Delicious Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Stuffed Shells Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that strikes the perfect balance between comfort and convenience, look no further than these Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells. I stumbled upon this recipe during a hectic week of juggling schedules, and it quickly became a staple on our family menu. The tender pasta shells filled with creamy chicken, vibrant broccoli, and oodles of cheese have a magical effect on even the pickiest of eaters.

The beauty of these Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells lies in their ability to elevate a regular weeknight dinner into something special. The jumbo pasta shells cradle a rich and cheesy filling that’s both satisfying and delicious. What started as a simple experiment with ingredients on hand has now become a go-to recipe that never fails to impress. Whether you’re in need of a quick meal solution or aiming to please a crowd, these stuffed shells are sure to be a hit. So roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a dish that brings joy to the table with every bite.

Quick Benefits

• Generous Portions: Jumbo pasta shells provide ample room for stuffing with a hearty filling, ensuring satisfying portions for the whole family.
• Flexibility: Cooked chicken allows for versatile options like rotisserie chicken, grilled leftovers, or quickly poached chicken, making meal prep a breeze.
• Nutritious Twist: Steamed broccoli adds color, texture, and nutrition to the dish, elevating its health profile and sneaking in some veggies.
• Convenient Creaminess: Cream of chicken soup creates a creamy sauce without the hassle of making a roux, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish without the extra steps.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Stuffed Shells Recipe Recipe

• Satisfying and Comforting Meal: Enjoy tender pasta shells filled with creamy chicken, broccoli, and cheesy goodness that create a comforting and satisfying meal for any day of the week.
• Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved: Perfect for pleasing picky eaters and vegetable skeptics, this dish has converted even the broccoli haters with its delicious flavors and textures.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: Ideal for busy weeknights, this recipe can be whipped up in no time, making you feel like a kitchen hero even on chaotic days.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and cheddar cheese to create a flexible dish that allows for variations with different proteins, such as turkey or bacon, or even vegetarian options with mushrooms.
• Creamy and Cheesy Goodness: The combination of cream of chicken soup, milk, and two layers of cheddar cheese ensures a creamy, cheesy, and indulgent filling that everyone will love.
• Make-Ahead and Freezing Options: Streamline meal preparation by assembling ahead of time and refrigerating or freezing for future use, allowing for convenient and quick dinners during busy times.
• Adaptable for Different Occasions: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends, you can serve these stuffed shells with simple sides or additional toppings to customize the meal and create a memorable dining experience.
• Nutritious and Flavorful: Sneak in some veggies with the steamed broccoli, adding color, nutrition, and a fresh taste to the dish, while the creamy sauce and melted cheese enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Perfect Balance of Flavors: From the tender pasta shells to the creamy filling and golden cheese topping, every bite offers a delicious mix of textures and flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
• Reliable and Crowd-Pleasing Dish: While not revolutionary, this recipe provides a dependable and delicious meal that strikes the right balance between comfort food and practical family cooking, making it a staple in your household.

Ingredients for Delicious Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Stuffed Shells Recipe

For the Shells and Filling

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded (divided: 1 cup for filling, ½ cup for topping)
• Garlic powder, to taste
• 1 cup broccoli, steamed and chopped
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1½ cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• Salt, to taste

For the Sauce

• ½ cup milk
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup

How to Make Delicious Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Stuffed Shells Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the pasta

1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook jumbo pasta shells until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cool water, and set aside.

Step 2: Preheat the oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 3: Make the filling

Combine shredded or diced cooked chicken, chopped steamed broccoli, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese in a medium mixing bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste, then mix until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Stuff the shells

Carefully fill each cooled pasta shell with a generous amount of the chicken-broccoli filling, using 1-2 tablespoons per shell based on size. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the baking dish with the opening facing up.

Step 5: Prepare the sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and milk until smooth and pourable, yet thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Assemble the dish

Evenly pour the creamy soup mixture over the stuffed shells in the baking dish, ensuring each shell is covered. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Step 7: Bake

Cover baking dish with foil, ensuring it doesn’t touch cheese. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 5 more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.

Step 8: Rest and serve

Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven before serving. Optionally garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells, it’s best to refrigerate any leftovers promptly. Cover the casserole dish or individual portions tightly with foil or transfer them to airtight containers. Properly stored in the refrigerator, the stuffed shells can last for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, consider using the microwave for individual portions or the oven for larger quantities, ensuring they are heated through before serving.

