Food 12/04/2025 01:17

πŸ§€πŸ₯¦πŸ— Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells – A Cozy Classic with a Twist

Hey there! Thanks so much for stopping by. If you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and soul-soothing—you’re in the exact right spot. These Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are everything a great weeknight dinner should be: simple to make, ultra-satisfying, and full of comfort. Bonus: they’re also a sneaky way to get some veggies on the table (we see you, broccoli! πŸ‘€)

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πŸ’š Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These stuffed shells strike the perfect balance between indulgent and wholesome. Here’s why they’re on repeat in my kitchen:

βœ”οΈ Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor
βœ”οΈ Meal prep-friendly—assemble in advance, bake when ready
βœ”οΈ Kid-approved (yes, even with the broccoli!)
βœ”οΈ Freezer-friendly and easy to double for sharing or later meals
βœ”οΈ A full meal in one bite: protein, carbs, and veggies all snuggled in a dreamy sauce


🍽 What Do They Taste Like?

Think: the creaminess of chicken pot pie, the richness of melted cheddar, and the fresh bite of tender broccoli—all tucked into perfectly cooked pasta shells. The top turns golden and bubbly in the oven while the inside stays juicy and flavorful. The aroma? Irresistible. The texture? A perfect mix of creamy filling, soft pasta, and cheesy topping. Every bite is a cozy little journey.


πŸ“ Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this comfort-filled classic:

  • 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 (any kind—regular or unsweetened almond)

  • Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste

Optional Add-ins: crumbled bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or wilted spinach for extra flair.


πŸ›  Kitchen Tools

No fancy gadgets needed! Just the basics:

  • Large pot for boiling pasta

  • Mixing bowls

  • 9×13 baking dish

  • Whisk or fork for the sauce

  • Aluminum foil (optional for baking)


πŸ” Ingredient Swaps & Variations

Want to mix things up? No problem.

  • No broccoli? Sub in spinach, kale, or peas

  • No chicken? Try shredded turkey, ground beef, or a vegetarian alternative

  • Want it creamier? Stir in ¼ cup sour cream or cream cheese

  • Mix up the cheese with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a sprinkle of parmesan


πŸ‘©‍🍳 How to Make It

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Cook pasta shells until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.

  3. In a bowl, combine chicken, broccoli, and 1 cup of cheddar. Season to taste.

  4. Stuff each shell with about 2 tablespoons of the mixture. Place in a greased baking dish.

  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together soup and milk. Pour evenly over shells.

  6. Top with remaining ½ cup of cheese.

  7. Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Cover with foil if needed to prevent over-browning.

  8. Let cool a few minutes before serving—or dig in if you can’t wait!
    πŸ‘‰ Bonus tip: Pop under the broiler for the last 2 minutes for an extra golden top!


🍷 What to Serve With It

While these shells are a full meal on their own, here are a few tasty pairings:

  • Crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette

  • Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls

  • Roasted carrots or green beans

  • A glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon


🧊 Storage & Reheating

These reheat beautifully, so leftovers are always a win:

  • Store: In an airtight container, refrigerate up to 4 days

  • Freeze: In a freezer-safe dish, tightly covered, for up to 2 months

  • Reheat: In the microwave or in a 350°F oven until warmed through


❓ FAQ

Can I use canned chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie or fresh is best for texture, but canned works in a pinch.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use dairy-free soup, cheese, and milk—just as comforting.

How do I keep the shells from tearing?
Don’t overcook and handle gently. A few tears? Totally fine—still delicious!


✨ Final Thoughts

These Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are the very definition of comfort food: easy to love, simple to make, and sure to please the whole table. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, this dish always delivers.

πŸ“Œ Save this recipe and try it soon—you’ll thank yourself later!


πŸŽ‰ Join the Fun!

Tried this recipe? I’d love to see it!
πŸ“Έ Tag me on Pinterest with your creations and leave a review—it means the world!

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