Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells combine tender pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of shredded chicken, fresh broccoli, and savory Alfredo sauce.
This easy yet elegant dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or piping bag
Ingredients
For the Filling
12-15 jumbo pasta shells
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 1/2 cups fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Alfredo Sauce
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp black pepper
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
For Topping
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Cook the Pasta:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly. - Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with black pepper and a pinch of nutmeg, if desired. Remove from heat and set aside. - Prepare the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, chopped broccoli, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined. - Stuff the Shells:
Spoon or pipe the filling into each cooked pasta shell. Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish in a single layer. - Assemble the Dish:
Pour the Alfredo sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. - Bake:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes
Nutrition (Per Serving, based on 6 servings)
Calories: 450
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 25g
Sugar: 2g
Expert Tips
Use Fresh Broccoli: Chop the broccoli finely so it cooks evenly and blends well with the filling.
Save Time: Use store-bought Alfredo sauce if you’re short on time.
Piping Bag Hack: Use a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with the corner cut off to easily fill the shells.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the stuffed shells and refrigerate them (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
What can I serve with this?
A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this dish.
Storing & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave individual portions until heated through.
Substitutions & Variations
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free jumbo shells or substitute with gluten-free pasta layered like a casserole.
Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and double the broccoli or add spinach, mushrooms, or ricotta.
Cheese Swap: Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a unique flavor twist.
Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Equipment
- Large pot
- - Baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- - Spoon or piping bag
Ingredients
- #### For the Filling
- 12-15 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 1/2 cups fresh broccoli florets finely chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- #### For the Alfredo Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg optional
- #### For Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- **Cook the Pasta:**
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- **Make the Alfredo Sauce:**
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with black pepper and a pinch of nutmeg, if desired. Remove from heat and set aside.
- **Prepare the Filling:**
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, chopped broccoli, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.
- **Stuff the Shells:**
- Spoon or pipe the filling into each cooked pasta shell. Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish in a single layer.
- **Assemble the Dish:**
- Pour the Alfredo sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
- **Bake:**
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- **Serve:**
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
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