For longer storage or meal prep, you can freeze the stuffed shells for future consumption. If you plan to freeze the dish, assemble the shells but do not bake them. Instead, place the unbaked stuffed shells on a baking sheet to freeze them individually before transferring them to freezer-safe bags or containers. Frozen stuffed shells can be stored for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, bake the frozen shells straight from the freezer, adding extra time in the oven as needed until they are heated through and the cheese is bubbly.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian version of this Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells recipe, you can easily substitute the cooked chicken with additional vegetables or plant-based meat alternatives. Consider using diced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even crumbled tofu as a flavorful replacement for the chicken. Additionally, you can replace the cream of chicken soup with a vegetarian cream of mushroom or cream of broccoli soup for a creamy and delicious sauce base.

If you prefer a different type of cheese or have dietary restrictions, feel free to experiment with various cheese options in this recipe. Swap the cheddar cheese with mozzarella, Swiss, or Gouda for a different flavor profile. You can also try using dairy-free cheese alternatives for a lactose-free or vegan-friendly version. Just ensure that the cheese melts well and complements the other ingredients in the dish. These substitutions can add a unique twist to the dish while still maintaining its comforting and cheesy appeal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells with a side of garlic bread to soak up any extra creamy sauce and a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette for a fresh contrast to the rich main dish. For a casual family dinner, set out additional toppings like sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream to allow everyone to customize their portions. To elevate the dish for company, start with a light soup as a starter for an elegant multi-course meal without overshadowing the star of the show.

For a twist on this classic recipe, consider trying different protein variations such as using turkey for a lighter option, adding bacon for a smoky flavor, or swapping the chicken for sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian adaptation. Experiment with sauce adjustments like using Alfredo sauce for a more decadent version or layering marinara underneath the cream mixture for an Italian-inspired variation. These versatile stuffed shells can be customized to suit different tastes while maintaining their comforting and satisfying appeal.

FAQs for Delicious Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Stuffed Shells Recipe

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While jumbo pasta shells work well for this dish, you can also use other pasta shapes like manicotti or large shell-shaped pasta if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version of this recipe by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables or protein alternatives like sautéed mushrooms or tofu. Adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells up to 24 hours ahead of time and refrigerate them covered with foil. Just remember to add some extra baking time when cooking from cold. You can also freeze the assembled but unbaked shells for up to three months for future meals.

How can I reheat leftovers?

To reheat leftovers, simply portion them into microwave-safe containers and heat them in the microwave until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the oven at a low temperature to preserve the texture and flavors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are more than just a meal; they’re a solution for those hectic days when you need a comforting dish that brings everyone together at the table. The magic of these shells lies in their simplicity, adaptability, and the joy they bring to both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re a busy parent, a home cook looking to impress, or simply craving a hearty dinner, these stuffed shells are sure to become a family favorite.

So, next time you find yourself in need of a reliable and delicious recipe that strikes the perfect balance between convenience and flavor, remember the Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells. Let the tender pasta, creamy filling, and cheesy topping work their magic, creating a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Embrace the kitchen hero within you and enjoy the satisfaction of serving a dish that brings smiles to the faces around your table.

Delicious Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Stuffed Shells Recipe

“Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells: a creamy, kid-approved meal with tender pasta, savory chicken, and bright broccoli in a bubbly, cheesy topping.”

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Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time30 Minutes

Total Time45 Minutes

CuisineItalian-American

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings (12 stuffed shells)

Ingredients

For the Shells and Filling

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded (divided: 1 cup for filling, ½ cup for topping)
• Garlic powder, to taste
• 1 cup broccoli, steamed and chopped
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1½ cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• Salt, to taste

For the Sauce

• ½ cup milk
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup

Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta: 1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook jumbo pasta shells until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cool water, and set aside.
2. Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
3. Make the filling: Combine shredded or diced cooked chicken, chopped steamed broccoli, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese in a medium mixing bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste, then mix until evenly distributed.
4. Stuff the shells: Carefully fill each cooled pasta shell with a generous amount of the chicken-broccoli filling, using 1-2 tablespoons per shell based on size. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the baking dish with the opening facing up.
5. Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and milk until smooth and pourable, yet thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
6. Assemble the dish: Evenly pour the creamy soup mixture over the stuffed shells in the baking dish, ensuring each shell is covered. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
7. Bake: Cover baking dish with foil, ensuring it doesn’t touch cheese. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 5 more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
8. Rest and serve: Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven before serving. Optionally garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.