Introduction:
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells is a delightful and satisfying Italian-American inspired dish that combines the comforting flavors of creamy Alfredo sauce with hearty stuffed pasta shells, tender chicken, and wholesome broccoli. This recipe elevates the classic stuffed shells to a new level of deliciousness by incorporating a rich and cheesy Alfredo sauce both as a filling component and a luscious topping. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress with a truly comforting and flavorful dish.
Imagine biting into a jumbo pasta shell bursting with a creamy, cheesy filling of Alfredo-infused chicken and broccoli. The aroma of garlic, Parmesan, and melting cheese fills the air, promising pure Italian-American comfort food bliss. The texture is a delightful combination of tender pasta shells, a rich and creamy filling, and a bubbly, golden-brown cheesy topping. Every bite is a symphony of familiar and loved flavors – the creamy Alfredo, the savory chicken, the slightly sweet broccoli, all nestled within perfectly cooked pasta shells.
Whether you’re a fan of Alfredo sauce, stuffed shells, or simply looking for a hearty and delicious pasta bake, this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe is an excellent choice. It’s relatively easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Get ready to experience pasta perfection and understand why this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
There are countless reasons why this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe is destined to become a regular dish in your meal rotation. Firstly, the flavor is outrageously delicious and incredibly comforting. The combination of creamy Alfredo sauce, savory chicken, and mild broccoli is a flavor trifecta that appeals to almost everyone, making it a guaranteed hit with picky eaters and pasta lovers alike.
Secondly, it’s surprisingly easy to make, despite its impressive presentation and gourmet taste. While there are a few steps involved, none of them are particularly difficult or time-consuming. The recipe is broken down into manageable parts, making it achievable for cooks of all skill levels.
Finally, it’s a fantastic make-ahead dish, making it ideal for entertaining or busy weeknights. You can assemble the stuffed shells completely ahead of time and simply bake them off when you’re ready to serve. This make-ahead capability reduces stress and allows you to plan your meals efficiently. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can customize it with different cheeses, vegetables, or proteins to make it your own signature stuffed shell creation.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
To create this creamy and delicious Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells, you will need a selection of pantry staples, fresh produce, protein, pasta, cheeses, and dairy to build its signature Italian-American comfort food profile. The key components are, of course, jumbo pasta shells, chicken, broccoli, and Alfredo sauce.
For the pasta, you will need jumbo pasta shells. Jumbo pasta shells (12-16 shells, depending on size of package and baking dish) are essential for stuffing and creating individual servings. Choose a good quality brand of jumbo shells.
For the protein, you will need cooked chicken. Cooked chicken (about 2 cups, shredded or diced, rotisserie chicken, cooked chicken breasts, or leftover chicken work well) provides a savory and hearty filling for the shells. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option. Cooked chicken breasts or leftover chicken are also excellent choices. Ensure chicken is cooked and cooled slightly before shredding or dicing.
For the vegetables, you will need broccoli and garlic. Broccoli florets (about 2 cups, fresh or frozen, cut into small florets) add a touch of green, mild sweetness, and nutritional value to the filling. Fresh or frozen broccoli florets work well. If using frozen, thaw slightly and drain excess water. Garlic cloves (2-3 cloves, minced) are essential for aromatic garlic flavor in the Alfredo sauce and filling. Fresh garlic cloves, minced, provide the best garlic flavor.
For the Alfredo sauce, you will need the ingredients to make a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce, or you can use a high-quality store-bought Alfredo sauce for convenience. Heavy cream (2 cups) is essential for the richness and creaminess of Alfredo sauce. Full-fat heavy cream is recommended for best results. Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated, plus extra for topping) is crucial for authentic Alfredo flavor, providing salty, savory, and umami notes. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended for best flavor and melting qualities. Butter (1/2 cup, unsalted) is the base for the Alfredo sauce, adding richness and flavor. Unsalted butter allows for control over salt level in the sauce. Garlic powder (1 teaspoon) and onion powder (1/2 teaspoon) enhance the savory flavor profile and add depth to the Alfredo sauce. Salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors in the Alfredo sauce and filling.
