Name: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Shells
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 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 1/2 cup milk Salt to taste Pepper to taste Garlic powder to taste

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Shells recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Jumbo pasta shells are stuffed with a savory chicken and broccoli filling, then smothered in a creamy cheese sauce and baked until golden and bubbly. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish is both satisfying and easy to make.

Ingredients

12 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

1/2 cup milk

Salt to taste

Pepper to taste

Garlic powder to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

First, I mix the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese in a bowl.

Then, I fill the cooked jumbo pasta shells with the chicken and broccoli mixture.

In a separate bowl, I whisk together the cream of chicken soup and milk until smooth.

Next, I place the stuffed shells in a baking dish and pour the soup and milk mixture over them.

I sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the shells.

I bake the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the shells are heated through.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Variations

Vegetarian Option: I can substitute the chicken with tofu or extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for a vegetarian version.

Different Cheese: Instead of cheddar, I sometimes use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for added flavor.

Add Extra Spices: I like to get creative by adding some red pepper flakes, onion powder, or a pinch of smoked paprika for a little kick.

Storage/Reheating

Storing Leftovers: I store any leftover Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: When I’m ready to enjoy leftovers, I simply reheat the dish in the microwave or oven until hot. If reheating in the oven, I cover it with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just make sure to steam it before adding it to the chicken mixture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! I often prepare it ahead of time, stuff the shells, and store them in the refrigerator. When I’m ready to bake, I just add the sauce and cheese, then bake as directed.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

If I don’t have cream of chicken soup, I use cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade version using butter, flour, milk, and seasoning.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, I can freeze the unbaked stuffed shells. Just cover them tightly and bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I make this dish without cheese?

While cheese is a key ingredient, I can skip it or use a dairy-free alternative if I prefer a lighter version.

Conclusion

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Shells is a simple and delicious comfort food dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or when entertaining guests. With its creamy sauce, cheesy goodness, and hearty filling, it’s a recipe I turn to time and again. Plus, the ability to customize it with different ingredients or prepare it ahead of time makes it even more convenient. I can’t wait for you to try it.