Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

Twirling your fork through creamy chicken broccoli Alfredo stuffed shells that melt with rich, comforting flavors.

Pasta shells cradle a dreamy blend of tender chicken and vibrant broccoli florets.

Cheese weaves through each bite, creating a heavenly texture that whispers pure comfort.

Mediterranean influences shine in this classic dish reimagined with delightful ingredients.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and these stuffed shells deliver pure magic.

Delicate pasta pockets promise a meal that feels both indulgent and surprisingly simple.

I promise this recipe will become your new dinner superhero.

Why Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells Are A Favorite Dinner

• Savor Creamy Comfort: This recipe delivers a luxurious blend of tender chicken, soft broccoli, and rich Alfredo sauce nestled in perfectly cooked pasta shells, creating a ultimate comfort food experience that hugs your taste buds.
• Effortless Gourmet Meal: Despite looking fancy, the dish comes together surprisingly easily with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, making restaurant-quality dinner achievable for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Protein-Packed Family Pleaser: Combining lean chicken, nutritious broccoli, and cheesy goodness, this recipe offers a balanced meal that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table leaves satisfied and nourished.
• Versatile Weeknight Winner: Perfect for busy families, this make-ahead friendly recipe can be prepared in advance, reheats beautifully, and transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that feels special without requiring hours of preparation.

What You’ll Need For Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Main Ingredients:

Pasta Shells: – Jumbo Pasta Shells: The foundation of the dish, providing a perfect vessel for delicious stuffing. Large shells work best for holding the rich filling.

Protein and Vegetables: – Cooked Chicken, Broccoli: Tender chicken and nutritious broccoli create a hearty and balanced filling. Choose well-seasoned chicken and fresh, crisp broccoli for the best flavor.

Cheese Base: – Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy cheeses that bind the filling and add rich, tangy flavor. Fresh, high-quality cheeses make a significant difference in taste.

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

Sauce Components: – Butter, Heavy Cream, Garlic: Classic Alfredo sauce ingredients that create a luxurious, smooth base. Use unsalted butter and fresh garlic for the best results.

Seasonings: – Egg, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and binding the filling. Freshly ground black pepper provides more intense flavor.

Finishing Touches:

Garnish: – Fresh Parsley: Optional herb that adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to the finished dish. Freshly chopped parsley brings brightness to the rich casserole.

How To Make Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells Easily

Step 1: Pasta Preparation

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt and bring to a rolling boil. Carefully drop in jumbo pasta shells and cook until they’re perfectly tender. Drain the shells and give them a quick cold water bath to stop the cooking process. Set them aside to cool.

Step 2: Flavor Fusion Filling

• Tender shredded chicken
• Vibrant steamed broccoli florets
• Creamy ricotta cheese
• Melty mozzarella cheese
• Nutty Parmesan cheese
• One beaten egg
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Blend all the ingredients until they’re thoroughly mixed and create a harmonious filling.

Step 3: Luxurious Alfredo Magic

Fire up a saucepan over medium heat. Melt butter and add minced garlic, letting it dance and release its aromatic essence for a minute. Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer and thicken. Remove from heat and whisk in Parmesan cheese until silky smooth. Season with salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.

Step 4: Artful Assembly

Preheat the oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Spread a generous layer of Alfredo sauce across the bottom of a baking dish. Lovingly stuff each pasta shell with the chicken and broccoli mixture, arranging them carefully in the dish. Cascade the remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells.

Step 5: Cheesy Crown and Bake

Shower the shells with a blanket of remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serving and Enjoying

Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes – this helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top. Dive in and savor every creamy, cheesy bite!

Tips That Help With Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Perfectly Cook Pasta Shells: Ensure shells are al dente by testing a shell before draining to prevent mushy texture. Salt the water generously for extra flavor infusion.
• Customize Filling Flexibility: Swap chicken with rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken for convenience. Replace broccoli with spinach or zucchini for varied vegetable options.
• Create Smooth Alfredo Sauce: Whisk continuously while adding Parmesan to prevent cheese clumping. Use room temperature cream for smoother sauce consistency.
• Make Ahead Magic: Prepare stuffed shells up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to maintain moisture.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute pasta shells with blanched zucchini boats or bell pepper halves for a keto-friendly version. Use cauliflower as an alternative to maintain creamy texture.

