Picture this: a warm, cheesy, creamy dish that combines two classics—chicken Alfredo and stuffed pasta shells. Now, imagine all of that goodness, packed into giant pasta shells and baked to perfection. It’s comfort food at its finest. Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells take the best of pasta and transform it into a hearty, family-friendly meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. With tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce all tucked inside soft pasta shells, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Ultimate Comfort Food
Creamy, cheesy, and filled with tender chicken and vegetables—what’s not to love? This dish is everything you crave when you need something warm, hearty, and satisfying. It’s like a cozy blanket for your taste buds.
Perfect for Family Dinners
This recipe is perfect for feeding the whole family. The creamy Alfredo sauce, cheesy filling, and flavorful chicken make it a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Plus, it’s easy to prep in advance and bake when you’re ready to eat.
Easy to Make
Don’t worry if you’re not a professional chef—this recipe is simple to follow and doesn’t require any special skills. With a few easy steps, you’ll have a dish that looks like it came straight from a restaurant. The hardest part is waiting for it to bake!
Packed with Flavor and Nutrition
We’re sneaking some broccoli into these stuffed shells, so not only is this dish rich and creamy, but it also brings some nutrition to the table. The chicken adds protein, the broccoli adds fiber, and the Alfredo sauce brings all the creamy deliciousness you love.
Ingredients
Jumbo Pasta Shells
The perfect vessel for stuffing all the creamy goodness! These large pasta shells hold the Alfredo sauce, chicken, and broccoli filling beautifully, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.
Chicken Breast
Boneless, skinless chicken breast gives the dish a nice lean protein. The chicken is cooked and shredded, adding both texture and flavor to the filling.
Broccoli
Fresh broccoli is chopped into small pieces, adding some crisp-tender texture and a pop of green to the dish. It balances the richness of the Alfredo sauce and complements the chicken perfectly.
Alfredo Sauce
The creamy base of this dish, Alfredo sauce, is what brings it all together. It’s rich, velvety, and full of garlicky, cheesy goodness.
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella adds that melty, gooey texture that makes everything so irresistible. It’s sprinkled on top and inside the shells to help everything bind together and create that cheesy, golden crust.
Parmesan Cheese
Grated Parmesan gives the dish a nutty, salty flavor that complements the creamy mozzarella and adds that finishing touch to the stuffing and topping.
Garlic
A little garlic in the sauce enhances the flavor and gives the dish an aromatic, savory base that everyone will love.
Salt and Pepper
The seasonings that pull all the flavors together and add depth to the dish.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~450 kcal
Protein: 32g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 39g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the shells and set them aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and cook them in a skillet over medium heat until cooked through (about 6-7 minutes per side). Once the chicken is cooked, shred it using two forks. At the same time, steam or blanch the broccoli until it’s tender-crisp, then chop it into small pieces.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Stuff the Shells
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped broccoli, and about half of the Alfredo sauce. Stir everything together until well-mixed. Spoon the chicken and broccoli mixture into each pasta shell, making sure they’re generously filled.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed shells on top of the sauce, then pour the remaining sauce over the shells. Sprinkle the top with extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with extra grated Parmesan on top, if desired.
How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells
With a Fresh Salad
Pair these stuffed shells with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy pasta. A simple Caesar salad would also work beautifully with this dish!
With Garlic Bread
You can never go wrong with garlic bread when serving pasta. The buttery, garlicky bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover Alfredo sauce on your plate.
As a Main Dish
These stuffed shells are hearty enough to stand on their own as the main dish. Serve them with a side of roasted vegetables or some simple sautéed spinach to balance the richness of the pasta.
With Extra Sauce
If you like your pasta extra creamy, feel free to drizzle some additional Alfredo sauce on top when serving. It’s a decadent touch that takes this dish to the next level.
Additional Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just assemble everything, cover it tightly with foil, and bake when you’re ready to eat!
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for mushrooms, spinach, or even a medley of your favorite vegetables to make this dish vegetarian.
- Freezer-Friendly: This recipe also freezes beautifully! After baking, let the shells cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
A1: Yes! If you’re short on time, feel free to use store-bought Alfredo sauce. Just make sure to give it a little extra seasoning if needed.
Q2: Can I make these shells ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed shells and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. Simply cover them tightly with foil and bake when you’re ready to serve.
Q3: Can I freeze leftover stuffed shells?
A3: Yes! After baking, let the stuffed shells cool, then place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
Q4: How long does it take to cook the chicken?
A4: Chicken breasts typically take about 6-7 minutes per side to cook through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Q5: Can I add more vegetables?
A5: Definitely! Feel free to add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the filling for more flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells are the perfect blend of comfort and flavor, packed with creamy Alfredo, juicy chicken, and tender broccoli all inside hearty pasta shells. It’s the kind of dish that brings the whole family together and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re serving it for a special dinner or a weeknight meal, this dish will definitely become a new favorite. Give it a try and savor every bite of creamy, cheesy, pasta-filled bliss!
PrintChicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy and cheesy stuffed pasta shells filled with tender chicken and broccoli, all coated in a rich Alfredo sauce.
Ingredients
- 18 to 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 15–30 oz Alfredo sauce (1–2 jars)
- ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 2 cups cooked, chopped chicken
- 2 cups steamed, chopped broccoli
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, heat the Alfredo sauce. Season with black pepper, then stir in the grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted and well combined.
- Stir the cooked, chopped chicken and steamed broccoli into the Alfredo sauce, heating the mixture until warm.
- Spoon the chicken, broccoli, and sauce mixture into each cooked pasta shell.
- To serve immediately, place the stuffed shells on a serving dish and top with additional Alfredo sauce if desired. To bake, place the stuffed shells in a baking dish over a layer of extra Alfredo sauce. Cover and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Notes
- Make sure to cook the pasta shells al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft during baking.
- Adjust the amount of Alfredo sauce based on personal preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1-2 stuffed shells
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg