When you’re in the mood for a warm, creamy pasta dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells Without Ricotta delivers every time. This delicious dinner combines the comforting flavors of cheesy Chicken Alfredo with the satisfying texture of jumbo pasta shells—stuffed with tender chicken and fresh broccoli, then baked under a rich Alfredo sauce. In this article, you’ll discover the story behind the recipe, what ingredients you need, how to prepare it step-by-step, helpful cooking and serving tips, plus answers to common questions about this unique Stuffed Shells Recipe.
Why Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells Without Ricotta Became My Family Favorite
A Cozy Night That Started It All
It all began on an unexpectedly chilly evening when the craving for a comforting dinner hit hard. I wanted the creaminess of Chicken Alfredo but also the hearty satisfaction of baked pasta. That’s when inspiration struck: what if I combined the best of both worlds? I rummaged through the pantry and found a box of jumbo shells, leftover cooked chicken, and a head of broccoli waiting to be used. Within minutes, the concept for Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells Without Ricotta was born.
As the sauce simmered and the shells baked, the kitchen filled with that cozy, buttery aroma of garlic Alfredo mingling with bubbling cheese. The moment I pulled the pan from the oven, everyone gathered around, unable to resist the golden melty top and the promise of comfort within each shell. That first bite was magic—creamy, flavorful, perfectly balanced. Soon, these Chicken Alfredo Jumbo Stuffed Shells became our go-to family comfort meal, the dish we craved after long days and cold weather. It’s amazing how simple, homemade food like this Stuffed Shells Recipe can bring people together and turn an ordinary night into something special.
Now, you might be wondering—why skip ricotta in the first place? Traditionally, stuffed shells are made with a ricotta-based filling, but I wanted something silkier and richer without being overly heavy. As delicious as ricotta can be, it tends to create a dense texture that can overpower the lightness of Alfredo sauce.
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Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells Without Ricotta
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This creamy baked pasta combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and jumbo shells in a rich Alfredo sauce without ricotta, delivering a lighter yet indulgent comfort meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish
2. Cook pasta shells in salted boiling water until slightly underdone, drain and toss with olive oil
3. Steam broccoli until tender and chop coarsely
4. In a bowl combine cream cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, chicken, broccoli, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper
5. Spread 1/2 cup Alfredo sauce in the bottom of the baking dish
6. Spoon filling into each shell and arrange shells in the dish open side up
7. Pour remaining Alfredo sauce over the shells and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan
8. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden
9. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: main course
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: italian american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 shells
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 75
Keywords: cheesy chicken, broccoli alfredo, stuffed shells, chicken alfredo, comfort food, baked pasta, no ricotta
Why Skipping Ricotta Makes a Difference
Instead, I opted for a blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. This trio melts beautifully, giving the filling that luscious creaminess you expect from Alfredo Stuffed Shells, but with a smoother mouthfeel and a flavor that complements the chicken and broccoli perfectly. The cream cheese brings tang and softness, the mozzarella adds stretch and melt, and the Parmesan deepens the savory notes with its sharp nuttiness.
This small change turns the dish into a whole new experience. Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells Without Ricotta stays true to its creamy roots while feeling lighter and more balanced. Plus, it’s ideal for anyone who prefers a different texture or simply doesn’t enjoy ricotta’s grainy feel. Over time, this no-ricotta version became the only one my family requests—and every time I serve it, I’m reminded that sometimes the best recipes are born from the simplest tweaks.
Ingredients & Preparation – Building the Perfect Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Kitchen Tools and Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start assembling your Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells Without Ricotta, gather all your tools and ingredients. A little prep goes a long way in making the process smooth and enjoyable. You’ll be layering creamy sauce, cheese, chicken, and broccoli inside perfectly cooked jumbo shells—having everything within reach helps the magic happen effortlessly.
- Large pot – for boiling the pasta shells
- Colander – to drain the cooked shells and broccoli
- Mixing bowls (large and medium) – to combine the filling ingredients
- Baking dish (9×13 inch) – for layering and baking the shells
- Measuring cups & spoons – for accuracy in portions
- Spatula or spoon – for stirring and filling
- Whisk – to blend the Alfredo sauce smoothly
- Aluminum foil – for covering the dish during baking
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jumbo pasta shells | 20–24 shells | Cook a few extra in case of breakage |
| Cooked shredded chicken | 2 cups | Rotisserie or homemade |
| Fresh broccoli florets | 2 cups | Lightly steamed and chopped |
| Garlic Alfredo sauce | 2 cups | Store-bought or homemade |
| Cream cheese | 4 oz | Softened to room temperature |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1 ½ cups | Shredded, divided |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup | Grated |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp | Optional for extra flavor |
| Italian seasoning | ½ tsp | Balances the Alfredo’s richness |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | Adjust depending on sauce saltiness |
| Olive oil or butter | 1 tbsp | To toss shells and prevent sticking |
| Optional add-ins | — | Spinach, mushrooms, or bacon bits |
Each ingredient plays an important role. The chicken brings protein and heartiness, while broccoli adds freshness and crunch to balance the creaminess. By mixing cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, you get the perfect texture for Alfredo Stuffed Shells—smooth, stretchy, and bold with flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Method for Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells Without Ricotta
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta shells 1–2 minutes less than package directions. Drain, rinse, and toss lightly with olive oil.
- Prep broccoli and chicken: Steam broccoli until tender-crisp, then chop. Shred cooked chicken.
- Make the filling: Combine cream cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, ¼ cup Parmesan, chicken, broccoli, and seasonings.
- Prepare the dish: Spread ½ cup Alfredo sauce on the bottom of the pan.
- Fill shells: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling into each and place in the dish.
- Layer and top: Pour remaining sauce over shells, then add mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Cover with foil.
- Bake covered for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Rest & serve: Let stand 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or extra Parmesan.
Pro Tips: Slightly undercook the shells so they keep their shape. Cover the dish most of the time to lock in moisture. If your Alfredo sauce thickens too much, whisk in a splash of milk or chicken broth before layering. Add crushed red pepper or a drizzle of pesto for an elevated flavor.
Helpful Tips, Variations & Serving Ideas
Flavor Twists & Recipe Variations
One of the best parts about making Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells Without Ricotta is how customizable it is. Try swapping broccoli for spinach or asparagus for variety, or use spicy grilled chicken for extra kick. Change up the cheese with provolone, fontina, or smoked gouda to deepen flavor. Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free shells and sauce, or go low-carb by using zucchini boats instead of pasta. For quick weeknights, turn the filling into a skillet meal and top with cheese before broiling—it’s still all the comfort of your favorite Chicken Alfredo Recipes in half the time.
Serving, Storing & Reheating Tips
Balance these rich, cheesy shells with light sides like Italian salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to four days or freeze up to two months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, adding a bit of milk or sauce to keep creamy. Microwave smaller portions under a damp paper towel in 1-minute intervals. Bake frozen shells for 45 minutes, covered, until hot. These tips ensure your Chicken Alfredo Jumbo Stuffed Shells stay just as comforting the second time around.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken makes this Stuffed Shells Recipe fast and flavorful. Simply shred two cups of cooked chicken—the seasoning works perfectly with creamy Alfredo sauce.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free shells and check that your Alfredo sauce has no wheat-based thickeners. Homemade sauce thickened with cornstarch also works great for these Chicken Alfredo Jumbo Stuffed Shells.
What’s the best Alfredo sauce?
Choose quality brands like Bertolli or Rao’s, or make your own with butter, cream, garlic, and Parmesan. A good sauce defines any great Alfredo Stuffed Shells dish.
Can I prepare the shells ahead?
Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 minutes extra bake time. Freeze unbaked up to two months, then thaw overnight before cooking.
How do I stop shells from sticking?
Boil in salted water with a dash of olive oil, stir gently early on, and rinse under cool water. Toss lightly with oil to keep them separated before stuffing.
Conclusion
Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells Without Ricotta combines melty cheese, creamy sauce, tender pasta, and hearty chicken for the ultimate comfort dinner. Each shell is flavorful, balanced by fresh broccoli, and baked to golden perfection—an easy, crowd-pleasing favorite among Chicken Alfredo Recipes.
Whether you use rotisserie chicken, make it gluten-free, or prep it ahead, this dish proves weeknight comfort can be effortless. Light yet indulgent, it’s a meal that celebrates homemade warmth without the heaviness of ricotta. Serve it at family gatherings or cozy nights in—these Chicken Alfredo Jumbo Stuffed Shells bring everyone together in delicious comfort and joy.
