These Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are a comforting, creamy baked pasta dish that brings together tender jumbo shells filled with a rich chicken and broccoli mixture, all smothered in a smooth cheese sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make, perfect for family dinners or meal prep!
A cheesy, hearty favorite in one delicious bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🍝 Pasta Perfection: Jumbo shells hold a generous amount of filling without spilling.
- 🥦 Healthy Comfort: Loaded with broccoli and lean chicken—this isn’t just comfort food, it’s smart comfort food.
- 🧀 Cheese Heaven: Cheddar and cream of chicken soup create a luscious, creamy texture.
- ⏱️ Quick Assembly: Ready to bake in under 15 minutes once ingredients are prepped.
- 🎉 Great for Sharing: Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks—everyone loves this one!
Ingredients (Serves 4):
For Stuffing:
- 12 jumbo pasta shells , cooked according to package instructions (or fresh)
- 1½ cups cooked, diced chicken (rotisserie or grilled)
- 1 cup steamed broccoli , chopped into small pieces
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese , divided (1 cup mixed in, ½ cup for topping)
For the Sauce:
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- ½ cup milk (adjust based on desired thickness)
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the stuffing and sauce.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine:
- Diced chicken
- Chopped steamed broccoli
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
Season lightly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder .
Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
Step 3: Stuff the Pasta Shells
Take each cooked jumbo shell and gently fill it with the chicken-broccoli-cheese mixture. Place them in a baking dish seam-side up.
Arrange all stuffed shells in a single layer.
Step 4: Make the Cheesy Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Cream of chicken soup
- Milk (dairy or plant-based)
- A dash more garlic powder , salt, and pepper
Pour the sauce evenly over the top of the stuffed shells.
Step 5: Top with More Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese generously over the sauce.
This creates that gooey, golden finish everyone loves.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes , or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Let cool slightly before serving for cleaner slices.
Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy!
Serve warm as a complete meal or side dish.
Pair with garlic bread and a green salad for a comforting dinner experience.
Tips for Success:
- 🥣 Make Ahead Magic: Assemble and refrigerate overnight—bake just before serving.
- 🧀 Cheese Swap: Use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend for different flavor profiles.
- 🥦 Frozen Broccoli Works Too: Thaw and drain well before using.
- 🥘 Shredded Chicken Option: Use pulled rotisserie chicken for extra convenience.
- ❄️ Freeze for Later: These freeze well before or after baking—reheat in oven for best results.
Serving Suggestions:
- Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives before serving for color.
- Drizzle with hot sauce or honey mustard for a kick.
- Serve with crusty bread and a side of roasted garlic vegetables for a full meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 4):
(Based on 12 shells and creamy sauce)
- Calories: ~400 kcal
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Fat: ~20g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~4g
These Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells bring together all the flavors of classic casserole-style dishes in a fun, handheld form. With their crispy edges and gooey center, they’re the kind of baked comfort food that never goes out of style.
So go ahead and stuff those shells—you deserve every cheesy, savory bite!
