If you love comforting, cheesy dishes that are easy to prepare, these Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a must-try. These jumbo pasta shells are filled with a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce, shredded chicken, and fresh broccoli, then baked to perfection. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for a cozy dinner, this dish will satisfy everyone’s cravings.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Family-Friendly: Packed with chicken, cheese, and broccoli, even picky eaters will love it.
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Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like Alfredo sauce, pasta, and cheese.
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One-Pot Wonder: Just bake and serve—no complicated steps!
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Perfect for Leftovers: Reheat easily for a delicious second meal.
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Customizable: Add or substitute vegetables, spices, or sauces to fit your taste.
Ingredients Breakdown:
Main Ingredients:
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1 jar (16 oz) Alfredo sauce – creamy and rich base for the stuffing
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded – adds protein and flavor
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2 cups cooked broccoli, chopped – brings color, nutrition, and a veggie boost
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1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese – melts beautifully for a cheesy, gooey texture
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¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese – adds a sharp, salty kick to the stuffing
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21 jumbo pasta shells, cooked – perfect vessel for holding all the delicious filling
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1½ – 2 cups spaghetti sauce (optional) – adds a little extra layer of flavor and moisture
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Salt and pepper, to taste – to bring everything together
Tips and Tricks
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Add Extra Veggies: You can add more veggies like spinach or bell peppers to the filling for added flavor and nutrients.
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Cheese Variations: Swap the mozzarella or cheddar for your favorite cheese such as provolone or gouda.
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Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before baking.
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Freezing Option: Stuffed shells freeze well! After baking, let them cool, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for a quick meal.
Variations and Customizations
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Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells for a gluten-free version of this dish.
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Dairy-Free: Try a dairy-free Alfredo sauce and cheese alternatives for a dairy-free option.
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Meatless: Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.
Pairing Suggestions
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Sides: Serve with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables like carrots or zucchini.
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Drinks: Pair with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a refreshing lemonade for a bright contrast to the creamy dish.
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Desserts: A light fruit sorbet or Tiramisu will balance the richness of the main course.
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: You can freeze this dish (before baking) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as instructed.
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Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, until hot throughout.
Popular Questions
Can I use store-bought chicken?
Absolutely! You can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover chicken for convenience.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can stuff the shells and prepare the dish the night before, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
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Can I use a different pasta?
While jumbo shells are ideal for stuffing, you can use any large pasta like manicotti or even rigatoni if you don’t have shells on hand.
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells: Jumbo pasta shells filled with shredded chicken, broccoli, and creamy Alfredo sauce, baked with Parmesan and parsley. A comforting, cheesy dish everyone will enjoy!
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Ingredients
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1 jar (16 oz) Alfredo sauce
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
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2 cups cooked broccoli, chopped
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1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
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¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
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21 jumbo pasta shells, cooked
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1½ – 2 cups spaghetti sauce (optional, for added flavor)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
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In a large bowl, mix together the Alfredo sauce, shredded chicken, cooked broccoli, cheddar or mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Stuff the Shells
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Carefully stuff each cooked jumbo shell with the creamy chicken and broccoli mixture.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish
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Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish. If you like, spread a layer of spaghetti sauce on the bottom for added flavor and moisture.
Step 5: Bake
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Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes, or until the shells are bubbly and the filling is heated through.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
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Remove from the oven and top with extra Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
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Ensure the pasta is fully cooked but not overcooked, as it will bake more in the oven.
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Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. A dash of garlic powder or Italian seasoning adds great flavor.
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For a crispier top, remove the foil during the last 5–10 minutes of baking to let the cheese brown slightly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
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