Chicken, broccoli and lots of cheese are stuffed in large pasta shells, then baked with a cheesy Alfredo on top in these Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells that are creamy and cheesy and definitely delicious.
Looking for even more stuffed shells recipes? Try these Chicken Stuffed Shells or Stuffed Pasta Shells with Easy Bolognese.
I like to think I’m a pretty unselfish person for the most part. Especially when it comes to meal planning. If it were completely up to me, you would see some recipes on my table more often – things like curries or Thai food or super spicy food. Or even meatloaf.
But because I know if I made those often, I would be the only one eating, I tend to shy away from them. I enjoy feeding my family, so I try to choose recipes that I know they will enjoy as well.
But sometimes, I get a little selfish, and I make something even though I know there will be a chance that no one else will eat it. These Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are an example of that.
I think the only thing left to say about these Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells is that my family devoured them. They all kept saying that they could not get enough of these. And even the leftovers were polished off the next day.
That’s just how good these Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are!
Ingredients:
Pasta: You could definitely try making this with another pasta, but the shells are definitely my favorite!
Olive Oil: This is just for cooking your chicken. You could also use another oil, like avocado oil.
Chicken: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but thighs would work. Or you could do a mixture of the two!
Broccoli: If you are using fresh broccoli, make sure to steam it first. You could also use frozen broccoli.
Cream Cheese: This is what makes the filling nice and creamy!
Egg: The egg will bind everything in the filling together.
Cheese: Inside the shells, we use a combination of Mozzarella and Parmesan. Freshly grated is best.
Parsley: A little bit of fresh parsley brings in a great fresh flavor.
Butter: The base of the sauce starts with butter. I like to use unsalted – especially because you are going to be adding cheese which is salty.
Garlic: I always like freshly minced garlic.
Cream: I have only ever made this with heavy whipping cream. You may be able to make the sauce lighter by using part evaporated milk, but if you use all regular milk, it will not thicken up like it needs to.
Cheese: More cheese on top! Again, I use a mixture of mozzarella and parmesan.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
- Start by cooking your shells until they are al dente.
- Next, cook the chicken in the olive oil until it is browned.
- While the chicken is cooking, beat the cream cheese, then add in the egg. Stir in the cheese that goes in the filling, as well as the parsley, then stir in the chicken. This is your filling.
- Once the shells are cooked and drained, let them cool slightly until you can handle them. Use a large spoon to fill the shells with the filling. Place the shells in your baking dish.
- Make the sauce by sauteing the garlic in the butter, then whisk in the cream. Let that cook until it is starting to thicken up just a bit, then stir in half of the mozzarella and parmesan. Let this simmer for a bit until it is thickened. Taste it – if it needs salt or pepper, add accordingly.
- Once the sauce is nice and thick, pour it over the shells in the baking dish. Top it all off with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it is done when the cheese is nice and melted and bubbling.
More Delicious Pasta Recipes
Garlic Spaghetti
Alfredo Pasta with Bacon
Baked Spaghetti
Baked Ravioli
Lasagna Soup
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Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz large pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into small pieces
- 1 lb steamed broccoli chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 egg
- 4 oz shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley minced
Sauce
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 clove garlic minced or grated
- 2 cups whipping cream
- 4 oz shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and add it to the pan. Cook until browned and cooked through.
- In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and egg. Stir in the 4 oz Mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan and parsley. Add the chicken and the broccoli and stir until combined.
- Fill each of the shells with a large spoonful of the filling. Place in the prepared baking dish. Set aside.
- In a large sauté pan, melt the butter. Add the garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds, until fragrant. Whisk in the cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the half of the Mozzarella and the Parmesan. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, whisking occasionally, until slightly thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Pour the sauce over the top of the prepared shells. Top with the remaining Mozzarella cheese. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and cook an additional 10-15 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
HelenHunt says
I made this for Thanksgiving 2 years ago everyone in my family love it my Aunt asked how did I make it and can she take some home thank you
Christina says
Can you sub ricotta for the cream cheese?
Deborah says
I haven’t tried, so I can’t say for sure, but I’m guessing you could.
Noel R says
This looks wonderful! Can the casserole be made and frozen? At which step would you stop to freeze? Thanks!!
Deborah says
I have not tried freezing it, so I can’t say for sure. I would guess that it would freeze well, though. If I were freezing it, I’d assemble the whole casserole and then freeze it before baking. Then when you are ready, thaw it out and bake it.
Olga g says
Try Boursin herb an garlic cream cheese, so much tastier!
Adriana says
Oh my gosh, I totally need to eat these. They look so good! Thanks for the recipe:)
Joanne says
I can never 100% predict what the.boy will like or dislike…half the time I’m wrong! Glad to see you proved your husband’s tastebuds wrong with these shells! They sound so great…I can’t understand how anyone wouldn’t love them!
Megan {Country Cleaver} says
I have everything I need for these- and they MUST happen this week!
Diane Valente says
Looks like a great recipe. I can’t get enough chicken.
Thanks,
Diane
Jen @ Yummy Healthy Easy says
Pretty sure I just drooled on my laptop. These shells look amazing!! Our picky eater boys should get together (rolling my eyes, lol!) Pinned to make this soon! Yum!
bev @ bevcooks says
Great miiiiinds! These look fab, lady.
Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel says
These shells look so creamy and cheesy, Deborah! Impossible to resist.