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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Final Touches: Drench stuffed shells with remaining Alfredo sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Generously sprinkle additional Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses across the top.
- 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