🧀 Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells
🍽️ Description:
This cozy, family-favorite dish is everything you want in a comforting weeknight meal. Tender jumbo pasta shells are stuffed with juicy chicken, nutritious broccoli, and smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce that bubbles to perfection in the oven. It’s hearty, cheesy, and secretly veggie-packed — perfect for picky eaters and pasta lovers alike!
🛒 Ingredients:
- 12 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente
- 1½ cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 cup steamed broccoli, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
🍳 Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium baking dish.
- Mix the filling:
In a bowl, combine chicken, broccoli, ricotta, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined. - Stuff the shells:
Fill each cooked shell with the chicken-broccoli mixture using a spoon (or piping bag for less mess). - Assemble the dish:
Spread about ½ cup of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Place the stuffed shells on top. Pour the remaining sauce over the shells and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. - Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes or until bubbly and golden. - Garnish & serve:
Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley or more Parmesan, if desired.
🍽️ Servings:
4 servings (3 stuffed shells per person)
🔍 Nutritional Info (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~430
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: ~780mg
Note: Based on standard Alfredo and cheese; adjust based on brand or homemade sauce.
✅ Benefits:
- Protein-rich – Great for muscle repair and energy.
- Vegetable-forward – Sneaky broccoli boost in every bite.
- Kid-friendly – Cheesy, creamy, and comfort-food approved.
- Make-ahead friendly – Perfect for meal prepping or freezing.
💡 Tips & Notes:
- Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
- Undercook pasta shells slightly so they don’t break when stuffing and finish cooking in the oven.
- Want extra veggies? Add spinach, peas, or mushrooms to the filling.
- You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if preferred.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cheese and light Alfredo sauce.
❓ Q&A:
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes! Assemble fully, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen (add 15-20 minutes to bake time).
Q: What sauce can I use instead of Alfredo?
A: Try a béchamel sauce, garlic cream sauce, or even marinara for a lighter version.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Yep! Just leave out the chicken and add more broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach.
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Totally. Just steam it first and drain well before chopping.
Craving a spicy version with buffalo sauce? Or want a meal prep plan for this recipe? Just let me know — I’ve got your back!