Are you ready to discover a dish that’s not only creamy and cheesy but also packed with wholesome goodness? Let’s talk about Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells! This delightful recipe brings together tender pasta shells filled with succulent chicken, vibrant broccoli, and, of course, ooey-gooey cheddar cheese. It’s a meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike!
What makes this dish even better is its simplicity. You can whip it up in just about 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. It’s reminiscent of classic comfort foods like lasagna but with a fun twist, ensuring that everyone at the table will be coming back for seconds. Don’t miss out on this incredible recipe; grab those ingredients and let’s get started!
What is Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells?
So, what’s in a name? Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells sounds like a mouthful, doesn’t it? But let’s break it down! You’ve got the “cheesy” part, which hints at the delicious, gooey cheese that’s going to be melting in your mouth. Then there’s “chicken,” adding protein goodness, and “broccoli,” which assures you that there’s indeed something green and healthy hidden among all the cheesy goodness.
There’s something playful about calling it stuffed shells. Who wouldn’t want to pop one of those big, delicious shells in their mouth? And let’s face it, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach — especially when it comes to such a savory, comforting dish. So why not gather your ingredients and give this recipe a whirl?
Why You’ll Love This
You’ll absolutely adore Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells for a few key reasons. First and foremost, the main highlight of this dish is that it combines wonderful flavors into one hearty meal. Imagine tender pasta shells enveloping a scrumptious filling of tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and melty cheese, with a creamy sauce that ties it all together.
But wait, there’s more! Making this delicious meal at home means major cost savings compared to takeout or pre-packaged meals. And you’ll know exactly what goes into your dish, which is always a win for health-conscious food lovers.
Lastly, let’s sprinkle in a bit of magic with our thoughtful seasoning and toppings. You can vary the toppings or even try different cheeses, so it never gets old! If you love experimenting like I do, you should definitely check out other family favorite dishes on my blog, such as the classic Baked Ziti. It’s all about bringing that comfort to your table, so let’s get cooking!
How to Make
Quick Overview
Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells is one of those meals that you can whip up in no time, making it both tasty and satisfying. With just a half-hour prep time, you’ll find yourself indulging in some decadent flavors that appeal to both kids and adults alike. Its creamy texture and cheesy goodness will have everyone raving! Get ready for a culinary adventure!
Ingredients
To create this delightful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 12 jumbo pasta shells (cooked)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup steamed broccoli, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste
Step-by-Step
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Stir until well mixed. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
- Spoon the chicken and broccoli mixture into each jumbo pasta shell, being generous with the filling.
- Place the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish, standing them upright to keep them from spilling over.
- Once all the shells are stuffed, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
What to Serve Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells With
To complement your Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells, consider serving it with a light side salad or some garlic bread. A fresh garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette can balance out the meal, while garlic bread adds that extra comforting touch. And, let’s not forget a chilled glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea to wash it all down!
Top Tips for Perfecting
- If you’re short on time, use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker prep.
- To enhance flavors, consider adding some Italian herbs or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Avoid overcooking the pasta shells; they should be al dente since they will continue to cook in the oven.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This dish is perfect for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save some for later, it can be frozen for 1-2 months. When reheating, simply place it in the oven at 350°F until heated through or pop it in the microwave for quick bites!
FAQs
- Can I use different vegetables in the stuffing?Absolutely! Feel free to swap out broccoli for spinach, bell peppers, or even mushrooms depending on your preference.
- Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?Yes! You can use a veggie substitute for the chicken and stick with the same flavorful cheese and sauce.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?Yes! You can assemble it a day in advance and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
- What if I don’t have any jumbo pasta shells?No worries! You can use any type of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, although the stuffed shells do add that special touch.
- Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?Yes! You can substitute dairy ingredients with coconut milk, dairy-free cheese, and a non-dairy cream substitute.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells is a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dining table. Its simplicity, flavor, and comforting textures make it an ideal meal for families or gatherings with friends. So, gather your ingredients and give this scrumptious recipe a try! You won’t be disappointed, and your loved ones will thank you for it. Happy cooking!
Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Dish
- Oven
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 pieces jumbo pasta shells cooked
- 1.5 cups cooked chicken diced
- 1 cup steamed broccoli chopped
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 0.5 cup milk
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Garlic powder to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Stir until well mixed. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
- Spoon the chicken and broccoli mixture into each jumbo pasta shell, being generous with the filling.
- Place the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish, standing them upright to keep them from spilling over.
- Once all the shells are stuffed, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.