Gooey Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Shells Recipe for Busy Nights

Creamy comfort food meets weeknight convenience in this delightful cheesy chicken and broccoli shells recipe that promises pure satisfaction.

Tender pasta shells cradle a mouthwatering blend of savory chicken and crisp broccoli florets.

Melted cheese creates a rich, irresistible sauce that coats every single bite.

The combination of protein and vegetables ensures a balanced meal that keeps you feeling full and happy.

Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, this dish transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Families and hungry diners will absolutely love how effortlessly delicious this meal comes together.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every cheesy, comforting spoonful.

What Makes Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Shells So Satisfying

• Whip Up Effortlessly: Perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe combines simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish that comes together quickly.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with cheesy goodness and protein-rich chicken, this recipe satisfies picky eaters and appeals to the whole family, making dinnertime a stress-free experience.
• One-Pan Dish: Minimal cleanup and straightforward preparation mean you'll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a hearty, nutritious meal that feels like a restaurant-quality treat.
• Versatile Meal Magic: Easily adaptable for meal prep, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner, this recipe works perfectly for various occasions and can be customized with different cheese or protein options.

Ingredients for Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheese Shells

• Chicken: Protein-packed star of the dish.
• Broccoli: Green veggie that brings nutrition and color.
• Pasta Shells: Cozy pasta that holds the creamy sauce perfectly.

• Alfredo Sauce: Creamy base that makes everything delicious.
• Milk: Helps create smooth and rich texture.
• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Cheesy goodness that adds depth and flavor.

• Garlic, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate the entire dish.

How to Prepare Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Shells

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F and get ready for some cheesy magic.

Step 2: Sizzle the Garlic

Grab a skillet and dance some olive oil with minced garlic until it releases its mouth-watering aroma.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

• Steamed broccoli
• Shredded chicken

Stir and season with salt and pepper to wake up those taste buds.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Mixture

• Alfredo sauce
• Milk

Fold in the cooked pasta shells, chicken, and broccoli until everything is beautifully coated.

Step 5: Layer the Deliciousness

Divide the shell mixture into your baking dish, creating two layers.

• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bubble and brown for 20-25 minutes.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the dish to cool slightly, then dive into this creamy, cheesy comfort food that’ll make everyone at the table cheer.

Tips for Creamy, Cheesy Shells with Chicken and Broccoli

• Select crisp broccoli and high-quality chicken for the most vibrant flavor profile.
• Cook shells just until al dente to prevent a mushy texture and maintain a pleasant bite.
• Mix different cheese types like sharp cheddar and nutty Parmesan for deeper, more complex taste.
• Swap chicken with turkey, rotisserie chicken, or plant-based alternatives for dietary flexibility.
• Assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken & Broccoli Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and store for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover dish with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes for crispy cheese top.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

What to Serve with Cheesy Chicken Shells

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy, cheesy chicken dish. Its light, zesty notes will cut through the richness and enhance the meal's flavors.
• Serve Herbed Garlic Bread: Create a crunchy side that echoes the garlic undertones in the main dish. Slice a baguette, brush with garlic-infused olive oil, sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley and thyme, then toast until golden.
• Match Fresh Green Salad: Toss a salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light lemon vinaigrette. The crisp, tangy elements will balance the creamy pasta and provide a refreshing contrast to the cheesy chicken shells.
• Recommend Chilled Sparkling Water: Add a clean, neutral beverage with a hint of lemon or cucumber to cleanse the palate between bites. Its lightness prevents overwhelming the subtle flavors of the chicken and broccoli dish.

Variations to Try with Chicken & Broccoli Shells

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular pasta shells with gluten-free pasta shells or cauliflower shells for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Variation: Swap pasta shells with roasted cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or white beans for a meat-free version.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast instead of cheddar and Parmesan, and replace Alfredo sauce with cashew cream sauce.

FAQs

• How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

Add extra grilled chicken, tofu, or even cooked shrimp to increase the protein content and create a more filling meal.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids typically love cheesy pasta dishes, and the combination of chicken and broccoli makes it a nutritious meal that children enjoy.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just thaw and drain it well before adding to the skillet to prevent excess moisture in the dish.

• What type of pasta shells work best for this recipe?

Medium-sized pasta shells are ideal as they hold the sauce and cheese well, creating a delicious bite every time.

Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Shells Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy cheesy chicken & broccoli shells deliver comfort in every forkful, blending Italian-inspired pasta with hearty protein. Warm, gooey cheese and tender chicken nestled with fresh broccoli make this dish a perfect weeknight dinner for you.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Vegetables:

• 2 cups (473 ml) shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup (236 ml) steamed broccoli florets

Pasta and Cheese:

• 2 cups (473 ml) cooked pasta shells
• 1 cup (236 ml) grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (118 ml) grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (236 ml) Alfredo sauce
• 1/2 cup (118 ml) milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare an inviting culinary landscape by warming the kitchen oven to a precise 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal environment for transforming simple ingredients into a comforting meal.
2. Select a spacious skillet and awaken the fragrant garlic in a gentle olive oil bath, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the cooking surface within a brief minute.
3. Incorporate the tender steamed broccoli florets and delicately shredded chicken into the skillet, orchestrating a harmonious blend of proteins and vegetables. Enhance the mixture with nuanced salt and pepper seasoning.
4. Craft a creamy foundation by whisking together luxurious Alfredo sauce and milk in a capacious mixing bowl, creating a smooth, velvety base.
5. Introduce the cooked pasta shells into the sauce mixture, gently folding in the chicken and broccoli ensemble until each shell is lavishly coated with the rich, creamy sauce.
6. Strategically distribute half of the shell medley into a welcoming baking dish, generously cascading a layer of sharp cheddar and nutty Parmesan cheese across the surface.
7. Complete the culinary composition by layering the remaining shell mixture atop the first layer, crowning it with a final sprinkle of cheese for maximum flavor and visual appeal.
8. Allow the dish to transform in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, watching as the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling masterpiece that signals culinary perfection.
9. Exercise patience by permitting the dish to rest momentarily, allowing flavors to settle and ensuring an optimal serving temperature for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

• Balance the cheesy goodness by using reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
• Prep steamed broccoli ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and save precious minutes during meal preparation.
• Transform this dish into a gluten-free option by substituting regular pasta shells with gluten-free pasta alternatives like chickpea or rice shells.
• Enhance protein content by adding extra shredded chicken or incorporating diced rotisserie chicken for a quicker protein boost.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg