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Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells: A Creamy Comfort Classic
If comfort food had a crown, Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells would wear it proudly. Imagine tender pasta shells filled with juicy chicken, fresh broccoli, and a luscious Alfredo sauce, all baked together under a golden layer of cheese. This dish blends Italian-inspired flavors with homestyle heartiness, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you want to impress your guests without spending all day in the kitchen.
Here’s how to make this irresistible casserole, step by step.
Ingredients
- Jumbo pasta shells: 20–24 pieces (to fill a 9×13-inch baking dish)
- Cooked chicken breast: 2 cups, diced or shredded
- Fresh broccoli florets: 2 cups, steamed and chopped
- Ricotta cheese: 1 cup
- Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups, shredded (divided)
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated
- Egg: 1 (to bind the filling)
- Butter: 4 tablespoons
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Heavy cream: 2 cups
- Milk: 1 cup
- Flour: 2 tablespoons
- Salt & black pepper: To taste
- Nutmeg: A pinch (optional, enhances Alfredo flavor)
- Parsley: Fresh, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo shells and cook until just al dente (slightly firm). Remember, they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Drain, drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli
- If you don’t already have cooked chicken, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then bake or sauté until fully cooked. Dice or shred.
- Steam broccoli until bright green and tender-crisp. Chop into small bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Whisk in flour to form a light roux.
- Slowly pour in heavy cream and milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine:
- Cooked chicken
- Steamed broccoli
- Ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella
- ¼ cup Parmesan
- 1 beaten egg
- ½ cup of prepared Alfredo sauce (this keeps the filling moist)
Mix until well combined.