Pin it
Cheesy Chicken Shells bring together juicy chicken, crisp broccoli, creamy cheese, and velvety Alfredo sauce for a dinner that always draws cheers from the family. Every forkful is rich yet comforting and is easy enough for a busy weeknight but feels like a treat for special occasions.
The gooey cheese and savory Alfredo sauce always win everyone over at my table. When I first perfected this recipe I could not believe how excited my kids were to dig in and it is now our Saturday dinner tradition.
Ingredients
- Large pasta shells: These hold the filling without falling apart Choose jumbo shells that look unbroken for easiest stuffing
- Bite sized broccoli pieces: Adds a bright pop of color and nutrition Go for fresh florets for best texture
- Diced chicken breasts: Tender lean protein Marinate or season well for flavor
- Unsalted butter: For both sautéing and making the creamy sauce Use high quality for a richer taste
- Minced garlic: Brings a punch of flavor Use fresh garlic if possible
- Heavy cream: Forms the luxurious Alfredo base Look for full fat for a smooth consistency
- Cream cheese: Thickens the sauce and makes it extra creamy Soften before using for easier melting
- Grated Parmesan: Salty and nutty flavor Choose freshly grated for the best melt
- Shredded Parmesan: Sprinkles on top for a golden crust Buy in a block and shred at home if you can
- Shredded mozzarella: Melty cheese that binds the filling together
- Garlic powder: Deepens the savory flavor Go for a fine powder for even distribution
- Onion powder: Adds gentle sweetness Freshly ground if possible
- Smoked paprika: Gives warmth and color Choose smoked for extra depth
- Italian herbs: Lends earthy aroma and flavor Use a good quality blend
- Sazon: Brightens everything with its signature color and taste Buy fresh packets for flavor
- Creole spices: Bring gentle heat and complexity Choose a blend with minimal additives
- Salt: Essential for balancing all flavors Use kosher or sea salt
- Black pepper: Lays a base seasoning Grind fresh for a bolder result
- Olive oil: Helps spices cling to the chicken and adds flavor Use extra virgin for richness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Coat chicken pieces in olive oil and all spices Make sure every piece is fully covered Let it rest at least thirty minutes so the chicken soaks up the flavors This step is key for the most tender and tasty filling
- Cook the Chicken and Broccoli:
- Heat a combination of oil and a little butter in a pan over medium heat Add the marinated chicken and cook for about six minutes stirring so all sides brown Remove the chicken and toss the broccoli into the same pan for a couple minutes This gives the broccoli extra flavor
- Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- Melt butter in a clean pan over medium low heat Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant about one minute Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese whisking continuously Let simmer until thick and the cream cheese melts Add salt black pepper and grated Parmesan Keep simmering until sauce is velvety and coats a spoon
- Boil the Pasta Shells:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Add pasta shells cooking until just shy of al dente so they hold their shape firm to the bite Save about half a cup of the starchy cooking water before draining
- Stuff the Shells:
- In a bowl gently combine cooked chicken broccoli shredded cheeses and a few spoonfuls of Alfredo sauce Stir just to combine Stuff each shell with a generous portion of filling
- Assemble the Dish:
- Pour some Alfredo sauce into the base of a baking dish Arrange stuffed shells in a single layer Top with more sauce sprinkle with shredded Parmesan and Italian herbs for flavor and color
- Bake:
- Preheat oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit Bake uncovered for fifteen minutes until the cheese bubbles and the shells are golden Take care not to overbake for the creamiest result
Pin it
Mozzarella is my personal favorite in this dish Its creaminess gives those melty cheese pulls that everyone loves My family always gets excited when they see me grating a big block of mozzarella knowing what is coming for dinner
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days To reheat cover with foil and warm in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees or microwave individual portions with a splash of extra cream to keep things moist You can freeze tightly wrapped unbaked shells for up to two months and bake from frozen just add five to ten minutes of extra bake time
Ingredient Substitutions
Try swapping out chicken for cooked turkey or rotisserie chicken if that is what you have on hand Broccoli can be traded for spinach kale or even diced zucchini Feel free to use a blend of cheeses like fontina provolone or cheddar for a twist on the flavor
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cheesy Chicken Shells with a crisp green salad or garlicky roasted vegetables Fresh bread or focaccia is perfect for sopping up any extra Alfredo sauce For a lighter touch try pairing with a plate of lemony steamed green beans
Pin it
Origins of the Dish
Stuffed shells are a classic Italian American comfort dish The combination of chicken broccoli and cheese reflects the kind of cozy family meals found in many home kitchens Cheesy filled pasta dishes like this one are especially popular at gatherings and celebrations for their crowd pleasing appeal
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I keep pasta shells from breaking?
Boil them until just firm and handle with care during stuffing to prevent tearing.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works well and saves time—just season thoroughly for extra flavor.
- → How can I make the Alfredo sauce creamier?
Include cream cheese and reserve pasta water to adjust thickness for smooth, velvety sauce.
- → Can I assemble this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely, prepare in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve for maximum freshness.
- → What cheeses work best for the filling?
A blend of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese brings rich texture and flavor.
- → How do I avoid a watery filling?
Drain broccoli well and use just enough sauce inside; add extra only before baking.