Looking for a cozy, family-approved dinner idea that’s packed with flavor and easy to make? These Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Shells check all the boxes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, freezer meals, or potlucks, this creamy baked pasta dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—and it’s loaded with high-protein chicken, vitamin-rich broccoli, and melty cheddar cheese
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Family-friendly and kid-approved
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Great use for leftover or rotisserie chicken
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Easy to make ahead and freezer-friendly
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Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor
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Perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining
Ingredients Breakdown:
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Jumbo Pasta Shells (12): Serve as a hearty vessel for the creamy filling.
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Cooked Chicken (1½ cups, diced): Adds protein and a savory bite to the dish.
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Steamed Broccoli (1 cup, chopped): Brings color, nutrients, and a slight crunch.
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Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1½ cups, divided): Melts beautifully for a gooey, cheesy finish.
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Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz can): Provides a creamy, flavorful base for the sauce.
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Milk (½ cup): Thins the soup to create a pourable sauce.
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Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder (to taste): Seasonings that enhance the overall flavor.
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Tips and Tricks
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Use rotisserie chicken for a faster prep.
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Add extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms for more nutrients.
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Double the recipe and freeze one batch for later.
Variations and Customizations
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Swap proteins: Use ground turkey or leftover ham.
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Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
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Low-carb option: Stuff the filling into bell peppers instead of pasta shells.
Pairing Suggestions
Serve with:
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Garlic bread or a crusty baguette
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A crisp green salad
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Roasted vegetables or steamed green beans
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freeze: Assemble and freeze (unbaked) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
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Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Popular Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely—assemble the shells and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
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Can I use another type of cheese?
Sure! Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Pepper Jack work well.
Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food—tender pasta shells filled with a creamy, cheesy mix of chicken and broccoli, all baked in a rich cream of chicken sauce. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner or make-ahead meal prep
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Ingredients
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12 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente
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1½ cups cooked chicken, diced
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1 cup steamed broccoli, chopped
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1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
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½ cup milk
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Salt, to taste
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Pepper, to taste
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Garlic powder, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Pasta
Boil the jumbo shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
3. Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine:
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Cooked chicken
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Chopped broccoli
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1 cup shredded cheddar
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Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste
4. Stuff the Shells
Fill each shell with about 2 tablespoons of the chicken and broccoli mixture. Arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
5. Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and milk until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the stuffed shells.
6. Add the Topping
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
7. Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until the dish is hot and bubbly.
Optional: Broil for an additional 2 minutes for a golden cheesy crust.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or more cheese if desired.
Notes
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This is a fantastic meal-prep recipe.
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Great option for picky eaters—hidden veggies and lots of cheese!
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For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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