Irresistible Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells Recipe

The aroma of Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells wafts through the kitchen, creating a symphony of savory scents that beckon everyone to the table. Imagine tender pasta shells cradling creamy chicken and vibrant broccoli, all enveloped in rich melted cheese. It’s the type of dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. For more inspiration, check out this great lunch options recipe.

As I prepared this delightful meal for my family, I was reminded of the first time I attempted to impress my friends with my cooking skills. Spoiler alert: they were impressed. This dish has become a staple at our family gatherings and cozy weeknight dinners, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion.

I still chuckle when I think about how my cousin tried to sneak seconds because she couldn’t resist these stuffed shells’ cheesy goodness.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Large Pasta Shells: Opt for jumbo shells; they hold generous amounts of filling and make serving easier.

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work wonders; adjust based on your crowd size.

• Fresh Broccoli: Use crisp broccoli florets for a pop of color and crunchy texture.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta adds richness; make sure it’s fresh for the best flavor.

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Go for whole milk mozzarella; it melts beautifully and creates that gooey texture we all love.

• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan enhances flavor; freshly grated is always best!

• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they add aromatic depth to the filling.

• Olive Oil: A drizzle helps sauté ingredients while adding healthy fats.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all the flavors in your dish.

• Dried Italian Herbs: A mix of basil, oregano, and thyme adds an extra layer of flavor complexity.

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

How to Make Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells

Prepare the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, ensuring they don’t stick together.

Sauté Chicken and Broccoli: In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add diced chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, approximately 7-10 minutes. Stir in chopped broccoli during the last few minutes until bright green.

Create the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken and broccoli with ricotta cheese, half the mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Mix until well combined; this filling should make you swoon!

Stuff the Shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each cooked shell generously with the cheesy chicken mixture. Place stuffed shells seam-side up in a greased baking dish.

Add Sauce and Bake: Pour marinara sauce evenly over filled pasta shells. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan on top for that golden crust! Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.

Enjoying Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells brings warmth to any dining table—perfectly cheesy comfort food that’s both satisfying and visually appealing! Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you’re feeling fancy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta shells first while you prepare the cheesy filling. Sauté the chicken and broccoli next, blending them with cream cheese and spices before stuffing the shells. Bake until bubbly and golden for perfect results.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap the chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken or use ricotta instead of cream cheese. Add some garlic powder or Italian seasoning for extra flavor. You can even toss in spinach for additional greens!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes, ensuring they stay creamy.

Sharing my first attempt at Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells brings back fond memories of my kids devouring them! Their laughter filled the kitchen, making it one of our go-to family recipes. For more inspiration, check out this delicious dinner recipes recipe.

FAQ

Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well; just ensure it’s thawed and drained before using.

How do I prevent the shells from sticking together?

Toss cooked shells in olive oil right after draining to keep them from clumping.

What can I serve with Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells?

A light salad or garlic bread complements this dish perfectly and adds freshness.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are a warm and comforting dish that combines tender jumbo pasta shells filled with creamy chicken, vibrant broccoli, and gooey cheese. This family-friendly recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, these stuffed shells are sure to become a favorite at your dining table.

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Ingredients

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• 12 large pasta shells
• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta shells: Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté chicken and broccoli: In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown (7-10 minutes). Stir in chopped broccoli during the last few minutes until bright green.
3. Create the filling: In a bowl, combine cooked chicken, broccoli, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Mix well.
4. Stuff the shells: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Fill each cooked shell with the cheesy mixture and place them seam-side up in a greased baking dish.
5. Add sauce and bake: Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; uncover for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (approximately 350g)
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 95mg