Cheese is crucial for both the filling and the cheesy topping. Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded, plus extra for topping) adds stretch and cheesy melt to the filling and topping. Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and creates a gooey cheese pull. Ricotta cheese (1 cup, whole milk ricotta recommended) adds creaminess, moisture, and a slightly tangy flavor to the filling. Whole milk ricotta provides a richer and creamier texture.
Optional additions for enhancing the flavor and presentation of the dish include fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish), adding a pop of color and fresh herbaceous aroma. Red pepper flakes (pinch, optional), adding a subtle touch of heat to the Alfredo sauce or filling. Nutmeg (pinch, freshly grated, optional), adding a classic warm spice note to Alfredo sauce. Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon, optional), enhancing the Italian-American flavor profile.
HOW TO MAKE “Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells”:
Making Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells is a multi-step culinary process that primarily involves cooking the pasta shells, preparing the creamy Alfredo sauce, creating the chicken and broccoli filling, stuffing the shells, and baking until golden brown and bubbly. Making homemade Alfredo sauce is a key step for authentic flavor, although store-bought can be used for convenience. Baking brings all components together and creates the creamy, cheesy texture of the dish.
The recipe is structured into clear, easy-to-follow steps. It begins with cooking the jumbo pasta shells until al dente. While shells cook, the creamy Alfredo sauce is prepared on the stovetop. The chicken and broccoli filling, infused with some of the Alfredo sauce, is created. Cooked pasta shells are stuffed with the chicken and broccoli filling. Stuffed shells are arranged in a baking dish, topped with remaining Alfredo sauce and mozzarella cheese. Finally, the casserole is baked until golden brown, bubbly, and heated through.
By carefully following the step-by-step instructions, even novice cooks can easily achieve delicious and impressive Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells at home. The process, while involving a few steps, is not overly complex, and the result is well worth the effort. Get ready to impress your family and guests with this creamy, cheesy, and satisfying pasta bake!
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Cook Jumbo Pasta Shells. Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Cooking pasta shells al dente ensures they hold their shape during stuffing and baking and are not mushy. Do not overcook the shells as they will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the cooked pasta shells and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Rinsing with cold water stops cooking and removes excess starch, preventing shells from sticking together. Gently set aside the cooked pasta shells. Having cooked pasta shells ready streamlines stuffing process.
Step 2: Prepare Creamy Alfredo Sauce. In a large saucepan or skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Large saucepan or skillet provides ample space for making Alfredo sauce. Melt butter as base for Alfredo sauce. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Sautéing garlic in butter infuses flavor into the sauce base. Cook garlic until fragrant but do not brown. Pour in the heavy cream to the saucepan. Adding heavy cream is the next step in Alfredo sauce. Bring the heavy cream to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Simmering heavy cream thickens it slightly. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cream has slightly thickened. Simmering gently thickens cream to desired consistency. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes and nutmeg. Stirring in cheese and seasonings completes Alfredo sauce. Stir until the Parmesan cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Stirring ensures cheese is fully melted and sauce is homogenous and creamy. Remove the Alfredo sauce from the heat. Set aside the prepared Alfredo sauce. Having Alfredo sauce ready streamlines filling preparation and stuffing process.
Step 3: Prepare Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Filling. In a large bowl, combine the shredded or diced cooked chicken, small broccoli florets, ricotta cheese, and about 1 cup of the prepared Alfredo sauce (reserve the remaining Alfredo sauce for topping). Large bowl provides ample space for mixing filling ingredients. Combining chicken, broccoli, ricotta, and Alfredo sauce creates flavorful filling. Reserve remaining Alfredo sauce for topping stuffed shells later.
Mix all filling ingredients together gently until well combined and homogenous. Mixing gently ensures filling ingredients are evenly distributed and well combined. Filling should be creamy and flavorful, with chicken and broccoli evenly dispersed. Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste, if needed. Proper seasoning is crucial for flavorful filling. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese to your preference.
Step 4: Stuff Pasta Shells. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating oven ensures it reaches correct temperature for baking stuffed shells. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. Greasing baking dish prevents stuffed shells from sticking and ensures easy removal. A 9×13 inch dish is a standard size for casseroles and provides ample space for stuffed shells.
Spoon or generously fill each cooked jumbo pasta shell with the chicken broccoli Alfredo filling. Filling shells generously creates hearty stuffed shells. Use a spoon or your fingers to carefully stuff each shell. Arrange the stuffed pasta shells in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Arranging in a single layer ensures even baking and sauce distribution.
