Introduction
Craving comfort food that’s both satisfying and relatively easy to make? Look no further than Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells! This dish takes the classic flavors of creamy Alfredo, tender chicken, and nutritious broccoli, and stuffs them into jumbo pasta shells for a delightful, family-friendly meal. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck contribution that will surely impress.
Making Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing the Alfredo Sauce
The heart of this dish is a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce. While store-bought options exist, making your own allows for better flavor control and avoids unwanted preservatives. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Garlic
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
Sauté the garlic in butter until fragrant, then slowly whisk in the heavy cream. Simmer gently until slightly thickened, then remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The key is to use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting consistency.
Cooking the Chicken and Broccoli
The chicken and broccoli provide protein and nutrients to balance the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
- Sauté the chicken in a pan until fully cooked. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite Italian herbs.
- Steam or lightly boil the broccoli florets until tender-crisp. You want them to retain some texture.
- Combine the cooked chicken and broccoli.
Cooking the Pasta Shells
Jumbo pasta shells are essential for this recipe. Be sure to cook them al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking. Follow these steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package directions, but subtract 1-2 minutes for an al dente texture.
- Drain the pasta shells and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps prevent them from sticking together.
Assembling the Stuffed Shells
Now for the fun part: assembling the stuffed shells!
- Combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, and about half of the Alfredo sauce in a large bowl. Mix well.
- Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the chicken and broccoli mixture. Use a spoon or your fingers.
- Spread a thin layer of the remaining Alfredo sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Baking the Stuffed Shells
Baking the stuffed shells ensures that everything is heated through and the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the shells are heated through.
- Let the stuffed shells cool slightly before serving.
Variations and Tips
Customize Your Filling
Feel free to adjust the filling to your liking! Some popular additions include:
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Ricotta cheese
Make it Vegetarian
Omit the chicken for a delicious vegetarian version. Add extra vegetables or use a plant-based protein alternative.
Freezing for Later
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells are freezer-friendly! Assemble the shells as directed, but do not bake. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
Conclusion
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a delightful and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal!
