Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells

Alright, let’s talk comfort food—because this one? Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells is like a warm, cozy hug in a baking dish. It’s creamy, it’s cheesy, it’s hearty, and it’s packed with flavor. You’ve got tender pasta shells stuffed to the brim with a creamy mix of shredded chicken, chopped broccoli, and melty cheeses, all baked in a luscious, savory sauce until bubbly and golden.

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, feeding a hungry crew, or just craving something indulgent and delicious (with some greens snuck in for balance), these shells are going to be your new go-to. Trust me—this one’s a total game-changer.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells

Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy cheese, tender chicken, hearty pasta—it checks all the cozy-meal boxes. It’s like chicken alfredo met lasagna and had a delicious baby.

Family Favorite: Kids devour it, adults ask for seconds. It’s a win for the whole table (even the picky eaters).

Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead of time, then just pop it in the oven when you’re ready. Perfect for busy weeknights or dinner parties.

Great for Leftovers: This dish reheats like a dream, and leftovers might even taste better the next day.

Sneaky Veggies: Broccoli gets smothered in cheesy goodness, making it way more appealing for veggie skeptics.

Ingredients

For the chicken & broccoli stuffed shells:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: The perfect pockets for all that creamy filling.
• Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works beautifully and saves time.
• Broccoli: Steamed and finely chopped so it blends right into the filling.
• Cream Cheese: Makes the filling extra rich and smooth.
• Ricotta Cheese: Light and creamy, it helps bind everything together.
• Mozzarella Cheese: For that classic melty stretch in every bite.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth of flavor.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Flavor boosters that bring it all together.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the filling to perfection.
• Alfredo Sauce: Creamy and luscious—either homemade or store-bought.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): For a pop of color and fresh finish on top.

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

Instructions

1. Cook the Shells

Boil the jumbo pasta shells in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, chopped broccoli, cream cheese, ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy and well combined.

3. Stuff the Shells

Using a spoon, carefully fill each shell with a generous scoop of the cheesy chicken and broccoli filling.

4. Assemble the Dish

Pour a layer of alfredo sauce into the bottom of a greased baking dish. Nestle the stuffed shells in a single layer over the sauce. Spoon more sauce over the top, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

5. Bake Until Bubbly

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

6. Garnish & Serve

Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 490
Total Fat: 25g

• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 110mg
  Sodium: 820mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 35g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 3g
  Protein: 34g
  Vitamin A: 20%
  Vitamin C: 45%
  Calcium: 35%
  Iron: 15%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells

With Garlic Bread: The cheesy filling and creamy sauce pair perfectly with crisp, buttery garlic bread.

Fresh Green Salad: Lighten up your plate with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or balsamic.

Roasted Veggies: Add a side of roasted carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a colorful, healthy contrast.

As a Main Dish: Serve it just as it is—these shells are rich and filling all on their own!

With a Sparkling Beverage or Wine: A crisp white wine or sparkling lemonade makes a refreshing pairing.

Additional Tips

Shortcut Chicken: Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken makes this recipe even faster.

Use Frozen Broccoli: Just thaw and chop before adding to the filling.

Make It Ahead: Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just increase the baking time slightly if starting from cold.

Freeze for Later: Freeze unbaked shells in a foil tray, then bake straight from frozen (covered) at 375°F for about 50–60 minutes.

Add a Kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavor twist.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different sauce instead of alfredo?

A1: Absolutely! A creamy tomato sauce or even a cheese sauce would be delicious alternatives.

Q2: Can I make this dish vegetarian?

A2: Yes! Simply omit the chicken and double up on the broccoli or add mushrooms or spinach for more veggie variety.

Q3: What type of chicken works best?

A3: Rotisserie, grilled, or baked chicken all work well—just make sure it’s cooked and shredded or finely chopped.

Q4: Can I make this dairy-free?

A4: You can try dairy-free cheeses and a plant-based cream or alfredo alternative, though the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Q5: Can I prepare this in advance?

A5: Definitely! Assemble the shells, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Perfect for meal prepping or hosting.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?

A6: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Q7: Can I freeze this after baking?

A7: Yes, just let it cool completely, then freeze in portions. Reheat in the oven from frozen or thaw overnight and microwave.

Q8: What can I substitute for ricotta?

A8: Cottage cheese or mascarpone are great alternatives. You can also use more cream cheese if needed.

Q9: What cheese melts best for the topping?

A9: Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses would also melt beautifully.

Q10: Can I use small shells instead of jumbo?

A10: You could, but they won’t be stuffable. Instead, mix the filling with the shells and layer it like a casserole.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are what weeknight dinner dreams are made of—simple, comforting, and loaded with all the creamy, cheesy goodness your heart desires. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something cozy and homemade, this recipe is bound to become a regular in your rotation. Bonus: they reheat like a dream, so go ahead and make extra—you’ll thank yourself later!

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