When you’re in the mood for comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, these Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Shells are your go-to. They’re the kind of meal that makes you forget about everything else—like that time I accidentally wore mismatched socks to a meeting. But back to the shells—imagine melty cheese, tender chicken, and broccoli all coming together in a dreamy embrace.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the Alfredo sauce, shredded chicken, chopped broccoli, and both types of cheese.
- Stuff the cooked pasta shells with the chicken and broccoli mixture. Ensure the shells are packed but not overstuffed to prevent tearing.
- Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread a layer of spaghetti sauce evenly on the bottom of the dish.
- Arrange the filled shells in the baking dish over the spaghetti sauce. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the shells from drying out.
- Bake the covered dish in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until the contents are heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary.
Ingredients
- 1 jar (16 oz) Alfredo sauce
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups cooked broccoli, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 21 jumbo pasta shells, cooked
- 1½ – 2 cups spaghetti sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
FAQ
- Can I prepare Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare all the components ahead of time, up to the point of baking. Simply store them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
- Is it possible to freeze Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells?
- Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled stuffed noodles without the tomato sauce. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw them out.
- What can I use to make stuffing the pasta shells easier?
- Consider using a cookie scoop to fill the pasta shells effortlessly.
- Are there any variations I can try with this recipe?
- You can easily customize the recipe by adding other ingredients such as chopped cooked bacon to the filling for extra flavor.
- Do I need to cook the pasta shells before stuffing them?
- Yes, the pasta shells should be cooked before stuffing, but it’s a good idea to cook them 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest, as they will finish cooking in the oven.
Tips
- Prepare everything ahead of time, up to the baking stage, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
- If you have a cookie scoop, use it to effortlessly fill the pasta shells.
- This dish is freezer-friendly. Assemble the stuffed shells without the tomato sauce, freeze them, and thaw when you’re ready to bake.
Equipment
- 13 x 9 Baking Dish – Essential for baking the stuffed shells.
- Foil – For covering the dish while baking.
- Cookie Scoop – Handy for stuffing the shells easily.
- Large Mixing Bowl – For mixing the filling ingredients.
