Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Introduction

The first time I made these Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells, I was blown away. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, they were an instant hit with my family. After just one bite, we all found ourselves reaching for seconds—and maybe thirds! The combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and rich Alfredo sauce stuffed into perfectly cooked pasta shells is pure comfort food. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this dish always gets rave reviews. And yes, I definitely lost count of how many I ate!

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Why You’ll Love Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Perfect Comfort Food: Creamy Alfredo sauce, cheesy goodness, and hearty chicken come together in a dish that feels like a warm hug.
• Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will love this recipe. The cheesy filling and mild broccoli make it kid-approved.
• Customizable: You can switch up the protein, add other vegetables, or tweak the seasonings to make it your own.
• Great for Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day lunches.
• Impressive but Easy: It looks fancy enough for dinner guests but is surprisingly easy to prepare.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken

• Chicken breasts (diced into small pieces)
• Olive oil
• 1 tbs. Black pepper
• 1 tbs. Onion powder
• 1 tbs. Garlic powder
• 1 tbs. Creole seasoning
• 1 tbs. Sazon
• 1 tsp. Smoked paprika

For the Shells and Broccoli

• 1 box Jumbo shells
• Broccoli florets (chopped)

For the Alfredo Sauce

• 16 oz. Heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 block Cream cheese
• 1 stick Unsalted butter
• 1 tbs. Minced garlic
• 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbs. Onion powder
• 1 tbs. Garlic powder
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
• Reserved pasta water (1/2 cup)

For the Filling and Topping

• 1 cup Mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup Shredded Parmesan cheese
• Additional Mozzarella and Italian seasoning for topping

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Dice the chicken breasts into small pieces and place them in a mixing bowl.
2. Add olive oil, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, Creole seasoning, sazon, and smoked paprika.
3. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Broccoli

1. Heat oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, cook the chopped broccoli for a few minutes until tender. Remove and chop finely.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

1. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
2. Pour in the heavy cream and add the cream cheese. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens.
3. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan.
4. Add ½ cup of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce slightly, stirring until smooth.

Step 4: Prepare the Pasta Shells

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo shells until al dente (firm to the bite).
2. Strain the shells and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 5: Assemble the Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, grated Parmesan, shredded Parmesan, mozzarella, and a portion of the Alfredo sauce. Mix well.

Step 6: Stuff the Shells

1. Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce in the bottom of a greased baking dish.
2. Spoon the filling into each shell and arrange them in the dish.
3. Top the shells with the remaining Alfredo sauce, extra mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.

Step 7: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake the dish for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve

Plate the stuffed shells, garnish with more Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!

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Nutrition Facts

• Servings: Approximately 6
• Calories per serving: About 400-450 calories (depending on portion size and exact ingredients)

(Note: Calorie counts are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands.)

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Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (including marinating time)
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

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How to Serve

These Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

• With a Fresh Salad: A crisp Caesar or garden salad balances the richness of the dish.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed green beans or asparagus make a great side dish.
• As a Standalone Dish: These shells are hearty enough to be the star of the meal.

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Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh or Frozen Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is ideal, but frozen works too—just make sure to thaw and drain it first.
2. Don’t Overcook the Shells: Cook the pasta shells until al dente, as they’ll continue to cook in the oven.
3. Customize the Filling: Swap chicken for shrimp, or add other veggies like spinach or mushrooms for variety.
4. Make Ahead: Prepare the stuffed shells up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Bake just before serving.
5. Reheat Gently: To avoid drying out, reheat leftovers in the oven with a little extra Alfredo sauce.

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FAQ Section

1. Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
   Yes, but homemade Alfredo sauce gives a fresher, richer flavor.
2. Can I freeze the stuffed shells?
   Absolutely! Assemble the shells, cover tightly, and freeze. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
3. What other cheeses can I use?
   Try ricotta, gouda, or even cream cheese for a different texture and flavor.
4. Can I use whole wheat pasta shells?
   Yes, whole wheat shells work well and add a bit of nuttiness to the dish.
5. What can I substitute for broccoli?
   Spinach, zucchini, or asparagus make excellent alternatives.
6. How do I prevent the shells from sticking together?
   Toss them in a little olive oil after cooking to keep them separate.
7. Is there a gluten-free option?
   Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free.
8. What type of chicken works best?
   Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for this recipe.
9. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   Omit the chicken and double the broccoli or add other veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers.
10. How long does it keep?
    Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

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Conclusion

Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and nutritious broccoli in a cheesy pasta shell. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a special occasion, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. With easy-to-find ingredients, simple steps, and a flavor that rivals restaurant-quality meals, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you take your first bite, you’ll lose count of how many you eat too!

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