Irresistible Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells Recipe

The aroma of Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells wafts through the kitchen, wrapping around you like a warm hug. Picture this: tender pasta shells cradling savory chicken and vibrant broccoli, all smothered in gooey cheese that stretches with every bite. Chicken Parmesan Casserole pairing It’s a dish that sings comfort food, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.

Remember the first time you tried making stuffed shells? It was one of those epic kitchen adventures where cheese was flying everywhere, and you might have accidentally cooked the pasta an extra minute or two. But hey, who doesn’t love a little extra cheese? This dish is not just about satisfying hunger; it’s about creating memories and bringing people together over a hearty meal.

Sometimes I catch my friends sneaking seconds when they think I’m not looking; it’s a compliment I cherish!

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Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Choose the largest shells you can find; they need to hold all that cheesy goodness inside.

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well here; adjust according to your crowd size.

• Fresh Broccoli: Go for bright green florets; they add color and crunch to the filling.

• Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese brings richness and smoothness that holds everything together beautifully. Creamy Mashed Potato Casserole.

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Use freshly shredded mozzarella for that perfect melty topping—trust me, it makes a difference!

• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of parmesan gives the dish a delightful nutty flavor and golden finish on top.

• Garlic Powder: For that fragrant kick—don’t skip it! It elevates the overall flavor profile significantly.

• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs adds depth and warmth to the filling. You can use store-bought or mix your own!

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer, enhancing all those delicious flavors.

• Olive Oil: Use it for sautéing the chicken and broccoli; it adds richness while keeping things moist.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. Roasted Sweet Potatoes recipe.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by greasing it lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil while you prep your ingredients.

Cook the Pasta Shells: Add jumbo pasta shells into boiling water and cook them until al dente, usually 9-11 minutes. Drain them gently and set aside on a clean towel to cool slightly.

Sauté the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and add diced chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper. Sauté until golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until cooked through.

Add Broccoli: Toss chopped broccoli into the skillet with the chicken during the last couple of minutes of cooking. You want them tender yet still crisp!

Create the Cheesy Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well-blended.

Fill Each Shell: Carefully spoon heaping tablespoons of cheesy filling into each cooked shell. Place them seam side up into your prepared baking dish.

Add Sauce & Cheese: Pour marinara sauce evenly over filled shells in the baking dish. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese generously on top for that glorious melted crust.

Bake Until Golden: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

And there you have it! The Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are ready to be devoured! Enjoy this cheesy masterpiece straight from the oven or let it sit for a few moments—if you can resist! For more inspiration, check out this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the shells while you sauté the chicken and broccoli. This multitasking keeps everything fresh and hot when you assemble.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken for turkey or add spinach for extra greens. Experiment with spices like garlic powder or crushed red pepper for an extra kick. Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes to keep them cheesy and delicious.

The first time I made Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells, my friends couldn’t believe I’d made them from scratch! Their excited reactions made me feel like a culinary superstar.

FAQ

Can I use other vegetables in Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells?

Absolutely! Try adding bell peppers or zucchini for more flavor and nutrition.

How do I prevent stuffed shells from sticking together?

Toss cooked shells with a bit of olive oil to prevent them from sticking during assembly.

Can I freeze Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells?

Yes, they freeze well! Just store in an airtight container before baking.

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Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells

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• Author: tastyfoodonly
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender jumbo pasta shells filled with savory chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy blend of cheeses. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home. With every bite, you’ll experience a delightful mix of flavors that will make you want to come back for seconds. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, this recipe makes weeknight meals stress-free and delicious.

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Ingredients

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• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 1 cup fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 2 cups marinara sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Boil salted water in a pot and cook jumbo shells until al dente (9–11 minutes). Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper for about 5–7 minutes until golden brown.
4. Add chopped broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking until tender-crisp.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; mix well.
6. Fill each shell with the cheesy mixture and place them seam side up in the prepared baking dish.
7. Pour marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes; then remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (approximately 300g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 110mg