Thank you for being here—truly. Every time you pop into my little corner of the kitchen, it feels like we’re cooking together, trading warm, cozy recipes that make dinnertime feel special. And today’s recipe? Oh, it’s one of those instant family favorites you’ll want on repeat. Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Shells are creamy, comforting, and irresistibly satisfying—stuffed shells baked in Alfredo bliss. Yes, bliss!
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What Are Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Shells?
These are jumbo pasta shells stuffed generously with a creamy, cheesy mixture of chicken, broccoli, and two kinds of cheese—all nestled into Alfredo sauce and baked until they’re bubbling and golden. It’s like chicken broccoli Alfredo… wrapped up into the most adorable, flavor-packed pasta pockets.
Family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and unbelievably comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-creamy and cheesy—each shell is packed with flavor!
- Kid-approved AND adult-approved
- Perfect weeknight dinner—quick prep, quick bake
- Great use for leftover chicken
- Freezer-friendly for easy make-ahead meals
- Looks fancy but is secretly simple
What Do These Stuffed Shells Taste Like?
Think warm, cozy Alfredo meets cheesy chicken casserole—tucked into tender pasta shells! The broccoli adds pops of freshness, the cheddar gives it a comforting richness, and the Parmesan brings that irresistible savory kick.
It’s creamy, satisfying, and absolutely anything but boring!!
Benefits of Making This Recipe
- Uses easy-to-find ingredients
- Ready in under an hour
- Great for meal prepping lunches
- Makes enough to feed a crowd
- Perfect for potlucks and gatherings
- Customizable with other veggies and proteins
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pasta & Sauce
- 24 jumbo pasta shells
- 425 g Alfredo sauce, divided (reserve 120 ml for topping)
Filling
- 2 cups (280 g) diced cooked chicken
- 2 cups (250 g) diced frozen broccoli, thawed
- 100 g shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 25 g shredded Parmesan cheese
Tools You’ll Need
- 33×23 cm baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Strainer
- Spoon for filling shells
- Oven
Additions & Substitutions
Additions
- Cooked bacon bits – smoky goodness!
- Garlic powder or onion powder – boosts flavor
- Red pepper flakes – adds gentle heat
- Extra Parmesan – because why not?
- Sautéed mushrooms – earthy yum
Substitutions
- Rotisserie chicken → Any cooked chicken
- Broccoli → Spinach, peas, or mixed veggies
- Cheddar → Mozzarella for extra meltiness
- Alfredo → Homemade white sauce
- Gluten-free shells if needed
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Shells (Step-by-Step)
1. Prep the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C and lightly coat a 33×23 cm baking dish with oil spray.
2. Cook the Pasta
Boil jumbo shells according to package instructions.
Drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool.
3. Make the Filling
Reserve 120 ml of Alfredo sauce for topping.
In a bowl, combine:
- Remaining Alfredo sauce
- Diced chicken
- Thawed broccoli
- 75 g cheddar cheese
- Parmesan cheese
Mix until creamy and well combined.
4. Fill the Shells
Spoon the filling evenly into each cooked pasta shell.
Arrange them neatly in the baking dish.
5. Add Toppings
Drizzle the reserved Alfredo sauce over the shells.
Sprinkle with remaining 25 g cheddar cheese.
6. Bake
Bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbly, golden, and melted to perfection.
What to Serve With These Stuffed Shells
- Garlic bread or garlic knots
- Caesar salad
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted broccoli
- A simple side salad with vinaigrette
- Lemon iced tea or sparkling water
Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t overcook the shells—they should be firm enough to hold filling.
- Thaw and drain broccoli well to avoid watering down the filling.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melt.
- Pack the shells full—this is comfort food, after all!
- Let the dish rest 5 minutes before serving so the filling sets.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight and bake as directed. - Reheat: Warm in the oven or microwave until hot and creamy.
General Information
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty: Easy
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh broccoli?
Yes! Steam lightly and chop before mixing.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely—assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes—perfect for parties or meal prep.
What’s the best chicken to use?
Rotisserie chicken is quick and flavorful, but any cooked chicken works.
Can I make this healthier?
Use light Alfredo sauce, part-skim cheese, and add extra veggies.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Shells are everything weeknight comfort food should be: creamy, cheesy, cozy, and ridiculously satisfying. With simple ingredients and a quick bake time, it’s a dish the whole family will request again and again.
If you love comforting pasta dinners, try these next:
- Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake
- Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Potatoes
- Cheesy Chicken Lasagna Rolls
- One-Pot Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Let’s Connect
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a review and share your delicious stuffed shells on Pinterest—your creations always brighten my day.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: ~430
- Carbs: 34g
- Protein: 27g
- Fat: 21g
Enjoy every creamy, cheesy, cozy bite!
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