Cozy Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Shells Recipe for All

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this delightful chicken and broccoli pasta shells that blend rich, velvety textures into every single bite.

Tender pasta shells cradle perfectly cooked chicken and vibrant broccoli florets in a luxurious sauce that sings with flavor.

Weeknight dinners rarely come this satisfying and simple to prepare.

Each forkful promises a harmonious dance of creamy goodness and hearty ingredients.

The combination of succulent chicken, crisp broccoli, and pasta creates a meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing.

Home cooks will love how quickly this dish comes together, transforming basic ingredients into something truly spectacular.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe and watch as dinner becomes the highlight of your evening.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 407 kcal

Servings: 7

Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Shells Ingredient Rundown

• Shredded Chicken: Tender protein that adds hearty flavor and substance to the pasta dish. Choose rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken for maximum convenience and taste.
• Chopped Broccoli: Vibrant green vegetable that provides nutritional boost and crisp texture. Select fresh, bright green florets with tight compact clusters for best results.

• Alfredo Sauce: Creamy base that binds ingredients together with luxurious richness. Look for high-quality jarred sauce or prepare homemade for deeper flavor profile.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, tangy notes and melty goodness to the filling. Opt for sharp variety for more intense cheese experience.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings intense umami and salty depth to enhance overall dish complexity. Freshly grated produces superior melting and flavor.

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Perfect vessel for holding creamy filling. Ensure shells are cooked al dente to maintain structural integrity.
• Spaghetti Sauce: Provides additional flavor layer and moisture to the dish. Select marinara or tomato-based sauce with balanced seasoning.
• Butter or Cooking Spray: Essential for preventing sticking and adding subtle richness to baking dish surface.

Tools to Stuff & Bake Those Pasta Shells

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining filling ingredients smoothly and thoroughly.
• Baking Dish (13×9 inch): Perfect for creating a single layer of stuffed shells and ensuring even baking.
• Foil: Crucial for covering the dish and preventing excessive browning during baking.
• Cooking Spray or Butter: Needed to grease the baking dish and prevent sticking.
• Large Spoon: Great for mixing filling and stuffing pasta shells evenly.
• Cheese Grater: Helpful for shredding cheese if not pre-shredded.

Bake Chicken Pasta Shells Like a Pro

• Oven Warmup

Get your oven toasty and ready by setting it to 350 degrees. This creates the perfect cooking environment for your delicious pasta creation.

• Flavor Fusion

Blend alfredo sauce, tender chicken pieces, and crisp broccoli in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle in some cheesy goodness to create a mouthwatering filling that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Dish Preparation

Grab a baking dish and give it a quick butter or spray coating. This prevents any sticky situations and ensures easy serving later.

• Sauce Base

Spread a layer of spaghetti sauce across the bottom of your dish. This adds an extra punch of flavor that’ll make your meal irresistible.

• Shell Stuffing

Carefully fill each soft pasta shell with the creamy mixture. Pack them generously so every bite is bursting with deliciousness.

• Baking Magic

Arrange the stuffed shells in a neat layer, then cover with foil. Slide into the preheated oven and let everything bubble and blend for about 35 minutes until it’s perfectly heated through.

Tips for Extra Cheese Pull or Veggie Add-ins

• Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Shells Cooking Tips & Variations
• Cheese Swap Sensation: Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles that keep the dish exciting and fresh.
• Protein Power-Up: Replace chicken with cooked ground turkey, shredded beef, or vegetarian alternatives like tofu or plant-based protein crumbles for a versatile meal option.
• Veggie Boost Magic: Expand the vegetable mix by adding roasted bell peppers, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to increase nutritional value and add extra depth to the dish.
• Spice It Up: Kick the flavor up a notch by incorporating red pepper flakes, garlic powder, or a dash of smoked paprika into the filling for those who enjoy a little extra heat and complexity.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests with minimal last-minute cooking stress.

Present Chicken Pasta Shells for Family Dinners

• Comfort Food Companion: Pair this creamy chicken and broccoli pasta with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the dish and add a fresh, light element.
• Family Meal Enhancer: Serve alongside garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the hearty meal experience.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the creamy pasta with a chilled glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, which will cut through the richness and elevate the dining experience.
• Leftover Magic: Store remaining shells in an airtight container for a quick and delicious lunch the next day, reheating gently to maintain the creamy texture and flavor.

Pasta Shell Storage Tips for Leftover Meals

• Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer leftovers into airtight containers within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigerator Lifeline: Sealed pasta shells stay delicious for 3-4 days when stored in the refrigerator at or below 40°F, keeping flavors intact and texture appealing.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap individual portions or entire dish in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, allowing enjoyment up to 2-3 months later with minimal flavor loss.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated shells in microwave at 50% power for 2-3 minutes, stirring midway, or reheat in oven at 350°F covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Shells Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Delightful creamy chicken and broccoli pasta shells bring comfort and flavor to weeknight dinners. Cheesy pasta shells combine tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a rich sauce that makes dinner special for families seeking satisfying meals.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups chicken, shredded
• 1 jar (16 oz / 453 g) alfredo sauce
• 21 jumbo pasta shells, cooked
• 2 cups broccoli, cooked and chopped
• 1½ – 2 cups spaghetti sauce (optional)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F and position the rack in the center for optimal heat distribution.
2. Filling Creation: Combine alfredo sauce, shredded chicken, broccoli florets, cheddar, and parmesan in a mixing bowl, blending ingredients until they form a cohesive, creamy mixture.
3. Dish Setup: Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter, then spread a thin layer of spaghetti sauce across the bottom to create a flavor-rich base.
4. Shell Stuffing: Carefully fill each cooked jumbo pasta shell with the prepared mixture, ensuring a generous and even distribution of ingredients throughout the shell.
5. Baking Configuration: Arrange the stuffed shells in a single, uniform layer within the prepared dish, then cover tightly with aluminum foil to protect the surface and retain moisture.
6. Cooking Process: Transfer the covered dish to the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the filling is heated thoroughly, creating a piping-hot, indulgent meal.

Notes

• Pasta Shell Perfection: Choose jumbo shells that are intact and uniformly sized to ensure consistent filling and even cooking.
• Chicken Preparation Tip: Shred chicken while it’s still warm for easier and more even distribution throughout the creamy mixture.
• Moisture Management: Drain broccoli thoroughly to prevent excess water from making the filling watery and diluting the creamy texture.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Let the cheese mixture sit for a few minutes before filling shells to allow flavors to blend and create a more cohesive filling.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 407
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg