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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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