Easy Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Shells Recipe for Dinner

Pasta shells bursting with creamy, comforting goodness offer a delightful culinary adventure that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Imagine tender chicken mingling with vibrant green broccoli in a luscious sauce that coats each delicate shell perfectly.

Rich and indulgent flavors create a harmonious blend of protein and vegetables in one spectacular dish.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet impressive meals that leave everyone feeling nourished and content.

Home cooks appreciate recipes that come together quickly without sacrificing taste or visual appeal.

Professional chefs understand the magic of balancing textures and complementary ingredients to create memorable meals.

Irresistible and straightforward, this recipe promises to become a regular favorite in your kitchen rotation.

You won’t be able to resist diving into these delectable pasta shells packed with incredible flavor.

Pasta Shells with Broccoli: FAQ Guide

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just thaw and drain it completely before mixing into the filling to prevent excess moisture.

• How do I store leftovers?

Store the baked pasta shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

• What can I substitute for alfredo sauce if I don't have it?

You can use cream cheese, heavy cream, or a homemade white sauce as a replacement for alfredo sauce to maintain the creamy texture.

Chicken Broccoli Pasta Shells That Are Creamy and Filling

• This recipe blends creamy alfredo sauce with protein-packed chicken and nutrient-rich broccoli, creating a balanced meal that satisfies both taste buds and nutritional needs.
• Stuffing pasta shells is surprisingly simple, making this dish perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want to impress family and friends with a restaurant-quality meal.
• The recipe eliminates multiple cooking steps by combining proteins, vegetables, and sauce in a single baking dish, reducing kitchen cleanup and saving valuable time for busy home cooks.
• Easily swap ingredients like different cheeses, proteins, or vegetables to match personal preferences or dietary requirements, making this recipe incredibly versatile and adaptable.

Everything You Need for This Comforting Pasta Dish

Main Ingredients:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large shells perfect for holding the creamy, cheesy filling. Larger shells work best for stuffing and presenting an elegant dish.

• Shredded Chicken: Tender protein that adds heartiness to the pasta. Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken work wonderfully.

• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that provides nutrients and texture. Chopped into small pieces for even distribution.

Cheese and Sauce Ingredients:

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that create rich, tangy flavor. Sharp cheddar provides more intense taste, while parmesan adds depth.

• Alfredo Sauce: Creamy base that binds the filling together. Store-bought or homemade sauce works perfectly.
• Spaghetti Sauce: Optional sauce for adding extra moisture and flavor to the bottom of the baking dish.

Preparation Ingredients:

• Butter or Cooking Spray: Essential for greasing the baking dish. Prevents sticking and helps with easy serving.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers the dish during baking to prevent burning and ensure even heating.

How to Prepare Chicken and Broccoli Shells Easily

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 degrees Celsius). Get it nice and toasty while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Shells

Boil jumbo pasta shells in salted water until they’re perfectly tender. Drain and let them cool slightly so they’re easy to handle.

Step 3: Craft The Creamy Filling

• Tender shredded chicken
• Alfredo sauce
• Chopped broccoli florets
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Grated parmesan
• Garlic powder
• Cracked black pepper

Stir everything until it creates a luscious, smooth mixture that screams comfort food.

Step 4: Prepare The Baking Vessel

Grab a 13 x 9-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of cooking spray or butter. This prevents any sticky situations later.

Step 5: Create A Flavor Foundation

Spread a layer of marinara or spaghetti sauce across the bottom of the dish. This adds a tangy kick to your creamy creation.

Step 6: Stuff Those Shells

Carefully spoon the creamy filling into each pasta shell. Pack them generously – no skimping allowed!

Step 7: Arrange And Bake

Position the stuffed shells in a single layer across the baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil to keep moisture locked in. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the edges are bubbly and golden.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Let the dish sit for 10 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the filling set and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy!

