How to Make Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells

Are you looking for a tasty and easy dinner recipe that everyone will enjoy? This cheesy chicken and broccoli stuffed shells dish is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s sure to become a favorite.

You’ll learn how to make this delicious pasta bake. It’s quick to prepare, with just a few minutes of prep time. You’ll have a satisfying meal ready in no time.

Key Takeaways

• Easy to prepare and cook, perfect for busy weeknights.
• A delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone.
• Can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
• Great for leftovers, making it a convenient meal option.
• A perfect dish for family gatherings or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells

Imagine a dish that mixes pasta, chicken, broccoli, and cheese. That’s what these stuffed shells offer. The combination of tender chicken, steamed broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce in pasta shells is amazing. It’s not only delicious but also easy to make, perfect for any day.

These Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are a fun twist on chicken and broccoli pasta. They make a great cheesy chicken pasta recipe that’s easy and tasty.

Perfect for family dinners or meals with friends, this dish will impress everyone. It’s a true comfort food recipe that warms your heart and fills your belly.

Gathering Your Ingredients and Tools

Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the ingredients and tools for cheesy chicken & broccoli stuffed shells. This will make cooking easier and more fun.

Complete Ingredients List

You’ll need many things to begin. This includes pasta shells, chicken breast, broccoli, and different cheeses. Plus, you’ll need some basic kitchen items. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pasta shells
• Chicken breast
• Broccoli
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Essential Kitchen Equipment

For cooking, you’ll need some kitchen tools for pasta and other equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A large pot for boiling pasta
• A skillet for cooking the chicken and broccoli
• A baking dish for assembling and baking the stuffed shells
• A colander for draining pasta
• A mixing bowl for combining the filling ingredients

With all your stuffed shells ingredients and cooking equipment ready, you’re set to make a tasty dish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have everything ready, let’s start making these tasty Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells. We’ll go through each step to make a dish that will wow everyone.

1. Preparing the Pasta Shells

First, cook the pasta shells as the package says, until they’re just right. This means boiling them in salted water. After cooking, drain the shells and let them cool a bit. This step is important to get the pasta just right for filling.

2. Creating the Chicken and Broccoli Mixture

Heat some olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until it’s done and a bit brown. Then, add steamed broccoli to the skillet, mixing it with the chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and any herbs or spices you like. This mix is the main part of your dish, packed with protein and veggies.

3. Blending the Perfect Cheese Sauce

The cheese sauce is key to bringing everything together. Start by making a bechamel sauce with butter, flour, and milk. When it thickens, take it off the heat and mix in cheeses like mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta until smooth. This creamy cheese sauce will make your stuffed shells creamy and delicious.

4. Filling and Arranging the Shells

To fill the shells, use a spoon to put the chicken and broccoli mix in each shell. Place them in a baking dish as you fill them. Once all the shells are filled and in the dish, pour the cheese sauce over them. Make sure they’re all generously coated.

5. Baking Your Dish

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. Then, take off the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. This will make the top golden brown and bubbly. This final step adds a deliciously golden crust and a warm, comforting meal.

Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells

Making the perfect Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells is easy with these tips. To get a dish that’s both tasty and impressive, focus on the details. Be ready to fix common problems that might happen while cooking.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a simple recipe, things can go wrong. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

• Overcooking the Pasta Shells: To avoid this, check the pasta shells a minute or two before they’re done. They should still be a bit firm.
• Cheese Sauce Too Thick: If your cheese sauce is too thick, add a bit of milk or cream. This will make it smooth and creamy again.
• Undercooked Filling: Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before mixing it with broccoli and cheese sauce. If using pre-cooked chicken, make sure it’s heated evenly.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

One great thing about Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells is how easy they are to prepare ahead or use as leftovers. Here are some tips for storing and reheating:

1. Refrigeration: Keep your stuffed shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
2. Reheating: To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warm. You can also reheat in the microwave, but baking keeps the dish’s texture and taste better.
3. Freezing: You can freeze the stuffed shells before baking. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

By using these pro tips, you’ll get a delicious dish. Plus, you’ll have a great meal ready whenever you want it.

Customizing Your Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells

This cheesy chicken & broccoli stuffed shells recipe is perfect for getting creative in the kitchen. You can change it to fit your dietary needs or just to try something new. It’s great for all kinds of occasions and tastes.

Dietary Adaptations

It’s easy to make this recipe fit your diet. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta shells and watch the cheese sauce ingredients. If you want a vegetarian option, try sautéed mushrooms or tofu for extra protein.

Other dietary changes you might make include:

• Using low-fat cheese to cut calories
• Swapping broccoli for spinach or bell peppers
• Creating a vegan version with vegan cheese and plant-based milk

Flavor Variations

Try new flavors to make this dish even better. Add herbs and spices to the chicken and broccoli for a unique taste. Here are some ideas:

1. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy flavor
2. Include chopped fresh parsley or basil for freshness
3. Try goat cheese or Parmesan for a richer sauce

These flavor changes let you make the dish your own. It will taste exactly how you like it.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Now that you’ve learned to make Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells, it’s time to think about serving them. You can enjoy this dish alone or with a side salad or garlic bread. This makes for a more filling dinner.

For a complete dinner, try pairing your stuffed shells with a green salad or a roasted vegetable salad. Or, if you like something cozy, garlic bread or a crusty loaf is perfect. These options fit well with your dinner plans.

For drinks, a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc goes well with the cheese and chicken. Or, try sparkling water with lemon to clean your palate. Try different ways to serve your stuffed shells to find your favorite.

Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings 4

Calories 470 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 12 jumbo pasta shells cooked al dente (or sub manicotti)
• 1.5 cups cooked chicken diced (rotisserie works great!)
• 1 cup steamed broccoli chopped (or spinach/kale)
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided (or Italian blend)
• 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup (or mushroom soup for variation)
• ½ cup milk whole or 2% for creaminess
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt adjust to taste
• Optional Add-ins:
• ¼ cup sour cream or cream cheese for extra richness
• 1 tsp hot sauce or Dijon mustard for depth
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan for topping

Instructions

 

• Prep:
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• Cook shells al dente (1–2 mins less than package says). Drain, rinse with cool water, and pat dry.
• Make Filling:
• In a bowl, mix chicken, broccoli, 1 cup cheddar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Pro Tip: For creamier filling, stir in sour cream/cream cheese or a splash of the pasta cooking water.
• Stuff Shells:
• Spoon 2 tbsp filling into each shell. Arrange snugly in the dish.
• Make Sauce:
• Whisk soup and milk until smooth. Pour evenly over shells.
• Optional: Add a pinch of thyme or onion powder to the sauce.
• Bake:
• Sprinkle with remaining ½ cup cheese (and Parmesan, if using).
• Bake 25 mins until bubbly. Broil 2–3 mins for a golden top.
• Rest 5 mins before serving.

Notes

• Make Ahead: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unbaked (wrap tightly in foil). Thaw overnight, then bake as directed (+5–10 mins if cold).
• Vegetarian: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms and use cream of mushroom soup.
• Low-Carb: Use zucchini halves or bell pepper boats instead of pasta shells.