Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells: A Comforting, Protein-Packed Meal

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Introduction

When you crave creamy, cheesy comfort food but still want a nutritious, balanced meal, these Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells deliver the best of both worlds. Jumbo pasta shells are stuffed with tender chicken, steamed broccoli, and a rich three-cheese filling, then baked in a velvety Alfredo sauce for the ultimate satisfying, family-friendly dinner.

Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners, this dish is easy to customize—swap in spinach for broccoli, use turkey instead of chicken, or add a sprinkle of crispy breadcrumbs for extra texture.

The Recipe: Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells

Ingredients

For the Shells & Filling:

  • 12 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente
  • 1½ cups cooked chicken, diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
  • 1 cup steamed broccoli, finely chopped
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg (helps bind the filling)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Alfredo Sauce:

  • 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for depth)

For Topping:

  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Prep the Shells & Filling

  • Cook jumbo shells according to package instructions (aim for al dente—they’ll soften more while baking). Drain and set aside.
  • In a bowl, mix:
  • Ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt & pepper.
  • Fold in chicken and broccoli.

2. Make the Alfredo Sauce

  • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
  • Pour in heavy cream, whisking constantly. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan and nutmeg until smooth.

3. Assemble & Bake

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Spread ½ cup Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Stuff each shell with cheese-chicken-broccoli filling and arrange in the dish.
  • Pour remaining Alfredo sauce over shells. Sprinkle with extra mozzarella.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 5-10 more minutes until bubbly and golden.

4. Garnish & Serve

  • Let cool 5 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley.
  • Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.

Pro Tips for Success

✅ Time-Saver: Use store-bought Alfredo sauce if short on time.
🌱 Veggie Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the filling.
🔥 Extra Crispy Top: Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
🍗 Protein Swap: Try turkey or shrimp instead of chicken.
🥫 Meal Prep: Assemble ahead and refrigerate overnight before baking.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are the epitome of comfort food meets wholesome eating. With their creamy, cheesy filling, tender pasta, and rich Alfredo sauce, they’re guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious. Bake a batch tonight and watch everyone come back for seconds! 🍝🧀

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