Easy Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells Recipe

Perfect Family Comfort Food Recipe – Ready in 45 Minutes

This delicious Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells recipe combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and three types of cheese in jumbo pasta shells. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. This comfort food recipe is perfect for meal prep and can feed 4-6 people.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make – Simple step-by-step instructions
• Family-friendly – Kids and adults love the cheesy goodness
• Nutritious – Packed with protein from chicken and vitamins from broccoli
• Make-ahead friendly – Perfect for meal prep and freezer meals
• Comfort food classic – Warm, cheesy, and satisfying

Ingredients (Serves 4-6 people)

For the Stuffed Shells:

• 12 jumbo pasta shells (cooked according to package directions)
• 1½ cups cooked chicken, diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 cup steamed broccoli, chopped (fresh or frozen)

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk ricotta recommended)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra ½ cup for topping)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Baking:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures even cooking without drying out the shells.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells

Cook 12 jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm). Drain carefully and set aside to cool. Tip: Cook 2-3 extra shells in case any break during cooking.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine all filling ingredients:

1. Add 1½ cups diced cooked chicken
2. Add 1 cup chopped steamed broccoli
3. Add 1 cup ricotta cheese
4. Add 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
5. Add ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
6. Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder
7. Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste

Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be creamy and hold together well.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the chicken and broccoli mixture using a spoon or small ice cream scoop. Place each stuffed shell in the prepared baking dish, opening side up.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour 2 cups marinara sauce evenly over all the stuffed shells, making sure each shell is well covered with sauce.

Sprinkle the extra ½ cup mozzarella cheese on top of the shells for extra cheesiness and golden color.

Step 6: Bake the Stuffed Shells

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the shells to set and makes them easier to serve.

Serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Results

For Best Results:

• Don’t overcook the pasta shells – they should be al dente since they’ll cook more in the oven
• Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor
• Steam broccoli until just tender – don’t overcook or it will become mushy
• Let filling cool slightly before stuffing shells to prevent pasta from tearing

Make-Ahead Instructions:

• Prepare shells up to 1 day ahead – cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready
• Freeze for up to 3 months – thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking
• Add 10-15 extra minutes to baking time if cooking from refrigerated

Nutrition Benefits

This recipe provides:

• High protein from chicken and cheese
• Calcium from three types of cheese
• Vitamins A, C, and K from broccoli
• Complex carbohydrates from pasta shells
• Iron and B vitamins from chicken

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered for up to 3 days Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 3 months Reheating: Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F until warmed through

Recipe Variations

• Add spinach for extra vegetables
• Use different cheeses like cheddar or provolone
• Try ground turkey or beef instead of chicken
• Add mushrooms for extra flavor
• Use white sauce instead of marinara

Ingredient Information

Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large conchiglie pasta shells perfect for stuffing with fillings. Available in most grocery stores in the pasta aisle.

Ricotta Cheese: A creamy Italian cheese made from milk whey, essential for stuffed pasta dishes. Provides protein and calcium.

Mozzarella Cheese: A mild, stretchy cheese that melts beautifully. Choose whole milk mozzarella for best flavor and texture.

Parmesan Cheese: A hard, aged Italian cheese with a sharp, nutty flavor. Freshly grated provides the best taste.

Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs including basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Adds authentic Italian flavor to the dish.

Marinara Sauce: A tomato-based sauce seasoned with herbs and garlic. Choose a high-quality sauce or make homemade for best results.

This Easy Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells recipe is a perfect comfort food dinner that combines convenience with homemade taste. The creamy cheese filling, tender chicken, and nutritious broccoli make this a complete meal your family will request again and again.

For more delicious comfort food recipes, you might also enjoy trying other pasta baking dishes or chicken casseroles that bring the same satisfying, homemade goodness to your dinner table.