Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Hey there, pasta lovers! If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and a little bit fancy, then you’re in for a treat. These Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells are pure magic. Picture this: large pasta shells filled with a creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and crisp broccoli—all baked to perfection. It’s rich, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this one again and again. Ready to dive in?

Why You’ll Love Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

This recipe isn’t just about delicious ingredients—it’s about creating memories around the table. Whether you’re having a cozy family night or hosting friends, these stuffed shells are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Here’s why this dish is a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for any occasion—busy weeknights, potlucks, or a comforting family dinner. Just imagine coming home after a long day, knowing that you have this easy yet indulgent dish to enjoy. Or picture serving it at your next gathering, with everyone asking for the recipe!

Budget-Friendly: You don’t need to break the bank to make something delicious. With simple, easy-to-find ingredients, this dish proves that you can create mouthwatering meals on a budget without sacrificing flavor.

Quick and Easy: With just a few steps, even the most beginner cooks can whip this up. Don’t worry if you’re not a pro in the kitchen—this recipe is foolproof and designed to make you feel like a culinary expert in no time.

Customizable: Love a little heat? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes. Want to make it even cheesier? Go ahead and add extra mozzarella. The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to make it your own.

Crowd-Pleasing: This one’s a hit with both kids and adults. It’s the kind of dish that everyone at the table will love, from the creamy Alfredo sauce to the savory chicken and fresh broccoli.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic behind this dish. It’s made with simple ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. No need for anything fancy, just the basics that make a perfect meal.

Chicken: Tender, juicy chicken takes center stage in this dish. You can use cooked chicken breasts, rotisserie chicken, or leftover chicken—whatever you have works!

Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds that pop of color and crunch. It’s also a great way to sneak in some veggies without anyone complaining.

Jumbo Pasta Shells: These large shells are the perfect vessel for holding all that cheesy, creamy goodness. They’ll soak up the Alfredo sauce and keep everything in place during baking.

Alfredo Sauce: Rich, creamy, and indulgent. This sauce is the perfect match for our shells. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade Alfredo sauce is always a great option, but store-bought works just as well!

Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese make this dish extra cheesy and gooey. It’s the perfect finishing touch to complete this comforting meal.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your dish bakes evenly and the cheese gets all golden and bubbly.

Prepare the Shells: Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set them aside. Make sure they’re al dente—no one wants mushy shells!

Cook the Chicken and Broccoli: In a skillet, sauté your chicken (if not using pre-cooked) until golden brown and cooked through. Add the broccoli to the pan for a quick sauté just to tenderize it a bit—no need to overcook it.

Make the Alfredo Sauce: If you’re using store-bought Alfredo sauce, warm it up in a saucepan. If you’re feeling extra, go ahead and make your own from scratch—rich, creamy, and irresistible!

Stuff the Shells: Take each cooked pasta shell and stuff it with a generous amount of the chicken and broccoli mixture. Then, place them in a baking dish, side by side, creating a cozy, cheesy nest for each shell.

Top with Alfredo Sauce and Cheese: Pour that luscious Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells, covering them completely. Sprinkle the top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and get ready for the gooey magic to happen!

Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when your whole kitchen smells like a cheesy dream!

Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate your meal:

Fresh Salads: Pair it with a refreshing green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.

Crusty Bread: Serve with some warm, crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up all that delicious Alfredo sauce.

Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or asparagus will add a pop of color and nutrients to your meal.

As a Standalone: These stuffed shells are so filling, they might just be perfect on their own. Garnish with some fresh herbs like parsley or basil to give it that final touch!

Additional Tips

Want to make this dish even better? Here are a few tips:

Prep Ahead: You can prepare the shells, chicken, and sauce in advance. Just assemble the dish, cover it, and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Make it Spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it an extra kick.

Dietary Adjustments: You can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta shells or swap the cream for a dairy-free version if you’re catering to dietary needs.

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly again!

Double the Batch: This dish freezes beautifully! Make a double batch and freeze one for a busy night when you don’t feel like cooking.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
A1: Absolutely! You can use turkey, ground beef, or even a plant-based protein if you’re looking for a different twist.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Prepare the stuffed shells and cover them tightly. Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then bake just before serving.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the stuffed shells after assembly. Just wrap tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re using the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Of course! Just double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. It’s perfect for a crowd!

Q7: Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
A7: Yes! Fresh broccoli is even better. Just sauté it quickly with the chicken for a nice tender bite.

Q8: Can I make this dish without cheese?
A8: While cheese is the star of this dish, you could try a dairy-free cheese or skip it entirely if you prefer.

Q9: What if I don’t have Alfredo sauce?
A9: You can make your own Alfredo sauce with heavy cream, butter, garlic, and Parmesan. Or you can substitute with a white sauce!

Q10: Can I add other veggies?
A10: Definitely! Feel free to add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

There you have it! Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells are creamy, cheesy, and simply irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or enjoying a quiet meal for one, this dish is sure to hit the spot every time. Get ready for compliments, seconds, and the joy of a homemade meal that feels as cozy as it tastes. Enjoy!

Print