Keto Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Creamy pasta shells filled with tender shredded chicken, ricotta, and fresh broccoli in rich alfredo sauce. The air fryer creates perfectly melted cheese without heating up your kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep when you want comfort food fast. This recipe transforms leftover chicken into an indulgent family meal that's ready in under 15 minutes once assembled.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Bring large pot of salted water to rolling boil over medium heat
- 2
Add broccoli florets and cook for 2 minutes, then scoop out with spider skimmer into colander
- 3
Rinse broccoli with cool water to stop cooking and dice
- 4
Add pasta shells to boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente
- 5
Reserve pasta water and drain shells, running under cool water to prevent overcooking
- 6
Spray baking pan with cooking spray
- 7
Mix chicken, ricotta, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, broccoli and half cup alfredo sauce in large bowl
- 8
Spread half cup alfredo sauce in bottom of prepared baking dish
- 9
Fill each shell with tablespoon of chicken mixture and arrange in dish
- 10
Top with remaining alfredo sauce and mozzarella cheese
- 11
Cook in air fryer at 310 degrees F for 5-10 minutes until cheese melts
- 12
Serve with salt, pepper and fresh herbs
Tips
Reserve pasta water when draining shells - it helps prevent sticking and can thin sauce if needed
Don't overfill shells or mixture will spill out during cooking
Check cheese at 5 minutes to prevent overcooking in air fryer
Good to Know
refrigerate up to 3 days in covered container
assemble shells up to 1 day ahead, add 2-3 extra minutes cooking time if cold
immediately while cheese is hot and melted
Common Mistakes
don't overcook shells initially to avoid mushy texture
spray pan well to prevent sticking
check cheese frequently to avoid burning in air fryer
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I freeze these stuffed shells?
Yes, freeze assembled uncooked shells up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes to cooking time.
What if I don't have an air fryer?
Bake in regular oven at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of cooked?
Yes, but blanch it first for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp before dicing.