Indulge in Creamy Heaven: Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Craving a comfort food dish that's both indulgent and satisfying? Look no further than this classic Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe. This hearty meal combines the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce, the tender bites of chicken, and the vibrant crunch of broccoli, all nestled within giant pasta shells. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
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
Instructions
Preparation:
- Preheat oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook pasta: Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
Assembling the Stuffed Shells:
- Combine filling: In a large bowl, gently combine the Alfredo sauce, shredded chicken, chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stuff shells: Spoon the chicken and broccoli mixture generously into each cooked pasta shell.
- Create the base: Spread a thin layer of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a greased 13x9 inch baking dish. This optional step adds a delightful tangy contrast to the creamy Alfredo.
- Arrange shells: Place the stuffed shells evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Baking:
- Cover and bake: Loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the shells from drying out. Bake for 35 minutes, or until the shells are heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Stuffed Shells
- For extra flavor: Add a touch of garlic or onion to the Alfredo sauce while it's heating up.
- Make it ahead: Prepare the stuffed shells up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Customize your veggies: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Dietary considerations: For a lower-calorie option, use light Alfredo sauce and whole-wheat pasta shells.
By following these simple steps and incorporating the provided tips, you'll create a mouthwatering Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells dish that will be a hit with everyone. Enjoy!
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