Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells

These Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are exactly that—a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a hearty meal. The combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce creates a symphony of flavors that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

The key to these stuffed shells is the balance of flavors. The tender chicken and fresh broccoli provide a savory base, while the creamy cheese sauce adds a rich, indulgent note. The pasta shells are the perfect vessel for holding all the goodness, creating a delightful bite every time. This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing. The golden-brown tops of the stuffed shells and the vibrant green of the broccoli make for a stunning presentation.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize the filling with your favorite herbs, spices, or even add a touch of heat with some red pepper flakes. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a special treat to enjoy at home, these Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are sure to impress.

So, grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking! This dish is going to be a hit, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are a comforting and satisfying dish featuring tender pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of chicken, broccoli, and melted cheese. This dish is perfect for a hearty meal and is surprisingly easy to make. The unique selling points are the balance of flavors, the creamy cheese sauce, and the tender chicken and broccoli filling, making it a showstopper for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a special treat to enjoy at home, these Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are sure to impress. They’re a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Exciting Story:

My family absolutely loves these Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells. Every time I make them, it’s like a little celebration in our kitchen. The kids love helping me stuff the shells, and my husband can’t get enough of the creamy, cheesy filling. It’s become a staple in our household, especially for cozy family dinners and special occasions.

One evening, we had some friends over for dinner, and I decided to make this dish as the main course. As soon as I brought it out, everyone’s eyes lit up. The golden-brown tops of the stuffed shells and the aroma of the creamy cheese sauce filled the room. The first bite was met with a chorus of “mmms” and “wows.” The combination of the tender chicken, the fresh broccoli, and the rich cheese sauce was a hit. Our friends couldn’t stop talking about how delicious and comforting it was.

Now, whenever we have a gathering, these Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are always on the menu. They’ve become a favorite not just in our household, but among our friends as well. And the best part? It’s so easy to make that I never stress about preparing it.

Why This Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells Recipe Is a Must-Try

This recipe is a must-try for several reasons. First, it combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying dish. The pasta shells are the perfect vessel for holding all the goodness, and the creamy cheese sauce adds a rich, indulgent note.

Second, this dish is incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have a delicious and impressive meal ready in no time. Plus, it’s visually stunning, making it a great option for entertaining.

Another selling point is the versatility of the filling. You can customize the flavors with your favorite herbs, spices, or even add a touch of heat with some red pepper flakes. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a special treat to enjoy at home, these Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are sure to impress.

What You Need For Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells

For the Stuffed Shells:

• 12-14 large pasta shells
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

How to Make Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells

Start by cooking the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped broccoli, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Stuff each cooked pasta shell with a generous amount of the chicken and broccoli mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish.

To make the cheese sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to form a roux. Cook for about 1 minute, until the mixture is lightly golden. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add the cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Pour the cheese sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure each shell is well coated. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tops of the shells are golden brown.

Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells!

Tips For Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells:

To ensure the pasta shells are evenly stuffed, use a spoon or your fingers to gently press the filling into each shell.

For easier baking, cover the baking dish with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking to prevent the tops of the shells from drying out.

Substitutions and Variations:

Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite vegetables. Spinach, mushrooms, or even bell peppers would work well.

For a different flavor profile, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a bit of heat.

If you prefer a different type of cheese, you can substitute the cheddar cheese with Gouda or Swiss cheese in the sauce.

Make a Healthier Version:

To make this recipe healthier, you can use whole wheat pasta shells instead of regular pasta shells. You can also reduce the amount of cheese in the filling and the sauce.

For a lower-calorie version, use low-fat milk and cheese in the sauce.

Closing For Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells:

And there you have it! A delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to let us know how your Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells turn out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes for more culinary inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions For Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells:

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   • Yes, you can use a different type of pasta, such as manicotti or cannelloni, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   • You can prepare the filling and stuff the shells ahead of time, but it’s best to bake the dish just before serving to ensure the pasta and cheese are at their best.
3. Can I use frozen broccoli?
   • Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before using.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   • Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta shells and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.
5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
   • Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by using dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives.
6. Can I add more vegetables to the filling?
   • Yes, you can add your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers, to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
7. Can I make this recipe in the oven?
   • This recipe is designed to be made in the oven. Simply follow the instructions for baking the stuffed shells.
8. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
   • This recipe is not suitable for a slow cooker, as the pasta shells need to be baked in the oven.
9. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
   • This recipe is not suitable for an Instant Pot, as the pasta shells need to be baked in the oven.
10. Can I double this recipe?
    • Yes, you can double this recipe. Simply use a larger baking dish or make two batches.
11. Can I halve this recipe?
    • Yes, you can halve this recipe. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.
12. Can I add a different type of protein?
    • Yes, you can substitute the chicken with turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a different flavor profile.