Quick Description
These Creamy Chicken Broccoli Stuffed Shells are a comforting, cheesy, and filling dinner option. Jumbo pasta shells are stuffed with a creamy mixture of shredded chicken, broccoli, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, then baked in a creamy, savory sauce. This dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for something rich and delicious.
Servings & Timing
- Serves: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients List
For the Filling:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells (about half a box)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great!)
- 1 ½ cups chopped broccoli (fresh or frozen, steamed)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Extra mozzarella or Parmesan cheese for baking
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pasta:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Make the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped broccoli, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Mix everything until well combined.
3. Stuff the Shells:
- Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the chicken and broccoli mixture, packing it in lightly. Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish.
4. Make the Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese and continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the stuffed shells in the baking dish.
- If desired, top with extra mozzarella or Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Nutrition (per serving)
(Approximate values for one serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 23g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
Benefits
- High-Protein: This dish is packed with protein from chicken, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese, making it a filling and nutritious meal.
- Vegetable Boost: The addition of broccoli adds vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the dish, making it a balanced option.
- Comfort Food: With a creamy sauce and cheesy filling, these stuffed shells are the ultimate comfort food.
Additional Notes
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta shells to make this dish gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese and a dairy-free cream alternative (such as coconut milk) for a dairy-free version.
- Freezer-Friendly: This dish can be made ahead and frozen. Just assemble the stuffed shells, cover them tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.
Dietary Info
- High-Protein: Yes
- Low-Carb: No
- Gluten-Free Option: Yes (with gluten-free pasta)
- Dairy-Free Option: Yes (with substitutions)
Brief Introduction
These Creamy Chicken Broccoli Stuffed Shells are the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and satisfying. They’re a great way to enjoy a hearty pasta dish while sneaking in some veggies and protein, making them a favorite for family dinners. The creamy sauce and cheesy filling create a comforting and flavorful meal that everyone will love.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the shells and set aside.
- Make the Filling: Combine chicken, broccoli, and cheese in a bowl and season.
- Stuff the Shells: Fill the shells with the chicken mixture and place in the baking dish.
- Make the Sauce: Prepare the creamy sauce and pour over the stuffed shells.
- Bake: Cover and bake until bubbly and golden.
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken or cook fresh chicken breasts for this recipe.
- Cheese: Feel free to use any cheese you prefer; Parmesan, cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses will work.
- Broccoli: If you’re not a fan of broccoli, spinach or zucchini could be great substitutes.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Add More Veggies: Add spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the filling for more flavor and nutrients.
- Top with Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread for a more indulgent meal.
- Pair with a Salad: A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements this rich dish perfectly.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Freeze: This dish freezes well! To freeze, assemble the stuffed shells and cover tightly before freezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use other pasta shapes like penne or ziti if you don’t have jumbo shells.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish the day before and bake it the next day. You may need to increase the baking time slightly if it’s cold from the fridge.
Optional Personal Story
I created these Creamy Chicken Broccoli Stuffed Shells when I wanted a comforting pasta dish that was easy to make but still packed with flavor. They’ve quickly become a family favorite because they’re so simple to prepare and always turn out delicious.
Call-to-Action
Try this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Stuffed Shells recipe next time you need a satisfying, creamy meal that the whole family will love! It’s the perfect combination of comfort and nutrition. Enjoy!
