If you’re craving comfort food with a fresh, wholesome twist, these Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are about to become your new best friend. Imagine tender pasta shells loaded with a creamy blend of shredded chicken, bright broccoli, and ooey-gooey cheese, all baked in a luscious tomato sauce. The aroma alone will have you running to the kitchen, and that first bite? Pure cozy magic. Trust me, this dish is like a warm hug on a plate hearty, cheesy, and totally satisfying. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests with something that looks fancy but feels like home.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking a comforting dinner, packing lunch for the week, or feeding a hungry crowd, these shells hit all the right notes. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Great for dinners, make-ahead meals, or freezer-friendly lunches.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients with big flavor payoff.
Quick and Easy: Mostly assembly with simple cooking steps.
Customizable: Swap chicken for turkey, broccoli for spinach, or add extra spices.
Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike love the cheesy, comforting goodness.

Ingredients in Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells

Here’s what brings all that cheesy, savory goodness together:

Jumbo Pasta Shells: The perfect little boats to hold all the filling.
Cooked Shredded Chicken: Tender and flavorful, the protein star.
Broccoli Florets: Steamed or blanched to keep that bright green and crunch.
Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and richness to the filling.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for that stretchy, cheesy texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick.
Ricotta Cheese: Lightens the filling and adds a creamy texture.
Garlic: For a subtle savory punch.
Marinara Sauce: The cozy, tangy base sauce that ties everything together.
Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding depth of flavor.
Salt and Pepper: To taste.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish.

Cook Pasta Shells: Boil jumbo pasta shells until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool.

Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, chopped steamed broccoli, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, ricotta, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and well blended.

Fill the Shells: Spoon the cheesy chicken and broccoli mixture into each cooked shell, filling them generously.

Assemble the Dish: Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top, then cover with the remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Finishing Touches: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the cheese set.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and watch everyone dive into cheesy, comforting bliss!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: Approx. 450

Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients used.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Serve with a fresh green salad or garlic bread to round out the meal. A crisp Caesar salad or roasted veggies make excellent companions.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Don’t overcook the pasta shells they should be firm enough to hold the filling without breaking. Feel free to add herbs like basil or oregano to the filling for extra flavor. Use leftover cooked chicken to save time.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and add extra broccoli or spinach.

2. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

3. Can I freeze the stuffed shells?
Yes, freeze before baking and bake from frozen just add extra cooking time.

4. What cheese works best for stuffing?
A combination of cream cheese, mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan gives the best texture and flavor.

5. Can I use a different sauce?
Yes, Alfredo or pesto sauce are delicious alternatives.

6. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

7. Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach are great additions.

8. How long does it keep in the fridge?
Stored properly, leftovers keep for up to 3 days.

9. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a convenient and tasty shortcut.

10. How can I make it spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.

Conclusion

Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are a winning combination of creamy, cheesy, and wholesome flavors that feel like a warm embrace. Easy to make and full of comforting goodness, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. So grab your pasta shells and get ready to create a meal that everyone will rave about!

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