Irresistible Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells

There’s something utterly delightful about the aroma of bubbling cheese and tender chicken wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? Picture this: a cozy evening with cheesy chicken and broccoli stuffed shells baking away, filling your home with warmth and comfort. roasted sweet potatoes comforting scalloped sweet potatoes Each bite is a hug in food form, bursting with flavor and joy.

Now, let me take you down memory lane. I remember the first time I made these cheesy chicken & broccoli stuffed shells for my friends. Their eyes widened in delight as they took their first bite. delicious stuffed chicken recipe It was a hit! Whether it’s a family gathering or a movie night, these shells bring everyone together around the table, promising smiles all around. chicken parmesan casserole.

I’ll never forget the laughter that filled my kitchen when I served these stuffed shells for dinner. Friends were practically fighting over the last shell!

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Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Large Pasta Shells: Use jumbo pasta shells for easy stuffing; they hold all that cheesy goodness so well.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best; adjust depending on your crowd size.
• Fresh Broccoli: Opt for bright green florets; they add color and nutrition to your dish.
• Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese is essential for that rich flavor and smooth texture.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Use plenty of mozzarella for that ooey-gooey topping that melts beautifully.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle adds nutty depth; don’t hold back on this one!
• Garlic Powder: For an aromatic kick, garlic powder works wonders in enhancing flavors.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend brings everything together with its fragrant herbs.
• Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought variety or make your own for extra love.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all flavors to their best potential.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pasta Shells: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil water in a large pot and cook your pasta shells until just al dente; they’ll finish cooking in the oven!

Cook the Chicken and Broccoli: In a skillet over medium heat, add diced chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through. Add chopped broccoli during the last few minutes until vibrant.

Create the Cheesy Filling: In a bowl, combine cooked chicken, broccoli, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and half of the mozzarella. Mix until everything is well combined—this filling should be creamy and flavorful!

Stuff Those Shells!: Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the cheesy mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Place each stuffed shell seam-side up in a greased baking dish.

Add Marinara Sauce and Toppings: Pour marinara sauce generously over filled shells. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top; who can resist more cheese?

Bake Until Golden Brown : Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown—your kitchen will smell divine!

With each step of this process, you’ll find yourself eagerly anticipating your cheesy chicken & broccoli stuffed shells coming out of the oven. Trust me; it’s worth every moment spent in the kitchen! For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Penne recipe.

Now you’re ready to dig into this delicious creation that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta shells al dente. While they boil, sauté chicken with garlic and broccoli, then mix in the cheese. This method ensures everything cooks evenly and flavors meld beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Consider swapping out broccoli for spinach or adding roasted red peppers for extra flavor. You can also try different cheeses like cheddar or feta to create a unique twist on this classic dish.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, bake at 350°F until heated through, ensuring the cheese stays melty and delicious.

My first attempt at making Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells was a culinary adventure that ended in laughter and a kitchen covered in cheese sauce. My friends still tease me about it!

FAQ

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain it before mixing into the filling.

How do I prevent pasta shells from sticking together?

Rinse them under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and reduce stickiness.

What can I serve with Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells?

A light salad or garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this cheesy dish!

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Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells

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• Author: Teprod
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves 4 (8 stuffed shells per serving) 1x

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Description

Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are a heartwarming dish that brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table. These jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a creamy mixture of tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and rich cheeses, then topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy everyone’s appetite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 16 large pasta shells
• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 1 cup fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups marinara sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta shells in boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, cook diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper until golden brown. Add chopped broccoli in the last few minutes until vibrant.
3. In a bowl, mix cooked chicken, broccoli, ricotta, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, half of the mozzarella, salt, and pepper until creamy.
4. Stuff each shell with the filling and place seam-side up in a greased baking dish.
5. Pour marinara sauce over the shells and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (300g)
• Calories: 530
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: For added flavor variations, consider using spinach instead of broccoli or try different cheeses like cheddar or feta. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat at 350°F until warmed through.