There’s something magical about the aroma of Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells wafting through the house. The combination of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli wrapped snugly in pasta shells is pure comfort food bliss. Picture this: a cheesy explosion with every bite, sending your taste buds into a happy dance while your family gathers around the table, eyes wide with anticipation. For more inspiration, check out this lunch ideas recipe.
I remember the first time I made these stuffed shells; my kids practically inhaled them! Their delighted faces were priceless, and I couldn’t help but laugh at how quickly they vanished. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a potluck with friends, these cheesy delights are sure to steal the show and create lasting memories. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are simple to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- The rich flavors and gooey cheese are irresistible for both kids and adults alike
- Visually stunning, these stuffed shells will impress anyone at your dinner table
- Perfect for meal prep or freezing for later enjoyment
I’ll never forget the time my friend brought these to our game night; we barely had time to set them on the table before they disappeared!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: Use large shells that can hold ample filling; ensure they’re sturdy enough to withstand baking.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well; feel free to adjust based on your crowd size.
- Fresh Broccoli: Choose bright green florets for freshness; steam lightly for perfect texture.
- Cream Cheese: Opt for full-fat cream cheese for a rich and creamy filling that melts beautifully.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Go for a generous handful of mozzarella; it adds gooeyness that everyone loves.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan brings depth and a delightful nutty flavor to the stuffing.
- Garlic Powder: A pinch will elevate the flavor profile without overpowering the dish.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs adds warmth and aroma to each bite.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred or homemade sauce as a base—it’s essential for moisture and flavor.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle helps sauté garlic or roast vegetables if you decide to add extras!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with nonstick spray or olive oil.
Cook the Pasta Shells: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain carefully and set aside.
Sauté Chicken and Broccoli: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and diced chicken breasts. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in chopped broccoli during the last minute just to soften slightly.
Create the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, broccoli, cream cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined; this will be your heavenly filling.
Stuff Those Shells: Take each shell gently in hand and fill generously with about two tablespoons of the chicken mixture using a spoon or piping bag—no one likes skimpy stuffing here!
Add Marinara Sauce: Spread half of your marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Place each stuffed shell seam-side up on top of the sauce.
Topping Time: Pour remaining marinara sauce over all filled shells. Sprinkle leftover mozzarella and grated parmesan on top for that lovely cheesy crust.
Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil during last five minutes to allow cheese to bubble up gloriously.
Finally, remove from oven once golden brown and bubbly! Let rest for about five minutes before serving—patience is key here!
Enjoy these Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells with family or friends while sharing laughter around the table!
You Must Know
- Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are not just delicious; they’re a crowd-pleaser
- Their creamy texture and cheesy goodness create a comforting dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings
- Enjoy the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen while they bake to perfection
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the pasta shells first; this ensures they’re soft and ready to fill. While they cook, sauté the chicken and broccoli to combine flavors effortlessly. Lastly, mix in the cheese before stuffing the shells, creating a gooey masterpiece.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or add spinach for extra greens. Experiment with different cheeses like ricotta or mozzarella for unique flavor profiles. These small changes can elevate your Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells into something uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through and melty again. This keeps them deliciously cheesy!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To avoid overcooking, keep an eye on your pasta shells; they should be al dente when you stuff them
- Make sure not to skip seasoning your chicken; it enhances overall flavor tremendously
- Adding a sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top before baking gives a lovely crunch!
I still remember the first time I made Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells for my family—everyone went back for seconds! My cousin even suggested I open a restaurant right then and there, but I think I’ll stick to cooking at home!
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli for Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain excess water before adding it to your mixture.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
A combination of mozzarella and cream cheese creates a wonderfully creamy filling.
How do I prevent stuffed shells from sticking together?
Lightly oiling the cooked shells can help them stay separate while assembling your dish.
Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6 (12 stuffed shells) 1x
Description
Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells offer a delightful blend of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli, all nestled in hearty pasta shells. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, delivering satisfaction in every bite. With an easy preparation process and the option to meal prep or freeze for later, these stuffed shells are a must-try for anyone seeking a delicious and memorable meal.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced
- 1 cup fresh broccoli florets, steamed
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
- Cook jumbo shells in salted water until al dente (8-10 minutes); drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat; sauté chicken until golden brown (5-7 minutes). Add steamed broccoli last minute to soften.
- In a bowl, combine cooked chicken, broccoli, cream cheese, half the mozzarella, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Stuff each shell with approximately two tablespoons of filling.
- Spread half the marinara sauce in the baking dish; place stuffed shells seam-side up on top. Pour remaining sauce over shells and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; uncover for the last 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (200g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg