Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Shells

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Shells combine everything you love about comfort food into one dish. The jumbo pasta shells are perfectly stuffed with tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a rich, cheesy filling, all baked in a velvety Alfredo sauce. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—perfect for satisfying even the pickiest eaters. Not only is this recipe incredibly comforting, but it’s also a great way to sneak in some veggies with the broccoli. Plus, it’s a family-approved favorite that can be made in advance, making dinner time that much easier.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 24 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 (15 oz) jar Alfredo sauce, divided
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed or cooked
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for cooking)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions, being careful not to overcook them. Drain and set aside.
3. While the pasta shells are cooking, steam the broccoli florets until tender but still vibrant green. Chop them into smaller pieces.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine into a creamy filling.
5. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread about ½ cup of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of the dish.
6. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the chicken and broccoli mixture, arranging them in the prepared baking dish.
7. Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure they are generously covered.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly and golden.
10. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy!

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6
• Total time: 45 minutes (including prep and baking)

Variations

• Protein options: Try swapping the chicken for ground turkey, beef, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor.
• Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a vegetarian twist.
• Cheese variety: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or fontina for unique flavor profiles.
• Add herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano can be sprinkled on top for added freshness.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the leftovers in a covered baking dish and heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for a quicker option.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sauce instead of Alfredo?

Yes, you can use marinara sauce or a creamy tomato sauce for a different twist on the dish.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed shells, cover them, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

3. Can I freeze Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Shells?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Assemble the stuffed shells, cover them with sauce, and freeze them before baking. To cook from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes, covered, then uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes.

4. Can I make this dish with gluten-free pasta?

Yes, you can use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells to make this dish gluten-free. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking times.

5. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or pre-cooked chicken for convenience.

6. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add some red pepper flakes to the filling or top the dish with a spicy marinara sauce for an added kick.

7. Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh broccoli works great. Just steam or blanch it before using it in the dish.

8. Can I use a different cheese besides ricotta?

Yes, mascarpone or cream cheese could be used as a substitute for ricotta cheese if you prefer a different flavor and texture.

9. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the filling for added flavor and nutrition.

10. Can I make this dish without the garlic powder?

Yes, you can skip the garlic powder if you’re not a fan, or use fresh minced garlic for a more intense flavor.

Conclusion

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Shells are a creamy, comforting, and satisfying meal that brings together the best flavors of chicken, broccoli, cheese, and Alfredo sauce—all stuffed into giant pasta shells and baked to perfection. It’s an easy, family-approved dish that will quickly become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table!

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