Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells 🧀🥦🍗
These Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are the perfect comfort food for any weeknight meal! Jumbo pasta shells are stuffed with a creamy, cheesy filling made from chicken and broccoli, then baked to golden perfection. This dish is a family favorite that combines the flavors of a classic casserole with the convenience of stuffed pasta shells.
Ingredients:
12 jumbo pasta shells (cooked according to package directions)
1 ½ cups cooked chicken, diced (use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut)
1 cup steamed broccoli, chopped
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (reserve a little for topping)
1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
½ cup milk
Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or olive oil.
Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked, diced chicken and chopped steamed broccoli. Add 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (saving a little for the topping), the cream of chicken soup, and milk. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Mix everything together until the filling is well combined and creamy.
Stuff the shells: Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the chicken and broccoli mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine any remaining cream of chicken soup with a bit more milk (about ¼ cup), stirring until smooth. Pour this mixture over the stuffed shells to help keep them moist while baking.
Top with cheese: Sprinkle the reserved shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the shells.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, and the shells are heated through.
Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color (optional).
Tips & Variations:
Add extra veggies: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the filling for more flavor and texture.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
Make it lighter: You can substitute the cream of chicken soup for a healthier version by using a low-fat or reduced-sodium soup.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta shells for a gluten-free version of this dish.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these cheesy chicken and broccoli stuffed shells with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or even taking to a potluck!
Enjoy your cheesy, creamy, and comforting meal! 😋