The aroma of Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells wafts through the air, promising a comforting hug for your taste buds. Picture perfectly cooked pasta shells cradling a luscious blend of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and gooey cheese that melts in your mouth with every bite. For more inspiration, check out this lunch options recipe.
Remember the last time you gathered around the table with family, laughter echoing as you all dug into a delicious meal? This dish is perfect for those moments. It combines nostalgia and flavor, making it an ideal choice for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Get ready to experience cheesy bliss like never before. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free
- The combination of flavors is irresistible, creating a delightful explosion in every bite
- Visually appealing, this dish adds vibrant colors to your dinner table
- Versatile enough for meal prep or entertaining guests, it’s a crowd-pleaser any day of the week
I still remember the first time I made Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells; my friends devoured them in minutes and demanded the recipe!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Large Pasta Shells: Opt for jumbo shells that can hold all that cheesy goodness without splitting.
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust according to your crowd size.
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Fresh Broccoli Florets: Choose bright green florets; they add color and crunch to your filling.
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Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese provides richness; make sure it’s fresh for the best flavor.
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Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Use plenty of mozzarella for that gooey finish; it’s what dreams are made of!
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Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds a salty kick that enhances all the flavors beautifully.
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Garlic Powder: A must-have seasoning that elevates the overall taste; fresh garlic works too if you’re feeling adventurous!
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Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives this dish its comforting Italian flair.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out the flavors; don’t skip these!
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Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite jarred sauce or whip up a quick homemade version.
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Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil keeps things moist and adds depth to the dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil a large pot of salted water and cook those pasta shells until al dente. Drain them carefully and set aside while you prepare the filling.
Cook the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and sauté diced chicken breasts until they turn golden brown and no longer pink inside—about 6-8 minutes. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper while cooking for added flavor.
Add Broccoli: Toss in fresh broccoli florets during the last couple of minutes with the chicken so they become tender yet still bright green. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Create Your Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese (save some for topping), cooked chicken-broccoli mix, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until well combined; you want pockets of deliciousness!
Stuff Those Shells: Gently fill each pasta shell with heaping spoonfuls of your cheesy mixture. Place them snugly in a greased baking dish as if they’re waiting for their grand debut at dinner.
Add Sauce and Bake: Pour marinara sauce evenly over stuffed shells and sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes; then remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Now you’re ready to enjoy! Serve hot with crusty bread or a simple salad — because balance is key when indulging in cheesy goodness!
Let’s be honest: who doesn’t love diving into a plate of Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells? They’re not just food; they’re an experience!
You Must Know
- Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are a delightful and easy way to impress guests
- The creamy, cheesy filling contrasts perfectly with the tender pasta
- Plus, they store well for leftovers, making them a convenient meal prep option for busy weeknights
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sauté the chicken first, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy cheese mixture for perfect timing and flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out broccoli for spinach or add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make your Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells truly unforgettable, remember to season your chicken well before cooking
- Use fresh herbs for an aromatic punch that elevates every bite
- Don’t overfill the shells; a little goes a long way in keeping them intact while baking
There was that one dinner party where I served these stuffed shells, and my friend couldn’t stop raving about them! It felt fantastic to see everyone enjoying my creation.
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli in Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells?
Yes, frozen broccoli works great; just thaw and drain excess moisture before using.
How can I make Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells vegetarian?
Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables instead.
Can I prepare Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble and refrigerate before baking; simply add extra time while cooking.
Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells offer a delightful combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and gooey cheeses nestled in perfectly cooked pasta shells. This comforting dish is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. With its rich flavors and inviting aroma, it guarantees to be a hit at your table. Get ready to indulge in cheesy bliss!
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells
- 3 cups cooked and shredded boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil salted water and cook pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, add chicken, season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper; sauté until golden brown (about 6-8 minutes).
- Add broccoli florets during the last few minutes of cooking until tender. Let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, chicken-broccoli mix, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the mixture and place them in a greased baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes; remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell (150g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Feel free to substitute broccoli with spinach or add sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; reheat at 350°F until warmed through.
