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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Craft a creamy foundation by whisking together luxurious Alfredo sauce and milk in a capacious mixing bowl, creating a smooth, velvety base.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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