Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Shells – Creamy, Comforting, and Family-Approved! 🍗🍝
These Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Shells are the ultimate comfort food—jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a creamy mixture of shredded chicken, broccoli, and cheese, then baked in a rich Alfredo sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this dish is packed with flavor, protein, and veggies, making it as nutritious as it is delicious. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Let’s dive into how to make these cheesy, comforting shells step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy & Cheesy : A decadent blend of chicken, broccoli, and cheese wrapped in jumbo shells and smothered in Alfredo sauce.
- Nutritious & Filling : Packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the broccoli.
- Customizable : Swap ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, or turkey to suit your taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly : Assemble ahead of time and bake when ready to serve.
- Freezer-Friendly : Perfect for meal prep or freezing leftovers for later.
Ingredients
(Serves 6)
For the Shells:
- 24 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 (15 oz) jar Alfredo sauce , divided (plus extra if desired )
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great! )
- 2 cups steamed broccoli florets , finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper , to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Extra shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken , steamed broccoli , mozzarella cheese , Parmesan cheese , garlic powder , onion powder , salt , and pepper . Mix well to combine.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of Alfredo sauce to bind the mixture together. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 4: Stuff the Shells
- Spread 1 cup of Alfredo sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Using a spoon, stuff each cooked shell with the chicken-broccoli mixture and place them seam-side up in the baking dish.
Step 5: Top and Bake
- Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
- Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top for extra cheesiness.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes .
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes , or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients : Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
- Meal Prep Ahead : Assemble the stuffed shells up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
- Freeze for Later : Freeze unbaked stuffed shells on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Add Veggies : Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Storage : Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days . Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Perfect Pairings
These Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Shells pair beautifully with:
- Garlic Bread : Perfect for soaking up any extra Alfredo sauce.
- Green Salad : Serve with a crisp mixed greens salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette.
- Roasted Vegetables : Pair with roasted carrots, green beans, or asparagus for added nutrition.
- Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water or lemonade for a refreshing contrast.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
(Based on 6 servings)
- Calories : ~400 kcal
- Protein : ~25g
- Carbohydrates : ~30g
- Fat : ~20g
- Fiber : ~3g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Shells are a comforting, flavorful dish that combines creamy textures, savory flavors, and wholesome ingredients into one satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers big on taste and satisfaction. The combination of tender pasta, juicy chicken, and cheesy goodness creates a dish that’s both indulgent and nourishing.
The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the fillings, adjust the seasonings, or pair it with different sides to make it your own. So grab your jumbo shells, stuff them with that cheesy filling, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