Useful Pointers for Rich, Creamy Pasta Every Time

• Perfectly Stuff Shells: Use a small spoon or cookie scoop to evenly distribute the filling, ensuring each shell gets an equal amount of creamy mixture without overfilling or tearing the delicate pasta.
• Maximize Flavor Depth: Sauté chopped garlic and onions before mixing into the filling to elevate the overall taste profile and add a rich, aromatic dimension to the chicken and broccoli blend.
• Prevent Dry Shells: Slightly undercook pasta shells before stuffing, as they'll continue cooking in the oven, keeping them tender and preventing a mushy texture during baking.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make serving easier, creating a perfectly melted and cohesive topping.
• Customize with Freshness: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top just before serving to add a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy, rich pasta shells.

How to Store and Reheat Shells Without Drying

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken and broccoli pasta shells in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and food safety.
• Reheat in Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover dish with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. This method helps preserve the creamy texture and prevents shells from becoming too crispy.
• Microwave Option: Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a tablespoon of water to retain moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.

Side Dishes That Go with This Pasta Meal

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio perfectly cuts through the creamy richness of the chicken and cheese, balancing the dish's heavy texture with its bright, acidic notes.
• Complement with Fresh Side Salad: Toss a light green salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the pasta's creamy and cheesy profile, adding a crisp and tangy element to the meal.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy texture that complements the soft pasta shells, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Enhance with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare a simple side of roasted asparagus or brussels sprouts to add a slightly charred, earthy flavor that will elevate the dish's complexity and provide additional nutritional balance.

Easy Tweaks to Switch Up the Pasta Flavor

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Shells: Swap alfredo sauce with salsa, add diced green chilies, and sprinkle pepper jack cheese for a zesty Mexican-inspired version that brings bold southwestern flavors to the classic recipe.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Shells: Replace cheddar with crumbled feta, incorporate sundried tomatoes, chopped spinach, and mix in oregano and basil for a Mediterranean-style interpretation that offers fresh, light notes.
• Veggie Lover's Protein Shells: Substitute chicken with white beans or tofu, add roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan to create a hearty vegetarian alternative packed with plant-based protein.
• Creamy Mushroom Chicken Shells: Blend sautéed mushrooms into the filling, use a mix of cream cheese and alfredo sauce, and top with crispy breadcrumbs for an earthy, rich version that adds depth and texture to the original recipe.

Creamy Chicken And Broccoli Pasta Shells Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this creamy chicken and broccoli pasta shells masterpiece, blending Italian-inspired ingredients with hearty protein. Rich cheese sauce and tender chicken nestled among perfectly cooked pasta shells promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 21 jumbo pasta shells, cooked
• 2 cups cooked broccoli, chopped

Sauces and Cheese:

• 1 jar (16 ounces / 453 grams) alfredo sauce
• 1½ – 2 cups spaghetti sauce (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, creating the ideal temperature for transforming pasta shells into a bubbling delicacy.
2. Craft a luxurious filling by whisking alfredo sauce with tender shredded chicken, verdant broccoli florets, sharp cheddar, and nutty parmesan until ingredients meld into a harmonious mixture.
3. Prepare a 13 x 9-inch baking vessel with a light coating of butter or cooking spray, ensuring effortless serving and preventing unwanted sticking.
4. Distribute spaghetti sauce across the dish’s base, establishing a vibrant flavor foundation that will complement the creamy interior.
5. Carefully nestle the filling into each cooked jumbo pasta shell, generously spooning the mixture to guarantee a robust, satisfying bite.
6. Arrange the stuffed shells in an even, single layer within the prepared dish, creating a visually appealing presentation.
7. Shield the creation with aluminum foil, protecting the delicate top from excessive browning while allowing internal flavors to meld and intensify.
8. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes, monitoring until the edges bubble and the interior reaches a steaming, appetizing temperature.

Notes

• Effortlessly elevate this comforting pasta dish by using rotisserie chicken for a quick and convenient protein option.
• Customize the recipe’s flavor profile by experimenting with different cheese blends like mozzarella or Swiss for added depth.
• Ensure pasta shells are cooked al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during the baking process.
• Make ahead and freeze this casserole for up to 3 months, perfect for meal prep or unexpected dinner guests.
• Add a crispy breadcrumb topping during the last 10 minutes of baking to create a delightful textural contrast.
• Boost nutritional value by incorporating additional vegetables like spinach or diced bell peppers into the filling mixture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg