Here’s a creamy, indulgent Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe that combines tender pasta shells with a rich cheese filling, juicy chicken, and fresh broccoli—all smothered in homemade Alfredo sauce. A crowd-pleasing comfort food masterpiece!
Contents
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Prep Time: 25 mins | Cook Time: 35 mins | Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
For the Shells:
- 24 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Cheese Filling:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan, divided
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions:
1. Prep the Shells & Veggies:
- Cook shells al dente (1-2 mins less than package instructions). Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté broccoli for 3-4 mins until bright green. Add chicken to warm through.
2. Make the Cheese Filling:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, ¼ cup Parmesan, egg, garlic, and seasonings. Fold in chicken and broccoli.
3. Prepare Alfredo Sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan. Add garlic; cook 30 secs until fragrant.
- Whisk in cream and milk. Simmer 3 mins.
- Stir in Parmesan, salt, and nutmeg until smooth. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble & Bake:
- Spread ½ cup Alfredo sauce in a 9×13″ baking dish.
- Fill each shell with cheese mixture (about 2 tbsp each). Arrange in dish.
- Pour remaining sauce over shells. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 mins. Uncover; bake 10-15 mins until bubbly and golden.
5. Serve:
- Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes. Let sit 5 mins before serving.
Tips for Success:
- Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken and store-bought Alfredo sauce (2 cups).
- Make ahead: Assemble (unbaked) up to 24 hours ahead; add 5-10 mins to bake time.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze unbaked. Thaw overnight, then bake as directed (+10 mins).
- Veggie swap: Try spinach or mushrooms instead of broccoli.
This dish is luxuriously creamy, packed with protein, and guaranteed to impress! 🍝🐓 Let me know if you’d like a lighter version.