Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

Creamy chicken & broccoli alfredo stuffed shells bring comfort directly to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Pasta lovers rejoice over these delightful pockets filled with rich, cheesy goodness.

Tender chicken chunks nestle perfectly alongside crisp broccoli florets inside delicate pasta shells.

Cheese melts into every crevice, creating an irresistible blend of flavors that dance across your palate.

Weeknight meals never looked so elegant or tasted so incredible.

Prepare to impress everyone seated around your dining space with this simple yet sophisticated dish that promises pure culinary happiness.

Why Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells Are a Hit

• Boost Flavor Complexity: Layers of spices like Creole seasoning, Sazon, and smoked paprika create an extraordinary taste profile that elevates traditional pasta dishes.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple ingredient swaps or additions, perfect for adapting to personal preferences or using available kitchen ingredients.
• Pack Nutritional Punch: Combines protein-rich chicken with vitamin-packed broccoli, delivering a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and supports healthy eating goals.
• Impress Without Stress: Looks gourmet and sophisticated but requires basic cooking skills, making it an ideal dish for home cooks wanting to create restaurant-quality meals without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Shells

• Chicken: A lean and versatile meat that provides protein and absorbs the rich flavors of the marinade.

• Jumbo Shells: Large pasta shells that create perfect pockets for holding the creamy, cheesy filling.

• Broccoli: A nutritious green vegetable that adds texture and a subtle earthy flavor to the dish.

• Heavy Cream, Cream Cheese: Create a rich and smooth base for the Alfredo sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese (Grated and Shredded), Mozzarella: Provide creamy, melty, and tangy cheese flavors that enhance the overall dish.

• Italian Seasoning, Parsley: Add aromatic and fresh herbal notes to the stuffed shells.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Deliver depth and background flavor to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Helps to marinate and cook the chicken with a smooth texture.
• Creole Seasoning, Sazon, Smoked Paprika: Provide complex and bold spice profiles to the chicken.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden color when cooking.

How to Prepare Alfredo Stuffed Shells with Chicken and Broccoli

Step 1: Marinate Chicken Pieces

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

Let the chicken soak up these flavors in the refrigerator for half an hour.

Step 2: Cook Protein and Vegetable

Warm oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sizzle the marinated chicken until golden brown, about 6-7 minutes.

Transfer chicken to a separate plate. In the same pan, cook broccoli and chop into small, bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

In the skillet, melt butter and saute minced garlic until it releases its aromatic magic. Pour in heavy cream and cream cheese, stirring until the mixture transforms into a silky smooth sauce.

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

Step 4: Prepare Pasta Shells

Boil jumbo shells in salted water until they reach perfect al dente texture. Save a splash of pasta water, then drain shells carefully.

Step 5: Build Delicious Filling

• Cooked chicken
• Chopped broccoli
• Grated Parmesan
• Shredded Parmesan
• Mozzarella
• Portion of Alfredo sauce

Spread a thin layer of sauce in a greased baking dish. Lovingly stuff each shell with the mixture.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Top shells with remaining Alfredo sauce, sprinkle mozzarella, and dust with Italian seasoning. Slide into a preheated oven at 375F (190C) and bake for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Scatter fresh parsley on top, bring to the table, and enjoy your delicious creation!

Pro Tips for Creamy and Flavorful Alfredo Shells

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, ideally up to 2 hours before cooking.
• Ensure broccoli is chopped into small, uniform pieces to distribute evenly throughout the stuffed shells.
• Use fresh Parmesan cheese for a richer, more authentic taste compared to pre-grated varieties.
• Add red pepper flakes for a subtle kick if you enjoy a bit of heat in your pasta dish.
• Consider using low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt as healthier alternative ingredients for a lighter version of the Alfredo sauce.

Variations to Customize Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Shells

• Protein Swap Shells: Replace chicken with shredded rotisserie turkey or diced ham for a quick protein alternative that maintains the creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Shell Option: Substitute jumbo pasta shells with roasted cauliflower florets as a grain-free, lower-carbohydrate version that keeps the delicious Alfredo filling intact.
• Vegetarian Friendly Version: Swap chicken with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and white beans to create a plant-based stuffed shell dish that provides similar richness and protein content.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan, and cashew cream cheese to transform the recipe for lactose-intolerant or dairy-sensitive individuals while preserving the creamy sauce's essence.

What Pairs Best with Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Perfectly Matched Wine Companion: Select a crisp Chardonnay with balanced oak notes to complement the creamy Alfredo sauce and cut through the richness of the cheese.
• Refreshing Beverage Partner: Pair with a light, citrusy Belgian-style wheat beer that provides a zesty contrast to the heavy, creamy pasta dish and cleanses the palate.
• Vibrant Side Salad Enhancer: Create a tangy mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the decadent stuffed shells, adding brightness and cutting through the dish's richness.
• Herbaceous Garnish Booster: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top to introduce a fresh, green note that lifts the entire flavor profile and adds visual appeal.

Storing Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Transfer leftover stuffed shells to an airtight container, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Wrap individual shells or the entire dish in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place shells in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of extra Alfredo sauce or cream to keep moisture levels high.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw and drain frozen broccoli completely before chopping and mixing into the filling to prevent excess moisture.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free jumbo shells or substitute with gluten-free pasta alternatives like large zucchini boats or large pasta shells made from rice or corn.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce, increase the amount of Creole seasoning in the chicken marinade, or sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the filling mixture.

Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sumptuous chicken & broccoli alfredo stuffed shells bring Italian comfort to dinner tables with creamy, cheesy goodness. Pasta shells packed with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and rich alfredo sauce promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 block cream cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 cup broccoli florets, cooked and chopped
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Sazon
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 box jumbo shells
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 16 ounces (453 grams) heavy whipping cream
• Olive oil (for marinating and cooking)

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken pieces with a blend of aromatic spices including olive oil, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, Creole seasoning, Sazon, and smoked paprika for a minimum of 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
2. In a skillet heated to medium, combine oil and butter to sauté the marinated chicken until golden brown, approximately 6-7 minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
3. Using the same skillet, quickly chop and cook broccoli until tender and slightly crisp.
4. Create the Alfredo sauce by sautéing minced garlic for 1 minute, then incorporating heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce reaches a smooth, thick consistency.
5. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan for enhanced flavor.
6. Cook jumbo shells in salted water until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before straining.
7. Combine cooked chicken, chopped broccoli, various cheeses, and a portion of Alfredo sauce in a large mixing bowl.
8. Prepare a greased baking dish by spreading a thin layer of sauce, then carefully fill each shell with the prepared mixture.
9. Cover the stuffed shells with remaining Alfredo sauce, sprinkle additional mozzarella and Italian seasoning on top.
10. Bake at 375F (190C) for 15 minutes until the top becomes bubbly and golden brown.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

• Enhance chicken flavor by marinating longer, up to 2 hours, for deeper seasoning penetration.
• Prevent broccoli from becoming mushy by blanching briefly in boiling water, then immediately cooling in ice water to maintain crisp texture.
• Customize sauce thickness by adjusting cream cheese and heavy cream ratio, adding reserved pasta water for smoother consistency.
• Accommodate dietary needs by substituting dairy with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream and vegan cheese for lactose-intolerant or vegan guests.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 557 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 722 mg
• Fat: 41 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg