1. Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes! You can make the stuffed shells 24 hours in advance. Put them in the fridge, and bake when you’re ready.

2. Can I freeze this dish?

Absolutely. Assemble the stuffed shells in a dish that can go in the freezer, cover tightly, and freeze. Bake straight from the freezer, adding 10 to 15 minutes to the cooking time.

3. Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce in place of homemade?

Yes, store-bought Alfredo sauce is a useful shortcut. But homemade sauce is fresher and creamier.

4. What is the most efficient way to reheat leftovers?

Cover with foil and bake at 350° F (175° C) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until hot.

5. Can I make it vegetarian?

Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or other vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini.

Easy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

2 chicken breasts, diced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp Creole seasoning
1 tbsp Sazon
1 tsp smoked paprika

For the Jumbo Shells

1 box jumbo pasta shells
Salt (for boiling pasta)

For the Alfredo Sauce

16 oz heavy cream
1 stick unsalted butter
1/4 block cream cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Reserved pasta water (1/2 cup)

For the Filling

Cooked chicken (prepared above)
Broccoli florets, cooked and chopped (about 1 cup)
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

For Assembly

Mozzarella cheese for topping
Extra Alfredo sauce
1 tbsp Italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken & Broccoli

Dice the chicken breasts into small pieces and marinate it with olive oil, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, Creole seasoning, Sazon, and smoked paprika. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate.
Swirl a little olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes until well done. Set aside.
Steam or boil broccoli florets until cooked through. When cooked, chop into smaller pieces.

2. Cook the Pasta Shells

Cook jumbo shells in salted water. Cook until al dente.
Set 1/2 cup of the pasta water aside for the sauce. Drain the shells and spread them out on a tray to prevent sticking.

3. Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter and sweat the minced garlic until fragrant.
Those are heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce has thickened.
Season with black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan. Adjust consistency, if necessary, with reserved pasta water.

4. Assemble the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, chopped broccoli, grated Parmesan, shredded Parmesan, mozzarella cheese and half of the Alfredo sauce. Mix thoroughly.

5. Stuff the Shells

Preheat oven to 375F (190C).
Pour a layer of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
Stuff each pasta shell with the chicken and broccoli mixture. Place the shells in the baking dish.

6. Add Toppings & Bake

Spoon the remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells. Layer with mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
Bake 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve & Enjoy!

Garnish with additional Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Serve hot with a salad or garlic bread on the side, and devour the cheesy, savory goodness!

Notes

How to Serve

Serve with a crisp Caesar salad for contrast in temperature and texture.
Enjoy with garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the creamy Alfredo sauce.
Sprinkle some red pepper flakes on for heat.
Serve with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water.

Cheesy, creamy, and full of flavour, these Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells are the perfect comfort food for any time! This dish will guarantee smiles at the dinner table, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a family gathering.

The make-ahead and freezer-friendly options means you can prepare it whenever, if you need a hearty, satisfying meal.

Author: Susan M
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American