Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells

Name: Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 large pasta shells; 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound); 1 cup fresh broccoli florets; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Published: May 26, 2025

by Lionel Ramon

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are simple to prepare, making weeknight dinners easy
Bursting with cheesy goodness and tender chicken, they create an irresistible flavor explosion
Their beautiful presentation will wow guests at any occasion
Plus, they’re versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients or leftovers

I still remember the first time I made these stuffed shells for my family. They were so impressed that I might have convinced them I was destined to be the next Top Chef (spoiler: I’m not).

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Large Pasta Shells: Choose thick shells that can hold up to all the cheesy goodness without breaking apart.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well here. Feel free to adjust based on your crowd size.
Fresh Broccoli: Bright green florets add color and nutrition; steam them just until tender for the best texture.
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese adds richness; opt for whole milk ricotta for an extra luscious filling. creamy ravioli soup.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Choose fresh mozzarella for that melty goodness; it’s a game changer in this dish.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan elevates the flavor—trust me, you won’t regret it.
Garlic Powder: This adds depth of flavor without overpowering; it complements everything beautifully.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs brings warmth and familiarity; it’s like a cozy hug in spice form.
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce for layering; it ties all the flavors together perfectly.
Olive Oil: A drizzle helps enhance flavor and keeps everything moist during baking.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare the Pasta Shells: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.

Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, cook chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Allow cooling slightly before shredding.

Sauté the Broccoli: In another pot, steam broccoli florets until bright green and slightly tender—about 3-4 minutes should do it. Chop into small pieces once cooled.

Create the Filling Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, ricotta cheese, half of mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt & pepper to taste. Mix until well blended. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Garlic Chicken Ramen recipe.

Stuff Those Shells!: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon some marinara sauce into a baking dish to coat the bottom lightly. Fill each shell generously with the chicken mixture and place in the dish seam side up.

Add Sauce and Cheese Topping: Pour remaining marinara sauce over stuffed shells generously. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top for that golden finish. Cover with aluminum foil.

Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and heated through. Remove foil during last 5 minutes for an extra crispy topping.

Enjoy your Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells straight from the oven! They’re perfect for sharing (or not). Indulge in every cheesy bite while basking in compliments from friends and family alike! For more inspiration, check out this Crack Chicken Stuffed Potatoes recipe.

You Must Know

Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor
These delightful pasta shells make for a comforting meal the whole family will love
Just imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as they bake to perfection

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking your pasta shells al dente, then prepare the filling while they cool. This timing keeps everything fresh and ensures optimal textures in your Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or add different veggies like spinach or bell peppers. Experiment with cheese varieties too, such as pepper jack for a spicy twist on your Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells. zucchini boats filled with flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, preserving that delightful cheesy goodness in your stuffed shells.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To achieve the perfect creamy texture in your filling, use a mix of cream cheese and ricotta
Avoid overcooking your pasta; it should be slightly firm before baking
Baking covered with foil ensures no shell dries out during cooking

Sharing my first attempt at making Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells was a disaster; I accidentally used expired cheese! Now, I always check my ingredients before starting.

FAQ

Can I prepare Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare them a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.

What can I substitute for chicken in this recipe?

You can easily use shredded rotisserie chicken or ground turkey instead of chicken.

How do I make the dish spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the filling for extra heat!

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📖 Recipe Card