Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells is a comforting and delicious recipe that combines tender pasta shells with creamy Alfredo sauce, juicy chicken, and fresh broccoli. It is a meal that feels rich and indulgent yet provides the perfect balance of flavour and texture. Whether you are preparing dinner for your family or hosting guests, this recipe will bring a touch of elegance to your table without requiring complicated steps.
What makes this dish so special is its ability to deliver a restaurant quality taste right at home. The cheesy filling melts into every bite of the pasta shells, while the broccoli adds freshness and balance to the creamy sauce. Baked until golden and bubbling, these stuffed shells make the kind of meal that everyone will want seconds of. It is not just a recipe but a comfort food classic that you will return to time and time again.
Why You Need This Recipe
This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe is the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. The creamy Alfredo sauce paired with tender chicken and fresh broccoli creates a flavorful dish that feels hearty yet wholesome. It is an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want a filling dinner that does not take hours to prepare.
Another reason you will love this recipe is its versatility. It can be made ahead of time, baked fresh when needed, and even reheated for leftovers that taste just as good the next day. It is family friendly, crowd pleasing, and elegant enough to serve for gatherings. This is the kind of recipe that saves time in the kitchen while delivering restaurant quality flavour at home.
Ingredients
This recipe uses simple pantry and fresh ingredients that come together to create a creamy and delicious stuffed shells dish. Below is a handy table with each ingredient and its approximate calorie count per serving.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Jumbo pasta shells | 20 shells | 300 |
| Cooked chicken breast (shredded) | 2 cups | 440 |
| Fresh broccoli florets (chopped) | 2 cups | 100 |
| Alfredo sauce (store bought or homemade) | 2 cups | 600 |
| Ricotta cheese | 1 cup | 320 |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1 ½ cups | 480 |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ½ cup | 220 |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves | 10 |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | 120 |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste | 0 |
Estimated total calories per serving (6 servings): ~430
How to Prepare
Start by cooking the jumbo pasta shells until they are al dente, making sure not to overcook them since they will continue baking in the oven. Drain the shells and set them aside to cool slightly. Meanwhile, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan and saute the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the chopped broccoli florets and cook for a few minutes until tender but still slightly crisp. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked broccoli, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, a little Parmesan, salt, and black pepper. This creamy filling will give the shells their delicious flavour and texture.
Once your filling is ready, spoon it into each cooked shell and arrange them in a baking dish. Pour the Alfredo sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, ensuring every piece is coated for maximum flavor. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top for that golden, bubbly crust. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Serve warm and enjoy a rich, comforting meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Pro Tips
For the best flavour, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre shredded, as it melts more smoothly into the Alfredo sauce. If you want a lighter version, swap out part of the ricotta with cottage cheese or use a light Alfredo sauce. To save time, you can use rotisserie chicken, which adds flavour and cuts down on prep work. Make sure not to overfill the pasta shells, as they may break or fall apart when baking.
Another great tip is to prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate them until you are ready to bake. This makes the dish a convenient choice for busy weeknights or meal prep. For an added touch, garnish the baked shells with fresh parsley or basil right before serving to bring a pop of colour and freshness to the dish.
Perfect Pairings and Toppings
Chicken broccoli Alfredo stuffed shells are rich and creamy, which makes them pair beautifully with lighter sides. A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette helps balance the flavors and adds freshness to the meal. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks are also an excellent choice, as they complement the creamy Alfredo sauce and provide a satisfying crunch.
When it comes to toppings, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or mozzarella cheese before serving enhances both taste and presentation. Adding a touch of crushed red pepper gives a subtle kick of heat, while fresh herbs like parsley or basil brighten up the dish. For a complete dinner, serve with a glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Conclusion
Chicken broccoli Alfredo stuffed shells are the perfect comfort food that combines creamy Alfredo sauce, tender pasta shells, and wholesome broccoli with hearty chicken. This dish not only looks impressive but also delivers flavours that the whole family will love. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or preparing a cozy weeknight meal, it is guaranteed to be a hit.
With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a restaurant quality dish right in your kitchen. Pair it with fresh salad, warm bread, and a sprinkle of herbs to make it even more special. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go to favourites for both special occasions and everyday dinners.
