Get ready to transform your dinner game with the ultimate comfort food that will make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds! These Chicken Broccoli Garlic Alfredo Shells are not just another pasta dish - they're a creamy, cheesy, flavor-packed adventure that combines the richness of Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and crisp broccoli, all nestled in perfectly cooked jumbo pasta shells. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that it is ready for the pasta shells once they are filled.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the broccoli. In a separate pot, bring a small amount of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for about 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, blanched broccoli, minced garlic, and Alfredo sauce. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the pasta shells are cooked, drain them and let them cool slightly. Carefully stuff each shell with the chicken and broccoli mixture, making sure to fill them generously.
- In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer. Pour any remaining Alfredo sauce over the top of the shells, ensuring they are well coated.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the shells.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the filling set slightly.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Broccoli Garlic Alfredo Shells!
Tips
- • For extra flavor, consider roasting your chicken breasts with some Italian seasoning before shredding • Make sure to not overcook the pasta shells - they should be just al dente so they don't fall apart when stuffing • Use fresh garlic if possible for a more vibrant flavor profile • If you want a crispy top, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes after baking to get a golden, slightly crisp cheese crust • Prep ingredients ahead of time to make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable • For a lighter version, you can use low-fat Alfredo sauce and part-skim mozzarella • Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the filling to set and make serving easier
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
