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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F, preparing a spacious baking dish for the upcoming culinary creation.
- Trim chicken breasts and slice into uniform, bite-sized cubes, seasoning thoroughly with garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
- 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.
- Meanwhile, boil jumbo pasta shells in salted water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Steam broccoli florets until vibrant green and tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes, then chop into smaller, more manageable pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and parmesan, creating a luxuriously smooth cheese mixture.
- Gently fold cooked chicken and broccoli into the cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the cheesy chicken and broccoli filling, arranging them snugly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese over the stuffed shells for an extra layer of melty goodness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and shells are heated through.
- 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