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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, creating the ideal temperature for transforming pasta shells into a bubbling delicacy.
- 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.
- Prepare a 13 x 9-inch baking vessel with a light coating of butter or cooking spray, ensuring effortless serving and preventing unwanted sticking.
- Distribute spaghetti sauce across the dish’s base, establishing a vibrant flavor foundation that will complement the creamy interior.
- Carefully nestle the filling into each cooked jumbo pasta shell, generously spooning the mixture to guarantee a robust, satisfying bite.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in an even, single layer within the prepared dish, creating a visually appealing presentation.
- Shield the creation with aluminum foil, protecting the delicate top from excessive browning while allowing internal flavors to meld and intensify.
- 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