Description
Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are a delightful family favorite that blends creamy cheese, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli in every bite. This comforting dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, offering a satisfying balance of flavors and textures that will leave everyone wanting more. With minimal prep time and maximum taste, these stuffed shells are a guaranteed hit at your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup fresh broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk)
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells in boiling salted water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix together shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the chicken-broccoli mixture and arrange them upright in a baking dish lined with marinara sauce.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and brown slightly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shell (160g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Swap broccoli for spinach or add sun-dried tomatoes for a twist on flavor. For extra creaminess, consider using a blend of cheeses like gouda or cheddar. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results.