Here’s a detailed recipe:
🐔 Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Ingredients (serves 4–6)
-
20–25 jumbo pasta shells
-
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
-
2 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed
-
2 cups ricotta cheese
-
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
½ tsp salt
-
¼ tsp black pepper
-
2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
-
Cook pasta shells:
-
Boil shells according to package instructions until al dente.
-
Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
-
-
Prepare filling:
-
In a large bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, pepper, chicken, and broccoli. Mix until well combined.
-
-
Stuff shells:
-
Spread ½ cup Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
Spoon chicken and broccoli mixture into each shell and place in the dish.
-
-
Top with sauce and cheese:
-
Pour remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells.
-
Sprinkle extra mozzarella on top.
-
-
Bake:
-
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
-
Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
-
-
Serve:
-
Let cool 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.
-
💡 Tips & Variations
-
Make ahead: Assemble shells a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
-
Extra flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or Italian seasoning to the ricotta mixture.
-
Vegetarian option: Skip the chicken and add mushrooms or spinach instead.
-
Crispy topping: Add breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan on top before baking.
I can also give you a lighter, healthier version using cauliflower Alfredo sauce and part-skim cheeses that still tastes indulgent if you want.