Description
Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are a comforting and flavorful dish that combines large pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and rich cheeses. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe offers an irresistible blend of textures and tastes that everyone will love. Bake these shells to golden perfection and enjoy the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper; cook in a skillet over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through. Shred once slightly cooled.
- Steam broccoli until bright green; chop into small pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, ricotta, half of the mozzarella, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt & pepper.
- Spoon marinara sauce into a baking dish; fill each shell with the chicken mixture and place seam side up in the dish.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over stuffed shells; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove foil for the last five minutes for a crispy topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg