If creamy, cheesy pasta dishes make your heart sing, then these cheesy chicken and broccoli stuffed shells are going to be your new favorite comfort food. This cozy casserole is everything you want in a hearty dinner: tender pasta, juicy chicken, fresh broccoli, and loads of melty cheese all brought together with a rich and savory sauce.
Perfect for weeknight meals, family dinners, or meal prep, this dish is comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Pasta Bake
A Perfect Make-Ahead Meal
These stuffed shells are an ideal prep-ahead option. You can assemble the dish in advance, refrigerate it, and pop it into the oven when you’re ready to eat. It also freezes beautifully, making it a smart choice for busy weeks or feeding a crowd.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner or just need leftovers for lunch, this dish checks every box.
A Balanced and Comforting Bite
The filling is a wholesome blend of protein-packed chicken, vitamin-rich broccoli, and creamy cheddar. The pasta shells hold everything together like little boats of goodness, and the cream of chicken soup sauce ensures every bite is moist and flavorful.
It’s kid-friendly, adult-approved, and endlessly satisfying.
Here’s What You’ll Need
Ingredients
To make 4 servings of this creamy casserole, gather the following:
- 12 jumbo pasta shells (cooked al dente)
- 1½ cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 1 cup steamed broccoli, chopped
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder (to taste)
Optional: A sprinkle of Italian seasoning or paprika for a flavor boost.
Directions
- Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. - Prepare the filling
In a medium bowl, mix the cooked chicken, chopped broccoli, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to your taste. - Stuff the shells
Use a spoon to carefully fill each cooked shell with the chicken and broccoli mixture. Place the filled shells in the baking dish in a single layer. - Make the sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and milk until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the stuffed shells. - Top and bake
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes, until bubbly and golden. - Serve and enjoy
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips, Swaps, and Storage
Recipe Variations
- Cheese options: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheddar blend for different flavor profiles.
- Vegetable boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
- Soup substitute: Use cream of mushroom or cream of broccoli if that’s what you have on hand.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or bake in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through. You can also freeze the assembled (unbaked) dish for up to 2 months.
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Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells – Comfort Food at Its Finest
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, these stuffed pasta shells are filled with tender chicken, broccoli, and cheddar cheese—all baked in a rich, savory sauce.
Ingredients
– 12 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente
– 1½ cups cooked chicken, diced
– 1 cup steamed broccoli, chopped
– 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
– 1 can cream of chicken soup
– ½ cup milk
– Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste
Instructions
– Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
– Mix chicken, broccoli, and 1 cup cheddar cheese in a bowl. Season to taste.
– Stuff the cooked pasta shells with the mixture and arrange in the baking dish.
– In another bowl, whisk cream of chicken soup with milk until smooth. Pour over the shells.
– Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and bake for 25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
– Let cool slightly and serve warm.
Notes
Add Italian seasoning or paprika for extra flavor. Substitute cream of mushroom soup for a variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 stuffed shells
- Calories: ~450 per serving
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 75mg
- Fiber: 30g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30g
Keywords: stuffed shells, chicken broccoli pasta, cheesy pasta bake, easy family dinner