Step 5: Top with Remaining Alfredo Sauce and Cheese and Bake. Pour the remaining prepared Alfredo sauce evenly over the stuffed pasta shells in the baking dish. Pouring Alfredo sauce over stuffed shells provides creamy sauce base for baking. Ensure all shells are covered or partially submerged in sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the Alfredo sauce and stuffed shells. Generous mozzarella cheese topping creates signature cheesy topping and browning. Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella cheese topping (optional, for extra cheesy topping and browning). Extra Parmesan cheese topping enhances cheesy flavor and browning.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, golden brown in spots, and the stuffed shells are heated through. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and depth of baking dish. Stuffed shells are done when cheese is melted, bubbly, golden brown, and internal temperature of filling is heated through. A fork inserted into a shell should feel hot. Do not overbake, as this can dry out the pasta and filling.
Step 6: Rest and Serve. Remove the Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells from the oven and let them rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Resting allows stuffed shells to set up slightly and makes them easier to serve. Cooling slightly prevents burning mouth and allows flavors to meld further. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley (optional) before serving for added visual appeal and fresh flavor. Serve hot for optimal enjoyment. Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a hearty and satisfying meal. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and delicious pasta bake!
USEFUL TIPS:
For extra flavor in the Alfredo sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or white pepper for depth. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and nutmeg/white pepper enhance Alfredo sauce flavor complexity.
For a richer Alfredo sauce, use full-fat heavy cream and whole milk ricotta cheese, and consider adding a tablespoon of cream cheese to the sauce for extra richness. Full-fat dairy products contribute to maximum creaminess and richness. Cream cheese addition further enhances sauce richness.
To prevent the pasta shells from sticking together after cooking, rinse them thoroughly with cold water and lightly drizzle them with olive oil or cooking spray before stuffing. Rinsing and oiling prevent pasta shells from sticking and tearing during stuffing.
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add more vegetables to the filling, such as sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or roasted red peppers. Vegetarian variations can be created by omitting chicken and increasing vegetable content. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, and roasted red peppers are good vegetable additions.
To add a crispy topping, you can sprinkle breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs over the cheese topping before baking for added texture. Breadcrumbs or panko topping creates a crispy textural contrast to creamy stuffed shells. Toss breadcrumbs with melted butter and seasonings for extra flavor and browning.
For a make-ahead option, you can prepare the stuffed shells completely (up to topping with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese) a day ahead of time, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake in the oven the next day, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time as they will be cold from the refrigerator. Assembling stuffed shells ahead saves time on day of serving, especially for gatherings or meal prep. Bake from cold, increasing baking time slightly.
For reheating leftover stuffed shells, reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, covering with foil to prevent drying, or microwave individual portions. Reheat gently to avoid drying out or burning. Oven reheating helps maintain texture better for larger portions, covered to prevent drying. Microwave reheating is quicker for individual servings. Add a splash of milk or cream during reheating if stuffed shells seem dry.
DETAILS:
Prep Time: 40 minutes. The preparation time includes cooking pasta shells, making Alfredo sauce, preparing chicken and broccoli filling, and stuffing shells. Efficient prep work streamlines assembly and baking process. Proper preparation ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience.
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes baking (plus pasta cooking and sauce making time). The cooking time is primarily for baking the assembled stuffed shells in the oven. Baking time ensures cheese is melted, bubbly, and stuffed shells are heated through. Pasta cooking and sauce making take additional time but are cooked separately. Total cook time reflects baking and separate cooking components.
Total Time: 1 hour – 1 hour 5 minutes. The total time from start to finish, including prep time and cook time, is approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 5 minutes. Stuffed shells are a moderately time-consuming but rewarding dish to make. Total time is reasonable for a satisfying and impressive pasta bake.
Yield: 6-8 servings (depending on shell size and appetite). This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings, depending on the number of shells stuffed and serving size per person. Yield is suitable for a family dinner or small gathering. Serving size can be adjusted based on individual appetites and serving context.
Category: Main Course, Pasta Bake, Stuffed Pasta, Italian-American, Comfort Food. Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells is versatile, categorized as a main course, pasta bake, stuffed pasta dish, Italian-American cuisine, and comfort food. It is primarily served as a main dish for dinner. Categorization highlights its versatility and culinary role.
