Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells – Creamy, Comforting, and Family-Friendly!
These Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food—packed with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and lots of melty cheese, all nestled in jumbo pasta shells and smothered in a creamy, savory sauce. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, potluck, or meal prep!
Ingredients:
12 jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained
1½ cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
1 cup steamed broccoli, finely chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1½ cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Make the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine chicken, broccoli, ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix until everything is evenly combined and the filling is creamy.
2️⃣ Stuff the Shells:
Lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray.
Spread ½ cup of the Alfredo sauce on the bottom of the dish.
Fill each cooked pasta shell with about 2 tablespoons of the chicken-broccoli mixture and place them in the baking dish, open side up.
3️⃣ Add Sauce & Bake:
Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells.
Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top.
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Pro Tips for Stuffed Shell Success:
Don’t Overcook the Shells: Slightly undercook so they hold their shape when stuffing.
Make Ahead: Stuff the shells and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: A great time-saver for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Family Favorite: Kid-approved and perfect for picky eaters.
Creamy & Cheesy: Rich, melty goodness in every bite.
Easy to Freeze: Make a double batch and freeze one for later!
Nutritional Info (Per Serving — ~3 shells):
Calories: 400–450
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 30g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 2g
FAQ About Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells:
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes! Freeze before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Can I use a different sauce?
Definitely—try marinara for a red sauce twist or even a pesto cream sauce.
What’s the best cheese for topping?
Mozzarella is classic, but a mix of mozzarella and cheddar adds extra flavor.
Variations to Try:
Buffalo Chicken Style: Add a little buffalo sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
Veggie Loaded: Add chopped spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Bacon Broccoli Shells: Crumble cooked bacon into the filling for a smoky twist.
The Perfect Cozy Dinner:
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, these Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are the kind of weeknight dinner everyone looks forward to. Bake, serve, and watch them disappear!
Loved this recipe?
Share it with friends, pin it for later, or drop your review in the comments!