You walk into your kitchen, and the aroma of melting cheese and roasted broccoli fills the air. This is not just any dish; it’s Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells, a delightful fusion that makes your taste buds dance with joy. The moment you take a forkful, you’re met with creamy goodness that hugs each pasta shell like a warm blanket on a chilly evening. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Growing up, my family would gather around the dinner table, and this recipe was always a crowd-pleaser. I remember my little brother once declared it “the best thing ever” after his third helping. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests at a potluck. Get ready to dive into this cheesy, delicious adventure that promises to leave everyone craving more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dish is simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Bursting with flavor, it combines tender chicken and vibrant broccoli in every bite
- The visual appeal of these colorful stuffed shells will wow your guests
- Great for meal prep, you can easily customize or scale the recipe for any occasion
Nothing beats hearing my family rave about how they love this dish!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Large Pasta Shells: Choose jumbo-sized shells that are sturdy enough to hold all that cheesy goodness inside.
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts but adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.
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Fresh Broccoli Florets: Go for vibrant green florets; they add crunch and color to the filling.
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Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened; this creates that creamy filling we all crave.
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Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: You can’t have too much cheese; it melts beautifully and binds everything together.
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Garlic Powder: A must-have for flavor; it brings warmth and depth to the dish.
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Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs adds an aromatic touch that elevates the flavor profile significantly.
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Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade for that personal touch; it’s the perfect base for our stuffed shells.
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Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle on top before baking for that golden crust and extra flavor boost!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells
Cook the Pasta Shells: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once at a rolling boil, add a pinch of salt and cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente.
Prepare the Chicken Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken breasts until golden brown and thoroughly cooked through. Allow them to cool slightly before shredding them into bite-sized pieces.
Mix in Broccoli and Cheese: Steam broccoli florets until tender but still bright green. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, cream cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until well mixed.
Stuff Those Shells!: Take each cooked shell and carefully spoon in the cheesy chicken mixture until they are generously filled. Place them snugly in a baking dish lined with marinara sauce.
Add Sauce and Bake!: Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring every shell is generously covered. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese before covering loosely with foil.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes to achieve that glorious golden crust.
Now you have Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells ready to serve! Enjoy this delightful dish with friends or family while basking in their compliments!
You Must Know
- Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are not just delicious; they are also a crowd-pleaser
- These shells embrace the comforting flavors of cheese and chicken, making any dinner feel special
- The vibrant colors and satisfying textures can turn a simple meal into a feast
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the pasta shells until al dente. While they cool, sauté the chicken and broccoli until tender, then mix with cheese and seasonings. This efficient sequence ensures everything comes together smoothly for perfect cheesy goodness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey or add spinach for extra greens. Experiment with different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack to spice things up. Personalizing your stuffed shells can create a whole new flavor experience.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, ensuring they stay cheesy and delicious without drying out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh broccoli instead of frozen for better texture and flavor
- Always taste your filling before stuffing to adjust seasoning as needed
- Don’t overcook the shells; they should hold their shape well during baking for best results
Sometimes, cooking is like hosting a party—you want everything to go off without a hitch! When I first made these cheesy shells, my family devoured them faster than I could say “cheese overload.” Their smiles made every effort worth it.
FAQ
Can I make Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them in advance and refrigerate before baking.
What can I use instead of chicken in this recipe?
Turkey or even shredded rotisserie chicken works great as alternatives.
How do I prevent the shells from sticking together?
Drizzle cooked shells with olive oil and gently toss them before filling.
Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheeses all nestled inside jumbo pasta shells. This dish is perfect for family dinners or potlucks, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied and craving more. With its rich flavors and colorful presentation, it’s sure to become a favorite at your home.
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta shells until al dente; drain.
- In a skillet, cook chicken over medium heat until golden brown. Cool slightly before shredding.
- Steam broccoli until tender. In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, cream cheese, half of mozzarella, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Stuff each shell with the chicken mixture and place in a baking dish with marinara sauce at the bottom.
- Pour remaining marinara over the shells and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover loosely with foil.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes; remove foil for the last 10 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (approx. 250g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg