There’s something magical about sitting down to a warm, bubbling dish on a chilly evening—the kind of meal that wraps you in comfort with each bite. Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells is that perfect dish. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner, yet indulgent enough to serve at a small gathering or holiday meal. With tender pasta shells loaded with a hearty mix of chicken, broccoli, and cheddar, then baked in a creamy sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home too.
This dish was inspired by my grandmother’s love for all things cheesy and creamy. She used to say, “You can fix anything with a little cheese and a good casserole.” I’ve added broccoli for a fresh, nutritious twist, and stuffed everything into jumbo pasta shells for a presentation that’s as fun as it is filling.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells combines everything we love about comfort food—cheese, pasta, and a creamy sauce—with a touch of green for balance. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- ✅ Quick & Easy Prep: Just 15 minutes of prep before popping it in the oven.
- 🧀 Ultra-Cheesy: With cheddar cheese inside and on top, it’s irresistibly gooey.
- 🥦 Nutritious Touch: Steamed broccoli adds fiber, vitamins, and color.
- 🍗 Great Use for Leftover Chicken: A delicious way to repurpose cooked or rotisserie chicken.
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly: Kids love it, adults devour it, and it makes enough for leftovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the steps, here’s what you’ll need for this creamy, cheesy stuffed shells recipe:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained
- 1½ cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 cup steamed broccoli, chopped into small pieces
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- ½ cup milk
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder, to taste
💡 Tip: You can use fresh or frozen broccoli. Just make sure it’s tender before mixing.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells
This dish is simple to assemble and requires just a few steps before it’s ready to bake.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil your jumbo pasta shells in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly so they’re easier to handle.
📝 You may want to cook a couple of extra shells in case any tear during stuffing.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Cooked chicken
- Chopped broccoli
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- A pinch each of salt, pepper, and garlic powder
Mix everything until evenly combined. The mixture should be hearty but soft enough to scoop easily.
Step 3: Stuff the Shells
Carefully spoon the chicken and broccoli mixture into each cooked pasta shell. Place each stuffed shell into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup of milk
Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the stuffed shells.
Step 5: Add More Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the dish.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the dish is heated through.
🍴 Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving for best results!
Serving Suggestions
Wondering what to serve with your Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells? Here are a few simple, complementary ideas:
- Fresh Green Salad with a tangy vinaigrette
- Garlic Bread or soft dinner rolls
- Roasted Carrots or Asparagus
- Sparkling Apple Cider or a crisp white wine for adults
🥗 The creamy richness of the shells pairs wonderfully with something fresh and zesty on the side.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Here are a few popular twists:
Swap the Protein
- Substitute cooked turkey for chicken—great after Thanksgiving!
- Use cooked ground beef for a richer flavor.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting chicken and doubling the broccoli and cheese.
Different Cheeses
- Try mixing in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a little Parmesan for extra depth.
- Add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and Parmesan on top for a crispy crust.
Boost the Veggies
- Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas to the filling.
- Substitute the broccoli with cauliflower for a similar texture.
🔄 This recipe is ideal for cleaning out the fridge and using up leftovers creatively!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Make-Ahead Option
Prepare the shells and assemble the entire dish up to a day in advance. Store in the refrigerator covered with foil. When ready to eat, bake as directed, adding 5–10 minutes to the cook time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the baked dish (or individual portions) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Reheating
- Microwave on medium-high for 1–2 minutes per portion.
- Or bake at 325°F until heated through (about 15–20 minutes).
🍽️ It’s just as delicious the next day—if not better!
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)
Approximate values, based on 4 servings:
- Calories: 460
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Calcium: 20% DV
🥦 With protein, fiber, and a serving of veggies, it’s a well-rounded comfort meal.
What Readers Are Saying
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “My family devoured this! Even my picky eater asked for seconds. Will definitely make again.” — Jessica M.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I doubled the recipe and brought it to a potluck—it was a hit! Super creamy and flavorful.” — Kendra L.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just steam or microwave it until tender before chopping and adding it to the filling.
Can I use another type of soup instead of cream of chicken?
Absolutely. Cream of mushroom or cream of broccoli works well for different flavor profiles.
What’s the best way to shred cooked chicken quickly?
Use two forks, or place warm chicken in a mixing bowl and shred with a hand mixer on low for a quick hack.
Can I freeze the unbaked shells?
Yes, but don’t add the sauce until you’re ready to bake. Freeze stuffed shells on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Final Thoughts: Why You Need to Try This Recipe Today
Whether you’re craving a comforting meal on a rainy evening or need a crowd-pleaser for your next family gathering, Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells delivers. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug—familiar, satisfying, and just a little indulgent.
With only a few simple ingredients and easy prep, there’s no reason not to add this recipe to your dinner rotation. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together around the table, sparks conversation, and leaves everyone asking for seconds.