Oh, let me tell you about the pure joy that is creamy chicken broccoli alfredo stuffed shells! This dish wraps you in a warm, cheesy hug and is honestly one of my go-to comfort foods. Whenever I make it, I can practically hear my family cheering from the kitchen! It’s become a staple in our home, especially on those busy weeknights when I want something hearty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The combination of tender pasta shells filled with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and that luscious Alfredo sauce just makes my heart sing! It’s also a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies, and trust me, the kids don’t even notice. Every bite is like a little slice of happiness, and I can’t wait for you to experience it too!
Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed until tender
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
How to Prepare Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial because you want your shells to bake evenly and come out perfectly bubbly!
- While that’s warming up, cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once they’re al dente, drain them and set them aside to cool a bit. Don’t worry if they stick together a little; we’ll be stuffing them soon!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed; this is where the magic starts to happen!
- Now comes the fun part! Take each cooked shell and stuff it generously with the chicken and broccoli mixture. Don’t be shy—pack it in there!
- Next, spread half of the Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. This will keep the shells from sticking and adds extra flavor. Yum!
- Carefully arrange the stuffed shells in the dish, and then pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the top, ensuring they’re all covered in that creamy goodness.
- Finally, sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Trust me, this step is key for that delicious cheesy crust!
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells heavenly and you can hardly wait to dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a creamy, cheesy delight that’s bound to please everyone at the table.
- Super easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
- Packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from the broccoli, it’s a wholesome meal.
- The jumbo pasta shells make it fun to eat, and kids love them!
- Customizable—feel free to add more veggies or switch up the cheeses based on what you have on hand.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, so you can enjoy this dish multiple times!
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that works for any occasion, from casual dinners to special celebrations.
Tips for Success
- Rotisserie chicken is your friend: For a quick and easy option, grab a rotisserie chicken from the store. It saves time and adds a delicious flavor to your filling!
- Don’t overcook the shells: Make sure to cook the jumbo pasta shells just until al dente. They’ll continue cooking in the oven, so you want them to have a bit of bite when you stuff them.
- Add more veggies: If you want to sneak in even more nutrition, consider adding spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the filling. Just make sure to chop them finely and cook them slightly before mixing!
- Cheese substitutions: If you’re out of any cheese, feel free to mix it up! Cream cheese or cottage cheese can be great substitutes for ricotta, and you can use any melty cheese you like for the topping.
- Store leftovers properly: Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Just reheat in the oven for the best texture, or microwave in short bursts if you’re in a hurry!
- Freezing for later: These stuffed shells freeze beautifully! Just assemble them without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for these delicious chicken broccoli alfredo stuffed shells! Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 30g
This dish offers a hearty dose of protein and a satisfying mix of carbs and fats, making it a balanced option for a main meal. Enjoy every cheesy, creamy bite guilt-free!
FAQ about Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the chicken broccoli alfredo stuffed shells ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep them fresh.
What can I substitute for broccoli?
If broccoli isn’t your thing, no worries! You can use other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or even roasted red peppers. Just make sure to chop them up finely and lightly steam or sauté them before mixing them into the filling.
Can I use a different sauce?
While Alfredo sauce is classic for this recipe, you can switch it up! A creamy béchamel sauce or even a homemade cheese sauce would work beautifully. Just keep that creamy texture in mind!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. They reheat well in the oven or microwave, but if you pop them in the oven, cover them with foil to prevent drying out.
What pairs well with chicken broccoli alfredo stuffed shells?
These stuffed shells are delicious on their own, but they pair nicely with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread on the side. A light tomato salad can also add a refreshing touch to your meal!
Serving Suggestions
These chicken broccoli alfredo stuffed shells are a meal on their own, but they shine even brighter when paired with a few delightful sides! Here are some of my favorites:
- Garlic Bread: Nothing beats the combination of cheesy pasta and warm, buttery garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up any extra Alfredo sauce!
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds a refreshing crunch and balance to the creamy richness of the stuffed shells. Plus, the tangy dressing is simply divine!
- Steamed Vegetables: For a healthy touch, serve with a medley of steamed veggies like green beans or carrots. It’s a great way to add color and nutrition to your plate.
- Tomato Basil Salad: A simple salad of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil brings a burst of freshness that complements the creamy filling beautifully.
- Roasted Asparagus: Try some roasted asparagus on the side for a touch of elegance. The slight char adds a wonderful flavor that pairs nicely with the Alfredo sauce.
Whichever sides you choose, these stuffed shells are sure to be the star of your dinner table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious chicken broccoli alfredo stuffed shells is super easy, and trust me, you’ll want to save every last bite! First, let those leftovers cool down to room temperature before you put them away. Then, transfer the shells to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days—just enough time for you to enjoy them again!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the shells with aluminum foil to keep them nice and moist. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If you want that cheesy top to be extra bubbly, you can remove the foil for the last 5 minutes—yum!
If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat them in the microwave. Just place a serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out, and heat in short bursts of about 1-2 minutes, checking in between until warmed to your liking.
Oh, and if you decide to freeze the stuffed shells, go for it! Just make sure to assemble them without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual. This way, you’ll have a cozy meal ready whenever you need it!
Print
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells: 7 Pure Comfort Bites
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy and cheesy stuffed shells filled with chicken and broccoli.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Stuff each shell with the chicken and broccoli mixture.
- Spread half of the Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish and cover with the remaining Alfredo sauce.
- Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Feel free to add more vegetables if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: chicken broccoli alfredo stuffed shells