How To Store And Reheat Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Refrigerate: Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. They'll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Wrap the cooled dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Microwave: Place individual shells on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stopping halfway to stir and ensure even warming. Add a splash of cream to prevent drying out.
• Oven Reheat: Preheat oven to 350F. Cover the dish with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for a fresh, melty finish.

Tasty Pairings For Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enhance the creamy Alfredo sauce with a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, cutting through the richness and complementing the chicken's delicate flavor.
• Serve with Garlic Bread Sidekick: Crusty, buttery garlic bread provides the perfect vehicle for soaking up extra Alfredo sauce, adding a crunchy texture contrast to the soft stuffed shells.
• Add Fresh Herb Salad: Toss together a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, creating a zesty and refreshing counterpoint to the hearty, cheesy pasta dish.
• Pour Sparkling Citrus Mocktail: Mix sparkling water with fresh lemon and a touch of honey for a bright, effervescent non-alcoholic drink that cleanses the palate between bites.

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe Twists

• Seafood Alfredo Shells: Replace chicken with succulent shrimp or crab meat, creating an elegant maritime version that brings ocean flavors to the classic recipe.
• Vegetarian Green Goddess Shells: Swap chicken for roasted zucchini, spinach, and artichoke hearts, maintaining the creamy texture while offering a plant-based alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Stuffed Shells: Add diced jalapeños, cilantro, and pepper jack cheese to the filling, then top with a drizzle of chipotle Alfredo sauce for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Fusion Shells: Incorporate feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped kalamata olives into the filling, transforming the dish with bright Mediterranean ingredients.

Questions On Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to fully thaw and cook it completely before mixing into the filling to ensure food safety.

• Is it okay to substitute broccoli with another vegetable?

Absolutely! Spinach, asparagus, or cauliflower work great as alternative vegetables in this recipe. Choose what you enjoy or have on hand.

• How do I prevent the pasta shells from tearing when stuffing?

Cook the shells just until al dente and handle them gently. Use a small spoon to carefully fill each shell, avoiding overstuffing which can cause splitting.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if coming straight from the refrigerator.

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 25 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy chicken broccoli alfredo stuffed shells deliver comfort on a plate, blending Italian pasta brilliance with hearty ingredients. Cheesy pockets of savory goodness promise to satisfy pasta cravings with each delightful, gooey bite you’ll savor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins and Pasta:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups (250 g / 8.8 ounces) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 egg, lightly beaten

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup (100 g / 3.5 ounces) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (100 g / 3.5 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 g / 1.8 ounces) grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 tablespoons (60 g / 2.1 ounces) unsalted butter
• 2 cups (480 ml / 16.2 fluid ounces) heavy cream

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 ½ cups (150 g / 5.3 ounces) steamed broccoli, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Topping Cheese:

• ½ cup (50 g / 1.8 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup (25 g / 0.9 ounces) grated Parmesan cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta foundation by immersing jumbo shells in generously salted boiling water. Cook until tender yet firm, then carefully drain and cool under cold water to halt the cooking process.
2. Craft the luxurious filling by combining shredded chicken, tender steamed broccoli florets, creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, nutty Parmesan, whisked egg, aromatic garlic powder, and a delicate blend of salt and pepper. Thoroughly incorporate all ingredients until uniformly mixed.
3. Develop the silky Alfredo sauce by gently melting butter in a saucepan. Introduce minced garlic and allow it to release its fragrant essence. Stream in heavy cream, allowing the mixture to thicken and transform into a velvety consistency. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until achieving a smooth, glossy texture.
4. Orchestrate the assembly by preheating the oven to 375F. Create a foundational layer of Alfredo sauce in a baking dish. Meticulously stuff each pasta shell with the prepared chicken-broccoli mixture, nestling them carefully within the sauce-lined vessel.
5. Crown the dish with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan, creating a decadent cheese blanket. Shield with aluminum foil and bake, allowing flavors to meld and cheese to transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
6. After baking, allow the dish to rest briefly, permitting flavors to settle. Optional fresh parsley garnish adds a vibrant finishing touch before serving this comforting culinary creation.

Notes

• Perfectly cook pasta shells by keeping them slightly firm to prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring they hold the filling without falling apart.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut that adds extra flavor and saves preparation time without compromising taste quality.
• Customize broccoli texture by chopping into smaller pieces to distribute evenly throughout the filling, making each bite more balanced and enjoyable.
• Lower-fat version works great by substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk and using reduced-fat cheeses without losing rich, creamy flavor profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg