Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells – Comfort Food Perfection!

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These jumbo pasta shells are stuffed with a creamy, cheesy chicken and broccoli filling, smothered in marinara sauce, and baked until bubbly. A hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Easy to assemble – Great for make-ahead meals
✅ Packed with protein & veggies – A balanced, satisfying dish
✅ Ultra-cheesy – Melty mozzarella and Parmesan in every bite
✅ Freezer-friendly – Bake now or save for later

Ingredients & Substitutions

For the Shells & Filling

  • 20 jumbo pasta shells
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped (steamed or blanched)
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt & pepper to taste

For the Sauce & Topping

  • 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)
  • Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Shells

  1. Boil jumbo shells in salted water until al dente (about 9-10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Filling

  1. In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. Fold in chicken and broccoli until well combined.

3. Stuff & Assemble

  1. Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Fill each shell with the cheesy chicken-broccoli mixture and arrange in the dish.
  3. Top with remaining marinara sauce and extra mozzarella cheese.

4. Bake to Perfection

  1. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
  2. Uncover and bake 5-10 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

5. Serve & Enjoy!

  • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
  • Serve with garlic bread or a crisp salad.

Pro Tips

🍝 Shell hack: Slightly undercook the pasta—it will soften more while baking.
🧀 Extra creamy: Add ½ cup cream cheese to the filling.
🌿 Fresh herbs: Stir chopped basil or spinach into the filling for extra flavor.

Variations

🍗 Buffalo Chicken: Mix in ½ cup buffalo sauce + blue cheese crumbles.
🍄 Mushroom Lover’s: Add sautéed mushrooms to the filling.
🌶 Spicy Twist: Include diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Thaw and pat very dry before mixing into the filling.

How to store leftovers?

Fridge for 3-4 days or freeze unbaked for up to 3 months.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or spinach.

Final Thoughts

These Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week!

Warning: You might want to double the batch! 🧀🍝

(Tag your creations #CheesyStuffedShells!)

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