Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells

🌸 Introduction

Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are a delicious Italian-American inspired casserole dish that combines jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of shredded chicken, broccoli florets, ricotta, and mozzarella, baked in a luscious cheese sauce. It’s the perfect marriage of pasta night and comfort food, making it ideal for weeknight family dinners, potlucks, or even holiday gatherings. This dish ensures that every bite is packed with cheesy goodness and a healthy touch of broccoli.

📝 Ingredients

For the Pasta & Filling

20–22 jumbo pasta shells
2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
2 cups broccoli florets (steamed & chopped small)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg (lightly beaten)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp onion powder
Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Sauce

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup mozzarella cheese
¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for depth)
Salt & pepper, to taste

For Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan

👩‍🍳 Instructions & Methods

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Cook jumbo shells in salted boiling water until al dente.
Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine chicken, broccoli, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, and seasonings.
Mix well until creamy and evenly blended.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and slightly thickened.
Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of cheese sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Stuff each pasta shell with the chicken-broccoli mixture and arrange in the dish.
Pour remaining cheese sauce over the shells.
Sprinkle with extra mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve hot with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

📜 History

Stuffed pasta has roots in Italian cuisine, with dishes like manicotti, ravioli, and cannelloni.
In America, the jumbo shell pasta became popular in the mid-20th century, often stuffed with ricotta or meats.
The combination of chicken and broccoli is a classic American pairing that rose in popularity in casseroles and pasta dishes during the 1980s.
This recipe is a fusion of Italian tradition and American comfort food.

🌿 Benefits

Balanced Meal – Includes protein, vegetables, and carbs.
Family-Friendly – Loved by both kids and adults.
Customizable – Can swap broccoli for spinach, peas, or zucchini.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble ahead and bake later.
Comfort Food Meets Nutrition – Cheesy indulgence with added vegetables.

🏛 Formation (Structure of the Dish)

Base – Jumbo pasta shells.
Filling – Chicken, broccoli, cheese blend.
Binder – Ricotta and egg.
Sauce – Creamy cheddar-mozzarella sauce.
Topping – Extra cheese and parsley for finish.

❤️ Lovers of Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells

Pasta lovers who enjoy baked casseroles.
Cheese enthusiasts craving gooey, melty goodness.
Busy families looking for hearty weeknight meals.
Home cooks who like make-ahead dishes for potlucks.
Vegetable-hesitant eaters who enjoy broccoli when it’s cheesy.

🎯 Conclusion

Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells are the perfect comfort food casserole – creamy, hearty, and filled with wholesome flavors. With a blend of pasta, chicken, broccoli, and gooey cheese, this dish delivers the best of Italian inspiration and American comfort in one baked dish.

💖 For lovers of pasta bakes, cheese, and family-style meals, these stuffed shells are a guaranteed favorite that make weeknights or gatherings feel extra special.