Description
Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells is a hearty, creamy, and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce, all stuffed into large pasta shells. Perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or impressing guests, this indulgent dish is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Shells:
-
12 large pasta shells (jumbo shells)
-
1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
-
1 1/2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed and chopped
-
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
-
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Alfredo Sauce:
-
2 tablespoons butter
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
-
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
-
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them.
-
Drain the pasta shells and set aside to cool slightly.
-
-
Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
-
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant, stirring occasionally.
-
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream has thickened slightly.
-
Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
-
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or garlic powder if needed. Remove from heat.
-
-
Prepare the Filling:
-
In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Add about 1/2 cup of the Alfredo sauce to the filling mixture and stir until well combined.
-
-
Stuff the Shells:
-
Spoon the chicken and broccoli filling into each cooked shell, about 1-2 tablespoons per shell, depending on their size. Be careful not to overstuff them.
-
-
Assemble the Dish:
-
Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the dish, leaving a little space between each shell.
-
Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the top of the shells, covering them evenly. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
-
-
Bake:
-
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly.
-
For a golden, crispy top, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of baking.
-
-
Serve:
-
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
-
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and enjoy!
-
Notes
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the stuffing for added flavor and nutrients.Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for a bit of heat.Swap Chicken for Turkey: Ground turkey or cooked turkey breast can be used as a leaner alternative to chicken.Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta shells to make this dish gluten-free.Make It Lighter: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and cornstarch for the sauce.