccia alongside the shells to soak up the delicious Alfredo sauce and add a delightful crunch.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Select a chilled Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy texture and cut through the richness of the cheesy chicken shells.
• Family-Style Presentation: Arrange the stuffed shells on a large platter, sprinkle extra fresh parsley, and let everyone dig in for a casual, communal dining experience.

Storing Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells Made Simple

Transfer leftover stuffed shells to airtight containers, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in aluminum foil and freezer-safe containers. Frozen stuffed shells maintain quality for 2-3 months.
• Reheating Magic: Thaw refrigerated or frozen shells in the refrigerator overnight. Warm in the oven at 350F, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare filling and shells a day ahead, storing components separately. Assemble and bake just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and optimal texture.

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken broccoli alfredo stuffed shells combine creamy pasta with hearty ingredients. Cheese-laden shells deliver comfort and satisfaction for home cooks seeking a delightful Italian-inspired meal you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups (250 g / 8.8 oz) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 ½ cups (150 g / 5.3 oz) steamed broccoli, chopped
• 2 cups (480 ml / 16.2 fl oz) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• ½ cup (50 g / 1.8 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup (25 g / 0.9 oz) grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• 4 tbsps (60 g / 2.1 oz) unsalted butter
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Submerge jumbo shells in salted boiling water, cooking until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent further cooking, then set aside to cool.
2. Filling Creation: Blend shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into a harmonious mixture. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly and evenly incorporated.
3. Alfredo Sauce Crafting: Melt butter in a saucepan, introducing minced garlic to release its aromatic profile. Pour in heavy cream, allowing the mixture to thicken and become luxuriously smooth. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, whisking until achieving a glossy, velvety consistency.
4. Dish Assembly and Baking: Heat oven to 375F. Spread a foundational layer of Alfredo sauce in a baking dish. Carefully stuff each shell with the chicken-broccoli filling, arranging them snugly in the sauce-coated vessel. Generously sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan across the top, creating a decadent cheese layer.
5. Final Touches: Cover with aluminum foil and bake until the cheese melts and begins to golden. Remove foil during the final moments of baking to achieve a slightly crisp, bubbling surface. Let the dish rest briefly after removing from the oven, allowing flavors to meld. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook shells al dente to prevent overcooking and maintain structural integrity during stuffing and baking.
• Moisture Management: Pat chicken and broccoli dry before mixing to prevent excess liquid that could make filling soggy.
• Cheese Layering Strategy: Grate cheeses fresh for superior melting and more intense flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Temperature Control: Let dish rest 10-15 minutes after baking to allow sauce to thicken and flavors to fully integrate, ensuring easier serving and optimal taste experience.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 780
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 47 g
• Saturated Fat: 28 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg