Irresistible Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells

Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are a delightful medley of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli, all snuggled into pasta shells like a hug for your taste buds. creamy cheesecake dessert The aroma wafting from the oven will have everyone in your home lining up with hungry anticipation, ready to dig into this delicious dish. no bake banoffee cheesecake blueberry cake with cream cheese. For more inspiration, check out this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo recipe.

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Picture this: it’s a lazy Sunday afternoon, the kind where you wear your comfiest pajamas and avoid adulting at all costs. Suddenly, you remember that you have some leftover chicken and a half-empty bag of pasta shells. flavor-packed cheesy pasta dish It’s time to whip up Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells! This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners when you want something comforting but also a little fancy.

Sharing this recipe with my friends led to an unforgettable dinner party where everyone asked for seconds—and I may or may not have taken credit for being a culinary genius.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Look for large shells that can hold lots of stuffing; check for any cracks before cooking.

• Cooked Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for convenience; shred it before mixing.

• Fresh Broccoli: Choose bright green florets; steam them lightly to keep their vibrant color and crunch.

• Ricotta Cheese: Use whole milk ricotta for creaminess; it adds that wonderful texture we all crave.

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for a good quality mozzarella that melts beautifully—it’s all about that gooey goodness.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh parmesan to sprinkle on top; it adds a lovely salty kick to the dish.

• Garlic Powder: A staple in flavoring; choose fresh garlic if you want that robust aroma.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate every ingredient—don’t skimp on seasoning!

• Marinara Sauce: Store-bought works great, but homemade sauce can elevate this dish even further.

• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil and oregano enhances the overall flavor profile—just a pinch goes a long way.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures an even bake as you stuff those pasta shells with cheesy goodness.

Cook the Pasta Shells: Boil water in a large pot and cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside on a lightly greased baking sheet to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Blend until well combined; the mixture should be creamy yet chunky.

Stuff Those Shells!: Using a spoon or piping bag for precision, fill each cooked shell generously with the filling mixture. Arrange them in a greased baking dish snugly so they don’t tip over during baking.

Add Marinara Sauce and Cheese Topping: Pour marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and grated parmesan on top; it’s about to get cheesy!

Bake Until Golden Brown : Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to keep things moist) and bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Serve hot and watch as smiles spread around your table like melted cheese! Each bite will remind you why comfort food exists—and why we dare not skip dessert after such indulgence!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the pasta shells while simultaneously cooking the chicken with seasonings. Once cooked, prepare the creamy filling before stuffing the shells. This sequence maximizes time efficiency and ensures everything is fresh.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the broccoli for spinach or add in diced bell peppers for color. Experimenting with different cheeses, like mozzarella or gouda, can also give your stuffed shells a delightful twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through, around 20 minutes.

I remember the first time I made Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells for my family; they devoured them so quickly that I barely had time to take a picture!

FAQ

Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well; just thaw and drain before using.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Substitute chicken with mushrooms or extra vegetables for a delicious vegetarian option.

Can I prepare these shells ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble them and refrigerate before baking for up to 24 hours.

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Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells

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• Author: homerecipeseasy
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells combine creamy ricotta, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli all wrapped in jumbo pasta shells. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, offering a delightful blend of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. With a golden, cheesy topping and a rich marinara sauce, these stuffed shells are not only satisfying but also simple to prepare.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 cup fresh broccoli florets, steamed
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil water in a large pot and cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until well mixed.
4. Stuff each cooked shell with the filling and place them in a greased baking dish.
5. Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (210g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 640mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Substitute broccoli with spinach or add diced bell peppers for extra flavor. For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with mushrooms or additional vegetables. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat at 350°F covered with foil.