Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells: The Ultimate Comfort Food Casserole

There’s nothing quite like a pan of Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells bubbling away in the oven to make your kitchen feel like the heart of the home. This dish combines everything we love about comfort food—creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, juicy chicken, and fresh broccoli—into one warm, satisfying bite.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or freezing ahead for busy nights, this baked pasta recipe has earned its place among family favorites. The stuffed jumbo shells soak up the cheesy sauce while cradling a savory filling that’s both nutritious and indulgent. It’s a dish that even picky eaters will devour without complaint.

What Are Stuffed Shells?

Stuffed shells are large pasta shells (conchiglioni) cooked al dente and filled with a savory mixture—often including cheeses, vegetables, meats, or a combination. Once filled, they’re arranged in a baking dish, covered in sauce (like marinara, Alfredo, or cheese sauce), and baked until bubbly.

In this recipe, the stuffing includes:

Cooked diced chicken
Steamed broccoli florets
Shredded cheddar cheese
A rich and creamy cheese sauce

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to bring this comfort-packed casserole to life:

For the Shells:

20–24 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente
2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
1½ cups cooked broccoli, chopped into small pieces
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Sauce:

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1½ cups milk
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika (optional)

‍ Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente (usually 9–10 minutes).
Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, combine:
- Cooked chicken
- Chopped broccoli
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- Garlic powder
- Salt & pepper

Mix until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
Whisk in 2 tbsp flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to make a roux.
Gradually whisk in 1½ cups milk and cook until thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
Stir in 1½ cups cheddar and ¼ cup Parmesan, mixing until melted and smooth.
Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika.

Step 4: Fill the Shells

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spoon the chicken and broccoli mixture into each shell.
Arrange filled shells in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 5: Assemble & Bake

Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar on top for extra cheesiness.
Cover with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes.
Uncover and bake an additional 5–10 minutes to lightly brown the top.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan if desired.

Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells

Undercook your pasta slightly so it doesn’t become mushy while baking.
Cut broccoli into small florets to fit inside the shells easily.
Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
Make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Recipe Variations to Try

The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few delicious variations:

1. Buffalo Chicken Shells

Add a couple of tablespoons of buffalo sauce to the filling.
Drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing on top after baking.

2. Vegetarian Option

Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or cooked lentils.
Add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach.

3. Alfredo Chicken Shells

Replace cheddar cheese sauce with a creamy Alfredo sauce.
Use mozzarella for a lighter cheese flavor.

4. Spicy Southwest Shells

Add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning to the filling.
Top with pepper jack cheese and salsa verde.

️ What to Serve With Cheesy Stuffed Shells

These shells are rich and creamy, so they pair well with lighter sides to balance the meal.

Great Side Dish Ideas:

Caesar salad or garden salad with vinaigrette
Steamed green beans or asparagus
Crusty garlic bread or dinner rolls
Lemon herb roasted carrots

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These shells are great for meal prep or freezing for future dinners.

Refrigerator:

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Freezer:

Assemble shells in a freezer-safe dish but don’t bake yet.
Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

✅ Why You’ll Love Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells

✅ Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
✅ Hearty and filling—great for busy nights
✅ Easy to customize with what you have on hand
✅ Perfect for freezing and meal prepping
✅ One-pan cleanup—bake and serve from the same dish

It’s a well-rounded recipe that satisfies your craving for creamy, cheesy goodness while sneaking in some healthy veggies.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are such a beloved meal—they check every box. Creamy, cheesy, comforting, and loaded with flavor, they’re the kind of dish that disappears fast from the dinner table.

For more details, visit the full recipe

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