Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

Rich, creamy, and packed with hearty flavors, this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe is a total game-changer for those hectic evenings when you crave comfort food but don’t have hours to spare. Each jumbo pasta shell is loaded with savory rotisserie chicken, tender broccoli, and gooey cheese, then blanketed in a luscious Alfredo sauce and baked until bubbly. This recipe delivers that irresistible blend of creamy, cheesy goodness—minus the usual fuss—making it the ultimate solution for both weeknight dinners and cozy family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast & Fuss-Free: Busy nights will never be the same thanks to this simple casserole-style dish that can easily be prepped in advance.
• Crowd-Pleaser: It’s hard not to fall in love with the creamy, cheesy filling and the irresistible golden edges that form while baking.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the shells ahead of time and bake them off when you’re ready, making it perfect for meal-preppers.
• Balanced Flavors & Textures: The combo of tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and velvety Alfredo sauce is pure comfort on a plate.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of straightforward ingredients—no fancy stuff here! Here’s what brings this dish to life, along with some helpful notes:

• Jumbo Shell Pasta: These sturdy pasta shells are perfect for holding all that delicious filling. Be sure to boil them only until al dente so they hold their shape!
• Rotisserie Chicken (shredded): Major time-saver! Using rotisserie chicken gives you flavor and moisture without any extra effort.
• Frozen Broccoli (chopped and cooked): There’s no shame in frozen veggies—using pre-cooked broccoli means you’re halfway there before even starting.
• Mozzarella Cheese (shredded): Melty, stretchy, and essential for that ooey-gooey stuffed center.
• Parmesan Cheese (grated): Brings sharp, salty-savory notes to balance the richness.
• Alfredo Sauce (jarred): Store-bought saves time, but if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade Alfredo is always welcome!
• Garlic Powder: For a subtle, mellow garlicky kick without any chopping.
• Salt & Pepper: To season every layer—taste as you go for best results.

Tip: If you have leftover roasted chicken or shredded turkey, use that instead!

Variations

Why stick to just one version? This recipe is a chameleon! Try mixing it up with these ideas:

• Add Veggies: Stir in chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling.
• Protein Swap: Sub in cooked Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even white beans for a vegetarian twist.
• Cheese Changes: Try provolone, fontina, or an Italian blend in place of mozzarella—it’s practically impossible to go wrong here.
• Sauce Swap: Use a pink sauce (half Alfredo, half marinara) for a different flavor profile.

Want more spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce!

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Let’s get down to the fun part—you’ll be surprised at just how streamlined this is.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil the jumbo shells in generously salted water until just al dente. Don’t overcook—they’ll finish in the oven! Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking (plus, this makes them easier to handle).

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Mix shredded chicken, chopped broccoli, a sprinkle of garlic powder, and a little salt and pepper in a big bowl. Pour in about a cup of Alfredo sauce and combine thoroughly—this will keep the filling creamy and ensure the flavors meld together.

Step 3: Stuff the Shells

Spoon the chicken-broccoli mixture into each pasta shell. Don’t worry about it looking perfect; the more rustic, the better!

Step 4: Prep the Baking Dish

Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This keeps the shells from sticking and adds extra moisture.

Step 5: Assemble and Top

Arrange the stuffed shells neatly in the dish. Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the top to cover (this is what turns everything golden and bubbly). Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella evenly over the shells for a beautiful cheesy crust.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese has melted to glorious golden perfection.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly under-cooked shells hold together best when stuffed and baked.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: It truly saves time and gives the filling a fantastic flavor.
• Chop Broccoli Small: Bite-sized pieces mix more evenly with the chicken and make stuffing easier.
• Let Rest Before Serving: If you can wait, let the dish cool for 5 minutes—this helps the flavors meld and makes the shells easier to serve.

How to Serve

• Garnish Well: Add chopped parsley or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for a pop of color and flavor.
• Round Out Your Plate: Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette, or serve with garlic bread to mop up all that dreamy Alfredo.
• Family Style: These shells are comforting enough for weeknight dinners but also impressive for guests—just set the pan in the middle of the table and let everyone dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better as they sit!

Freezing

These shells freeze beautifully. Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as usual.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in the microwave or bake, covered with foil, at 350°F until hot and bubbly. Add a splash of extra Alfredo sauce if the dish seems dry.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can stuff the shells and assemble the dish up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge, then bake just before serving. It’s a perfect solution for meal prepping or entertaining.

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Definitely. Just chop fresh broccoli florets and steam or blanch them until tender before adding to the chicken mixture. Fresh broccoli brings a slightly firmer bite and bright color.

What type of Alfredo sauce works best?
Any good-quality jarred Alfredo will work wonders, but you can use homemade if you have a favorite recipe. If your sauce is very thick, whisk in a splash of milk to thin it slightly—it will melt beautifully in the oven.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the chicken for additional vegetables or try mixing in cooked lentils, white beans, or a plant-based chicken alternative for protein and heartiness.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells are that rare weeknight dinner that feels both special and effortless. Dive in, experiment, and make it your own—no matter how you tweak it, there’s no way to lose with this much creamy, cheesy comfort packed into every shell. Enjoy every warm, bubbly bite!

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