🧀🥦🍗 Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells – The Ultimate Comfort Meal You’ll Crave Again and Again!
If you’re looking for a creamy, cheesy, and family-friendly dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day, these Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are exactly what you need! 💛
This dish combines tender jumbo pasta shells filled with juicy chicken, fresh broccoli, and melted cheddar cheese, all smothered in a rich and creamy sauce. It’s a comforting classic that brings together the best of both worlds — pasta night meets cozy casserole vibes!
✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🧀 Cheesy perfection: Every bite is loaded with gooey cheddar and a creamy sauce that melts beautifully.
- 🍗 Great way to use leftover chicken: Perfect for using up rotisserie or cooked chicken from last night’s dinner.
- 🥦 A veggie boost: Broccoli adds color, nutrition, and the perfect contrast to the creamy filling.
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-approved: Even picky eaters love it — it’s comfort food made simple.
📝 Ingredients:
- 12 jumbo pasta shells (cooked al dente)
- 1½ cups cooked chicken, diced (rotisserie works great!)
- 1 cup steamed broccoli, chopped
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste
👩🍳 Directions:
- Prepare the filling:
In a large bowl, mix together the diced chicken, steamed broccoli, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Add a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. - Stuff the shells:
Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the chicken and broccoli mixture. Place them in a baking dish that’s been lightly greased or sprayed with nonstick spray. - Make the sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and milk until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the stuffed shells. - Add the topping:
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top for that golden, bubbly finish. - Bake:
Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and beautifully golden on top. - Serve & enjoy:
Let cool slightly, then serve warm with a sprinkle of parsley or extra cheese if you’re feeling fancy!
⏱ Quick Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4 generous portions
💡 Tips & Variations:
- Add crispy bacon bits on top for a smoky twist.
- Use Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Swap broccoli for spinach, peas, or cauliflower if you prefer other veggies.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Just bake when ready!
❤️ Perfect For:
- Weeknight dinners
- Meal prep or freezer meals
- Feeding the whole family with minimal effort
- Potlucks and cozy gatherings
This Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells recipe is the kind of dish that disappears fast — it’s hearty, wholesome, and absolutely delicious. It’s everything you love about creamy casseroles and pasta bakes rolled into one irresistible bite. 😋