Cozy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

Creamy, cheesy shells burst with flavor in this delightful chicken & broccoli Alfredo stuffed shells recipe that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Tender pasta pockets cradle a rich, velvety filling packed with succulent chicken and vibrant broccoli.

Each shell overflows with a luxurious blend of creamy Alfredo sauce and perfectly seasoned ingredients.

The combination creates a harmonious dance of textures and tastes that will make your taste buds sing.

Melted cheese adds a golden, irresistible crown to this delectable dish.

Hearty and satisfying, these stuffed shells transform an ordinary dinner into a memorable meal.

Prepare to fall in love with every single bite of this irresistible pasta creation.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Thaw and drain it completely before chopping and adding to the recipe to prevent excess moisture.

• Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed shells, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade or incorporate some cayenne pepper into the Alfredo sauce for an extra kick of heat.

• Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Definitely! Shredded rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or even shrimp work great in this recipe as alternative protein options.

Why Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Shells Are So Creamy

• Burst with Seasonal Flavors: Enjoy the vibrant combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange that brings a festive touch to your baking experience.
• Bake with Beginner-Friendly Technique: Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe uses simple mixing methods and common kitchen tools, making it accessible for everyone.
• Versatile Treat for Any Gathering: Whether it's a cozy family breakfast, afternoon tea, or holiday brunch, this cranberry orange loaf fits seamlessly into multiple occasions.
• No-Fuss Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps ensure you can create a delicious, bakery-quality dessert without complicated techniques or extensive baking skills.

Everything Needed for Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Chicken Breasts: The main protein that brings rich flavor and substance to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Cheeses that add creamy texture and depth of flavor.

• Black Pepper, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Creole Seasoning, Sazon, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Italian Seasoning: Spices that create a complex and layered taste profile for the chicken and sauce.

• Olive Oil, Butter, Heavy Cream, Cream Cheese: Ingredients that contribute to the rich, creamy Alfredo sauce and help cook the chicken.
• Jumbo Shells: Pasta that serves as the vessel for the delicious chicken and broccoli filling.
• Broccoli: A nutritious vegetable that adds color, texture, and freshness to the dish.

Steps for Making Cheesy Broccoli Alfredo Shells

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• Olive oil
• Black pepper
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Creole seasoning
• Sazon
• Smoked paprika

Mix everything together and let the chicken hang out in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to soak up all those awesome flavors.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Broccoli

Fire up a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil and butter. Toss in the marinated chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes until it’s golden brown and completely cooked through.

Scoop out the chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, cook and chop the broccoli until it’s tender and perfect.

Step 3: Whip Up the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, melt some butter and toss in minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about a minute until it smells amazing.

• Salt
• Pepper
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Step 4: Prepare the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

Drop in the jumbo shells and cook until they’re al dente. Pro tip: Save a half cup of pasta water for later.

Drain the shells and set them aside.

Step 5: Create the Filling

• Cooked chicken
• Chopped broccoli
• Grated Parmesan
• Shredded Parmesan
• Mozzarella cheese
• Alfredo sauce

Mix everything until it’s beautifully blended.

Step 6: Stuff the Shells

Crank up the oven to 375F (190C). Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.

Carefully stuff each shell with the chicken and broccoli mixture, nestling them into the dish.

Step 7: Top and Bake

Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells.

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and a dash of Italian seasoning on top. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Pull the shells out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve up this cheesy, creamy masterpiece with a crisp side salad or some garlic bread.

Bon appétit!

Notes for Rich Alfredo Shell Lovers

• Let chicken sit in the seasoning mix for at least 30 minutes to develop deeper, richer flavors that will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Watch the chicken carefully while cooking to ensure it remains juicy and tender, avoiding dry or rubbery texture that can ruin the dish.
• Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for a smoother, more luxurious melting consistency in the Alfredo sauce.
• Reserve some pasta cooking water to help adjust sauce consistency if needed, creating a silkier and more cohesive final sauce.
• Replace pasta shells with zucchini boats or large bell pepper halves for a lighter, low-carbohydrate version of this delicious recipe.

Creative Twists for Broccoli Alfredo Shells

• Seafood Swap: Replace chicken with succulent shrimp or tender crab meat for a delightful ocean-inspired version of the stuffed shells.
• Vegetarian Delight: Substitute chicken with roasted cauliflower or sautéed mushrooms and use plant-based cream cheese for a meat-free alternative.
• Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini boats or large bell pepper halves instead of pasta shells, creating a lighter, keto-friendly version of the dish.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and swap creole seasoning for za'atar and red pepper flakes to give the recipe a Mediterranean flair.

Pairings for Chicken Alfredo Shell Plates

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement the creamy alfredo sauce, cutting through the rich flavors and providing a refreshing contrast.
• Serve with Garlic Bread Companion: Create a side of toasted garlic bread to soak up the delicious alfredo sauce, adding extra texture and enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Match with Fresh Green Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the stuffed shells, providing a fresh and zesty counterpoint to the creamy dish.
• Select Sparkling Water Accent: Choose a lemon or lime sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites, helping to refresh the taste buds and lighten the richness of the cheesy shells.

Storing Alfredo Stuffed Shells Best

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the stuffed shells are completely cooled before sealing.
• Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed to 165°F.

Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken and broccoli elevate classic Italian stuffed shells with creamy alfredo sauce, creating a comfort meal that seamlessly blends rich flavors. Cheesy, hearty shells promise a delightful dinner experience you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon Sazon

Cooking Oil:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Dice chicken breasts into small pieces and combine with olive oil, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, creole seasoning, Sazon, and smoked paprika in a mixing bowl. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavor infusion.
2. Heat skillet over medium heat with oil and butter. Cook marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes until golden and fully cooked, then remove from pan. Use the same skillet to sauté broccoli until tender and slightly crisp.
3. Create Alfredo sauce by sautéing minced garlic in butter for 1 minute. Incorporate heavy cream and cream cheese, stirring until mixture thickens. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese.
4. Boil salted water and cook jumbo shells until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain shells and set aside.
5. Combine cooked chicken, chopped broccoli, Parmesan cheeses, mozzarella, and prepared Alfredo sauce in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly blended.
6. Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Spread thin layer of Alfredo sauce in baking dish. Carefully fill each shell with chicken-broccoli mixture and arrange in the dish.
7. Drizzle remaining Alfredo sauce over stuffed shells. Sprinkle additional mozzarella and Italian seasoning on top. Bake for 15 minutes until cheese melts and becomes golden.
8. Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes. Serve hot with optional side salad or garlic bread.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for maximum taste absorption.
• Chop broccoli into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and better distribution throughout the stuffed shells.
• Reserve pasta water helps create a silkier, more cohesive Alfredo sauce by adding starchy liquid to bind ingredients smoothly.
• Swap chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version, maintaining the creamy texture and rich flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 165
• Sodium: 200
• Fat: 7
• Saturated Fat: 1.5
• Unsaturated Fat: 5.5
• Carbohydrates: 1
• Protein: 24
• Cholesterol: 70