Cheesy Dream: Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe

Pasta shells bursting with a rich chicken and broccoli stuffing create a delightful meal that promises pure comfort.

These creamy chicken and broccoli stuffed pasta shells blend hearty ingredients into a mouthwatering culinary experience.

Tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a luxurious cheese sauce nestle perfectly inside each delicate shell.

Packed with protein and flavor, this dish turns an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

The combination of savory chicken, crisp broccoli, and melted cheese delivers a satisfying punch to your taste buds.

Every forkful promises a delectable balance of textures and robust flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and treat yourself to a truly memorable meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 565 kcal

Servings: 7

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Pasta Shells Ingredient Guide

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large, curved vessels perfect for holding creamy stuffing, choose fresh and unbroken shells for best presentation.

• Shredded Chicken, Chopped Broccoli: Protein-packed duo that creates a hearty and nutritious core, select tender chicken and crisp green broccoli florets.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Flavor enhancers that provide depth and seasoning to the chicken mixture, use freshly ground pepper for maximum taste.

• Butter, Minced Garlic: Rich foundation that develops a robust flavor base, select high-quality unsalted butter and fresh garlic for optimal taste.
• Heavy Cream, Milk: Luxurious liquid components that create smooth, velvety texture, choose full-fat dairy for maximum richness.
• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, tangy cheese blend that adds creamy depth and golden-brown topping, select freshly grated varieties for best melting quality.

Setup List for Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Pasta Shells

• Large pot: For boiling pasta shells.
• Saucepan: Needed to prepare creamy Alfredo sauce.
• Large bowl: Used for mixing chicken and broccoli filling.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for assembling and baking stuffed shells.
• Cookie sheet: Helps cool pasta shells after cooking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents shells from sticking to cookie sheet.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients.
• Cheese grater: Useful if grating fresh Parmesan and Mozzarella.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Colander: Drains pasta after cooking.

How to Assemble Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Pasta Shells

• Silky Sauce Creation

Craft a luxurious base by melting butter with fragrant garlic in a saucepan. Gently pour in cream and milk, allowing the mixture to dance and simmer. Remove from heat and fold in creamy Parmesan and Mozzarella until smooth. Season with a whisper of black pepper.

• Pasta Preparation

Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta shells until they reach tender perfection. Carefully drain and spread them on a parchment-lined surface to cool gracefully.

• Savory Filling Fusion

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine tender shredded chicken with aromatic seasonings and vibrant broccoli florets. Drizzle with a portion of the velvety Alfredo sauce, stirring until each morsel is beautifully coated.

• Elegant Assembly

Lovingly grease a classic baking dish. Generously fill each cooled shell with the luscious chicken-broccoli mixture, nestling them closely together.

• Baked Comfort

Cascade the remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle a generous layer of Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Slide into a warm oven preheated to 350 degrees F. Bake until the dish bubbles with golden, cheesy promise, roughly 25 minutes.

Tips for Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Pasta Shells Perfection

• Chef's Secret Shortcuts: Transform this creamy pasta dish with these expert tips and tasty twists!
• Protein Power: Swap chicken for leftover turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even canned salmon for a quick protein boost.
• Veggie Swap Magic: Replace broccoli with spinach, cauliflower, or roasted bell peppers to add unexpected flavor and nutrition to your shells.
• Make-Ahead Miracle: Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Perfect for busy weeknight meal planning.
• Crispy Topping Trick: Sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs or crushed garlic croutons on top before baking for an irresistible crunchy texture that adds delightful contrast to the creamy filling.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes, dried basil, or Italian seasoning to the filling for a zesty kick that elevates the entire dish from simple to spectacular.

Plating Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Pasta Shells

• Gourmet Garnish Paradise: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and herbal freshness that elevates the dish's visual appeal and adds a light, zesty flavor.
• Restaurant-Style Side Kick: Serve alongside a crisp Caesar salad or garlic bread to complement the creamy pasta shells, creating a balanced and satisfying meal that feels like a restaurant experience at home.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Enjoy with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, whose buttery and light notes beautifully match the rich, creamy texture of the stuffed shells and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Healthy Boost Bonus: Add a side of roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or glazed carrots to increase nutritional value and provide a delightful contrast to the cheesy, indulgent main dish.

Storage for Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Pasta Shells

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual or entire dishes in heavy-duty aluminum foil before freezing. These shells stay delicious for up to 3 months when properly packaged.
• Reheating Magic: Thaw frozen shells overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of extra Alfredo sauce to restore moisture.
• Meal Prep Convenience: Prepare chicken and broccoli filling up to 2 days ahead. Keep refrigerated in a sealed container. Assemble shells just before baking to maintain crisp textures and optimal flavor profile.

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Succulent creamy chicken and broccoli stuffed pasta shells showcase Italian comfort cooking with rich, hearty flavors. Cheese-draped shells promise a satisfying meal that comforts and delights at your family table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups chicken (cooked, shredded, rotisserie recommended)
• 1 bag (12 oz/340 g) broccoli florets (frozen, steamed, chopped)
• 1 box (12 oz/340 g) jumbo shells
• 1 ¼ cups mozzarella cheese (⅔ cup + 1 cup)
• ¾ cup parmesan cheese (½ cup + ⅔ cup)
• 3 tbsps salted butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ¼ cups whole milk
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• salt (to taste)
• pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Sauce Creation: In a saucepan, melt butter with garlic, then gradually whisk in heavy cream and milk. Simmer gently until smooth, remove from heat, and incorporate Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses. Season with pepper, creating a luxurious Alfredo base.
2. Pasta Preparation: Bring water to a boil and cook pasta shells until perfectly al dente. Drain and spread on a parchment-lined sheet to cool and prevent adhesion.
3. Filling Fusion: Combine shredded chicken with seasonings, then fold in finely chopped broccoli. Introduce one cup of Alfredo sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
4. Assembly and Stuffing: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Carefully stuff cooled pasta shells with the chicken-broccoli mixture, arranging them neatly in the prepared dish.
5. Final Touches: Drench stuffed shells with remaining Alfredo sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Generously sprinkle additional Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses across the top.
6. Baking Perfection: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake for 25 minutes until thoroughly heated and cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.

Notes

• Prevent Pasta Sticking: Spread shells on parchment paper immediately after boiling to stop them from clumping together and tearing when stuffing.
• Master Cheese Melting: Remove Alfredo sauce from heat before adding cheese to ensure a smooth, silky texture without graininess or separation.
• Balanced Filling Technique: Chop broccoli finely and distribute evenly to guarantee consistent flavor and texture in every stuffed shell.
• Temperature Control: Let shells cool slightly before stuffing to make handling easier and prevent burning your fingers during preparation.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 565
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg