Looking for a healthy version of chicken Alfredo? This broccoli-filled casserole is packed with protein, AND homemade “Alfredo” sauce! Forget those unhealthy jars! Try these Chicken “Alfredo” and Broccoli Stuffed Shells as a healthy and tasty family night dinner!
This post is sponsored by Stauffers of Kissel Hill. I am so thankful and happy to work with local businesses that I love, use and believe in. They pride themselves on quality ingredients and local connections, which is something Passport Flavor stands for. Thank you for your support for Passport Flavor and Stauffers of Kissel Hill!
Pass the Cheese, Please
I. LOVE. CHEESE. There’s no doubt about that. However, my husband tends to stay away from it for health reasons, so I don’t cook with it much at home. If I eat cheese, it’s usually when we eat out, or with wine at a friend’s house. I’ve been itching to create some sort of casserole with cheese, so here it is! If you are dairy free, the only thing that needs to be removed or substituted is the Parmesan cheese. The “Alfredo” sauce is made from almond yogurt, so there is no issue there!
Lot’s of Pasta-bilities
Honestly, I had a hard time deciding which way to go with this recipe. At first, I almost made it with lasagna noodles. I figured it would be much easier since you would not have to stuff each shell individually. Then I thought about using my gluten-free Banza chickpea noodles to make an even healthier casserole. Even though the shells are made with semolina, I cannot tell a lie… I decided on the shells because they are pretty and fun to assemble. However, I am looking to find healthy, whole wheat or gluten free pasta shells! So, if you are aware of a brand that makes them, let me know!
Shake Things Up
One thing I like about making stuffed shells is that it shakes things up a bit. Whenever we used to make pasta, it was always spaghetti. Recently, we have been branching out thanks to Banza, and have been making cavatappi, baby shells, other fun pasta shapes. Honestly, it really helps shake up the menu. Event he slightest thing like changing the shape of the pasta you eat can help you create a more flavorful and fun diet at home! I also like to look at the pastas that are on sale, because you can find pasta that is made of other healthy ingredients, such as black beans or lentils. It’s fun just seeing all of the different kinds that are out there, and then figuring out what to make with them!
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Chicken Alfredo and Broccoli Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
- 3/4 box pasta shells
- 1 lb chicken
- 12 oz broccoli
Alfredo Sauce
- 3 cups almond yogurt
- 6 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 6 oz shredded Parmesan cheese save 1/2 cup for the top
Instructions
- Start the water for the pasta and cook according to box directions. When the shells are done cooking, begin preheating the oven to 350F.
- Cut and separate the broccoli florets and place in a deep microwaveable safe dish. Place 1 inch of water in the bottom and cover with a wet paper towel. Microwave for 3 minutes. When finished, cut up the broccoli into fine pieces. Set aside.
- While water is heating and broccoli is steaming, cook chicken on stove until cooked throughly, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside and let cool. When cool, shred with a fork. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, combine Alfredo sauce ingredients in a medium sized bowl, reserving 1/2 cup of cheese to top shells with at the end
- Place 1/2 cup of Alfredo sauce in the bottom of a skillet or 9×13 pan
- Combine shredded chicken, chopped broccoli, and 1 1/2 cups of sauce in a large bowl
- Using a spoon, fill each shell and place in the sauce-lined pan until pan is packed full of shells
- Top shells with the rest of the Alfredo sauce and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 350F for 20 minutes.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
All images and text ©Alexis Stambaugh for Passport Flavor™
I'm a 20-something foodie with a passion for travel. As a self taught chef, I believe food is what brings us together. When I'm not in my kitchen creating recipes, I love connecting with people as I experience cuisines from other cultures. Come join me on my culinary and travel adventures!