Method: Baking, Stovetop Sauce, Boiling (pasta). The primary methods are baking the assembled stuffed shells in the oven, making Alfredo sauce on stovetop, and boiling pasta shells. Baking is the main cooking method for stuffed shells assembly. Alfredo sauce is a stovetop preparation. Boiling cooks pasta shells. These methods combine to create the final dish.
Cuisine: Italian-American, American, Comfort Food. Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells is Italian-American in style, a popular American comfort food, and combines elements of Italian pasta dishes with American comfort food preferences. Its comforting nature and flavor profile classify it as classic comfort food with Italian-American influences. Cuisine reflects the recipe’s origin and culinary style – fusion of Italian pasta with American Alfredo sauce and comfort food preferences.
Diet: Not Vegetarian (contains chicken), Adaptable to Vegetarian. The base recipe is not vegetarian due to the chicken. Vegetarian adaptation is possible by omitting chicken and adding more vegetables. Diet category highlights its standard form (non-vegetarian) and potential for vegetarian modification.
NOTES:
One note on pasta shells – do not overcook the pasta shells. Cook them just until al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven and you want them to hold their shape and not become mushy. Al dente pasta shells are crucial for texture in baked stuffed shells. Overcooked shells will become mushy and fall apart.
Another note is regarding Alfredo sauce – homemade Alfredo sauce is highly recommended for the best flavor and texture. Store-bought Alfredo sauce can be used for convenience, but homemade Alfredo will always taste fresher and richer. Homemade Alfredo sauce enhances flavor significantly compared to store-bought versions.
For serving suggestions, Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a hearty and complete meal on their own. However, they pair well with: a simple green salad, garlic bread or breadsticks, roasted asparagus or green beans, or a light tomato soup. Serving suggestions enhance serving presentation and complement stuffed shells flavors. Consider serving with lighter sides to balance richness of pasta bake.
If you want to add a protein boost, you can add cooked and crumbled Italian sausage or ground beef to the chicken broccoli filling. Protein additions make filling even heartier and more substantial. Cooked Italian sausage or ground beef are good protein additions. Brown and drain meat separately before adding to filling.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: Can I use different types of cheese in the filling or topping?
A: Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese in both the filling and topping of Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells to customize the flavor profile. For the filling, you can add Parmesan cheese to the ricotta mixture, or use a blend of ricotta and mascarpone cheese for extra creaminess. For the topping, you can use provolone, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses. Cheese variations offer different flavor profiles and melt characteristics. Choose cheeses based on your preferred flavor and meltiness.
Q: Can I make this recipe with store-bought Alfredo sauce to save time?
A: Yes, you can use a high-quality store-bought Alfredo sauce to save time in making Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells. Using store-bought Alfredo sauce simplifies the recipe and reduces cooking time. Choose a good quality store-bought Alfredo sauce for best flavor, as quality can vary significantly between brands. You will need approximately 2-3 cups of store-bought Alfredo sauce for this recipe.
Q: Can I add other vegetables besides broccoli to the filling?
A: Yes, you can add other vegetables to the filling of Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells in addition to or instead of broccoli. Good vegetable additions include: sautéed spinach, sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers (diced), zucchini (diced and sautéed), or artichoke hearts (canned, drained and chopped). Vegetable variations increase nutritional value, flavor complexity, and texture. Choose vegetables based on your preference and sauté or roast them before adding to filling if needed.
Q: What are good side dishes to serve with Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells for a complete meal?
A: Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a hearty and substantial main dish, so lighter and fresher side dishes are ideal to balance the meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing, Caesar salad (lighter version), garlic bread or breadsticks, roasted asparagus or green beans, steamed green beans, or a caprese salad would all be excellent side dish choices for a complete and balanced meal with this pasta bake. Side dishes should complement the richness of stuffed shells without being too heavy. Lighter, fresh, or vegetable-focused sides provide good balance for dinner.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
To ensure your leftover Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells remains safe and enjoyable, proper storage is essential. Allow the stuffed shells to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Do not place hot food directly into the refrigerator, as this can raise the refrigerator temperature and potentially affect food safety and texture of the stuffed shells. Cooling to room temperature before refrigerating is recommended for best storage practices.
Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or transfer leftover portions to airtight containers. Covering tightly or using airtight containers prevents air exposure and maintains moisture in the refrigerator.
Store the covered baking dish or airtight containers of leftover Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells in the refrigerator. Refrigerate leftovers promptly within 2 hours of baking to ensure food safety, especially because of the dairy and chicken content. Store in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below. Proper refrigeration is crucial for preventing bacterial growth and maintaining food safety for dairy and meat-based pasta bakes.
Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days for the best quality and food safety. While leftovers may remain safe to eat for slightly longer, the texture of the pasta shells and filling may change slightly upon reheating, and the overall stuffed shell quality may degrade over time. For optimal taste and to minimize health risks, it is recommended to consume leftovers within this timeframe. Always use your senses—sight, smell, and taste—to assess the quality of leftovers before consuming.
Reheating leftover Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells is best done gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, covering with foil to prevent drying, or microwave individual portions. Reheat gently to avoid drying out or burning. Oven reheating helps maintain texture better for larger portions, covered to prevent drying. Microwave reheating is quicker for individual servings. Add a splash of milk or cream during reheating if stuffed shells seem dry.
RELATED RECIPES
If you enjoyed this creamy and comforting Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells, you will likely enjoy these other stuffed pasta and Alfredo-inspired variations. Consider trying Classic Cheese Stuffed Shells for the quintessential cheese-lover’s stuffed shell experience, featuring a ricotta cheese-based filling and marinara sauce, often baked with mozzarella cheese, offering the classic stuffed shell flavor and format. Classic cheese stuffed shells are the quintessential stuffed shell recipe, focusing on cheese filling and marinara sauce, offering a simpler cheese and tomato based alternative. It’s a delicious option for traditional stuffed shell enthusiasts.
Another excellent option is Creamy Tomato Alfredo Pasta Bake, for a simpler pasta bake featuring creamy tomato Alfredo sauce with your choice of pasta and protein, often topped with mozzarella cheese, offering a different format (pasta bake instead of stuffed shells) but still highlighting creamy Alfredo flavors. Creamy tomato Alfredo pasta bake offers a simpler pasta bake format with tomato Alfredo sauce and protein, different format but still featuring creamy Alfredo flavors. It’s a great choice for a quicker Alfredo-based pasta meal.
For a different style of Alfredo pasta, explore Shrimp Alfredo with Roasted Vegetables, for a lighter and more vegetable-forward Alfredo dish featuring shrimp and roasted vegetables tossed with Alfredo sauce over pasta, offering a lighter Alfredo option with added vegetables and seafood, focusing on a balanced and less heavy Alfredo meal. Shrimp Alfredo with roasted vegetables offers a lighter Alfredo meal with shrimp and vegetables, different format and protein, less heavy than stuffed shells. These related recipes offer diverse flavor combinations and formats within the stuffed pasta and Alfredo categories, providing a range of delicious options to explore beyond Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells.
CONCLUSION
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells is a truly delightful and crowd-pleasing dish that perfectly balances creamy comfort with satisfying heartiness. This recipe offers a straightforward yet incredibly rewarding way to create a flavorful, cheesy, and utterly delicious pasta bake that is perfect for any family dinner, potluck, or special occasion. Whether you’re looking for a pasta dish that’s guaranteed to impress, a make-ahead meal for easy entertaining, or simply a taste of Italian-American comfort food at its finest, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
The combination of tender pasta shells, creamy Alfredo-infused chicken and broccoli filling, and bubbly melted cheese creates a symphony of textures and tastes that is simply irresistible. Homemade Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells is far more flavorful and satisfying than any restaurant or store-bought version, and the relatively simple steps make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. It’s a treat that is as enjoyable to make and share as it is to eat, perfectly capturing the spirit of relaxed, delicious, and abundant home cooking.
So, gather your pasta shells, chicken, broccoli, Alfredo sauce ingredients, and cheeses, and prepare to experience the simple joy of homemade Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells. Don’t be afraid to customize the recipe to your liking, adding your favorite cheeses, vegetables, proteins, spices, or toppings to create your own personalized version of this pasta bake sensation. Embrace the creamy Alfredo goodness, savor the cheesy melt, and enjoy the comforting deliciousness of every bite. Happy cooking, and may your Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells be a delicious success!
