Irresistible Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Shells Recipe

Crafting the perfect cheesy chicken & broccoli shells takes comfort food to another level of deliciousness.

Creamy textures blend with hearty ingredients that promise satisfaction in every single bite.

Weeknight dinners just became way more exciting with this simple yet remarkable dish.

Pasta lovers will absolutely adore how effortlessly these shells combine protein and vegetables into one mouthwatering meal.

Tender chicken pieces nestled among soft pasta shells create a harmonious symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Incredibly easy to prepare, this recipe offers maximum taste with minimal kitchen effort.

You’ll want to make extra because everyone at the table will be asking for seconds.

Why Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Shells Are So Comforting

• Craft Gourmet Comfort: Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that feels like a warm culinary hug, perfect for impressing family and friends without extensive cooking skills.
• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken for turkey, adjust vegetable preferences, or modify cheese types to match personal taste and dietary needs, making this recipe incredibly flexible.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare stuffed shells ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake later, providing a convenient solution for busy weeknights or planned gatherings with minimal last-minute preparation.
• Nutrient-Packed Delight: Combine protein-rich chicken, calcium-loaded cheese, and vitamin-packed broccoli into one dish, creating a balanced meal that satisfies nutritional requirements while tasting incredible.

Ingredients For Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Shells

• Chicken Breasts: Lean meat that provides a hearty and protein-rich base for the stuffed shells.

• Broccoli Florets: Nutritious green vegetable that adds color, texture, and health benefits to the dish.

• Cream Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Heavy Cream: Creamy ingredients that create a rich, smooth, and flavorful filling for the pasta shells.

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large pasta shape perfect for stuffing with delicious fillings.

• Garlic Powder, Dried Basil, Salt, Black Pepper, Olive Oil: Aromatic and flavor-enhancing ingredients that season and cook the chicken to perfection.

Steps To Make Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Shells

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Get your oven warming to a toasty 375°F. Grab a large baking dish ready for the delicious magic about to happen.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken Cubes

• Garlic powder
• Dried basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Sizzle The Chicken

Heat olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken pieces until they turn golden brown and are completely cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 4: Cook Pasta Shells

Boil jumbo pasta shells in salted water until they reach perfect al dente texture, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.

Step 5: Steam Broccoli

Steam broccoli florets until they’re bright green and tender-crisp, around 3-4 minutes. Chop into smaller, more manageable pieces.

Step 6: Create Creamy Cheese Blend

• Cream cheese
• Heavy cream
• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Blend until smooth and dreamy.

Step 7: Combine Filling

Gently mix cooked chicken and broccoli into the cheese mixture, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.

Step 8: Stuff The Shells

Carefully fill each pasta shell with the cheesy chicken and broccoli mixture. Arrange them snugly in the baking dish.

Step 9: Add Extra Cheese Topping

Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese over the stuffed shells for an irresistible melty layer.

Step 10: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is completely melted and shells are heated through.

Step 11: Rest And Serve

Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to mingle and settle before serving up this delectable dish.

Tips For Making Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Shells Better

• Perfectly Seal Shells: Press edges firmly when stuffing to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
• Boost Protein Power: Swap chicken with ground turkey or tofu for alternative protein sources without compromising flavor.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Allow cheese to reach room temperature before mixing to create smoother, more even blending.
• Quick Veggie Hack: Substitute broccoli with spinach or zucchini for different nutritional profiles and taste variations.
• Freezer-Friendly Tip: Prepare entire dish ahead, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months for convenient make-ahead meals.

Fun Ways To Switch Up Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Shells

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Shell Alternative: Replace pasta shells with steamed cauliflower florets, creating a keto-friendly version that reduces carbohydrate content while maintaining the creamy chicken and cheese essence.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, using nutritional yeast for additional cheesy flavor and maintaining the protein-rich profile of the original recipe.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use cashew cream instead of heavy cream, swap dairy cheeses with almond-based cheese alternatives, and incorporate nutritional yeast for a creamy texture suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Spicy Mediterranean Edition: Add red pepper flakes, incorporate chopped sundried tomatoes, and sprinkle za'atar seasoning for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired variation that elevates the original recipe's flavor profile.

Best Pairings For Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Shells

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, creamy cheese and complement the chicken's savory notes.
• Serve with Zesty Green Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness and provide a fresh, tangy counterpoint.
• Add Garlic Bread on the Side: Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious cheese sauce and add a satisfying crunch to the meal.
• Complement with Sparkling Water: Choose a citrus-infused sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites and enhance the overall dining experience.

How To Store Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Shells Right

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual stuffed shells in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, labeling with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place shells in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly. Add a splash of cream or broth to maintain moisture.

FAQs About Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Shells

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, the mild seasonings and cheesy filling make it appealing to children. The bite-sized chicken and soft pasta shells are easy for kids to eat.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Thaw and drain frozen broccoli completely before adding to the cheese mixture to prevent excess moisture.

• How do I prevent the pasta shells from breaking?

Cook shells just until al dente and handle gently when stuffing. Use a spoon to carefully fill each shell to avoid tearing.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute with whole milk or half-and-half, though the sauce might be slightly less rich and creamy.

Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Shells Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy cheesy chicken & broccoli shells bring comfort and nostalgia to dinner tables with their irresistible blend of tender chicken, melted cheese, and nutritious broccoli. Hearty pasta shells cradle this delightful combination, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins and Vegetables:

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Pantry and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, preparing a spacious baking dish for the upcoming culinary creation.
2. Trim chicken breasts and slice into uniform, bite-sized cubes, seasoning thoroughly with garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, boil jumbo pasta shells in salted water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
5. Steam broccoli florets until vibrant green and tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes, then chop into smaller, more manageable pieces.
6. In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and parmesan, creating a luxuriously smooth cheese mixture.
7. Gently fold cooked chicken and broccoli into the cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
8. Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the cheesy chicken and broccoli filling, arranging them snugly in the prepared baking dish.
9. Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese over the stuffed shells for an extra layer of melty goodness.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and shells are heated through.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing flavors to meld and settle.

Notes

• Customize protein options by swapping chicken with turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or plant-based alternatives for vegetarians.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium cheese and reducing added salt during seasoning.
• Make dish gluten-free by substituting jumbo shells with gluten-free pasta or large zucchini boats for a low-carb twist.
• Enhance meal prep efficiency by preparing chicken and cheese mixture in advance, storing separately in refrigerator for up to 2 days before final assembly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 675
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 46 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg