Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Shells is the ultimate comfort dish, combining the creaminess of a rich cheese sauce with tender pieces of chicken and the fresh bite of broccoli. The pasta shells, designed to cradle the delicious sauce, bring everything together in one satisfying meal. It’s a hearty dish that offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it both filling and nutritious.

Why It’s a Family Favorite

This recipe is a family favorite for its universal appeal—cheesy, savory, and satisfying. The combination of protein-rich chicken, nutrient-packed broccoli, and gooey cheese makes it a well-rounded meal. It’s comforting enough to please picky eaters and packed with wholesome ingredients, ensuring that everyone at the table is happy. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak veggies into a dish kids will love.

Ease of Preparation

One of the best things about Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Shells is how easy it is to prepare. Even if you’re not an experienced cook, you can whip up this dish in under 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The straightforward steps and common ingredients make it accessible to everyone, from beginners to seasoned home cooks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Balanced

This recipe offers a perfect balance of proteins, carbs, and vegetables, giving you an all-in-one meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. It’s quick to make, making it a go-to option for weeknight dinners when you need something delicious and filling without spending hours in the kitchen.

Great Use of Leftovers

If you have leftover chicken from another meal, this recipe is a great way to repurpose it. You can easily throw in pre-cooked chicken to cut down on prep time while still getting a fresh, homemade meal on the table.

Customizable Ingredients

This dish is incredibly versatile. You can swap out the pasta shells for another shape, change up the cheese blend, or even use different vegetables depending on what you have on hand or your dietary needs. It’s easy to tailor this recipe to suit your preferences or accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions.

Key Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Shells

Chicken:
Chicken is the primary source of protein and gives the dish its heartiness. You can use a variety of chicken types depending on what you have available:
- Rotisserie Chicken: A convenient, flavorful option that’s already cooked, making prep time even quicker.
- Grilled Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Adds a smoky, grilled flavor to the dish.
- Leftover Chicken: A perfect way to repurpose leftovers from a previous meal, reducing food waste.
Adjustment Tips:
If using pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie), simply chop or shred it and add it at the end when combining the ingredients. If using raw chicken, season it well and either grill, bake, or sauté it until fully cooked.
Broccoli:
Broccoli adds a burst of freshness and texture, providing a nice balance to the rich cheese sauce. It also delivers essential nutrients like fiber and vitamins.

Vegetable Swaps:
If you prefer other vegetables, feel free to swap broccoli with spinach, peas, or even zucchini for a different flavor and texture. These veggies will also hold up well in the cheese sauce.
Pasta Shells:
The pasta shells are ideal for holding the creamy cheese sauce in each bite. Their cup-like shape ensures that every forkful is coated in flavor.

Other Pasta Options:
If you don’t have shells on hand, you can use penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. These shapes also do a good job of catching the sauce in their ridges or cavities.
Cheese (Cheddar, Mozzarella, Parmesan):
The combination of cheeses adds layers of flavor:
- Cheddar: Offers sharpness and depth.
- Mozzarella: Provides a creamy, stretchy texture.
- Parmesan: Adds a rich, umami kick.
Cheese Mix: Using a mix of cheeses gives the sauce both flavor and texture. For those who want to experiment, Gruyère or Gouda can be added for an elevated taste.
Milk/Cream:
The base of the sauce comes from milk or cream, creating a smooth, rich texture that binds the ingredients together. For a lighter version, use low-fat milk.

Tip: For a more indulgent sauce, opt for half-and-half or heavy cream. You can also adjust the amount of liquid depending on whether you prefer a thick or thin sauce.
Butter and Flour (Roux):
The butter and flour create a roux, which thickens the cheese sauce.

Roux Guide:
- Melt butter in a pan, then whisk in flour until smooth.
- Gradually add milk or cream to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Once smooth, continue to stir as it thickens, then add cheese slowly.

Choosing the Right Chicken

Types of Chicken:
- Chicken Breasts: Lean and easy to cook; works well if you prefer white meat.
- Chicken Thighs: Juicier and more flavorful than breasts, perfect for those who like dark meat.
- Rotisserie Chicken: Already seasoned and cooked, ideal for saving time.
Cooking Methods:
- Grilling: Adds a smoky flavor to the chicken.
- Boiling: Quick and simple, perfect for shredding the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Sautéing: Allows for searing and seasoning the chicken with spices or herbs like garlic and rosemary.

Time-Saving Tip:
Pre-cooked chicken is the best option for quick meals. Simply shred or dice it, and it’s ready to go into the dish without extra prep.

Selecting and Prepping Broccoli

Blanching and Steaming:
- Blanching: Cook broccoli briefly in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking. This method keeps the broccoli bright green and firm.
- Steaming: Steam broccoli for about 5-6 minutes until just tender, making sure it doesn’t turn mushy.
Frozen Alternatives:
Frozen broccoli is a convenient option. Make sure to thaw it fully before adding it to the dish. Drain excess water to avoid making the sauce too watery.
Other Vegetables:
Feel free to use alternatives like spinach, peas, or bell peppers if you’re looking to switch things up or if broccoli isn’t your favorite.

Picking the Perfect Pasta

Why Shells Work Best:
Pasta shells are perfect for this dish because their shape holds onto the cheese sauce, ensuring each bite is cheesy and flavorful.
Al Dente Cooking:
Always cook pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly when mixed with the sauce. Cooking it too long can result in mushy pasta that doesn’t hold up well in the final dish.

Making the Cheese Sauce

Step-by-Step Guide:
- Step 1: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Step 2: Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Step 3: Slowly pour in the milk or cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Step 4: Stir until the sauce thickens, then gradually add the cheese while continuing to whisk.
Preventing Curdling:
Melt cheese slowly over low heat and avoid overheating the sauce, which can cause curdling. For smoother results, use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents.
Adjusting Consistency:
If the sauce is too thick, thin it with some reserved pasta water or extra milk. If it’s too thin, simmer a little longer to thicken.

Flavor Variations:
Add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or even a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. You can also switch up the cheese varieties to change the flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions & Side Dishes

Perfect Pairings

Since Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Shells is a rich, hearty dish, it pairs beautifully with light, refreshing sides to create a balanced meal:

Simple Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the cheese sauce. Use fresh greens like arugula, spinach, or mixed lettuces to keep it refreshing.

Garlic Bread: Warm, crispy garlic bread is a comforting side that complements the creamy pasta without overwhelming it. It’s perfect for soaking up any extra cheese sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies like carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts provide a healthy, flavorful contrast with their caramelized, savory notes.

Wine Pairing

For wine lovers, pair this dish with a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. A Chardonnay’s buttery texture complements the creaminess of the cheese sauce, while a Sauvignon Blanc’s crisp, citrus notes provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.

Storing and Reheating

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Ensure it’s cooled completely before sealing and refrigerating.

Reheating Tips

Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Cover with foil to retain moisture.
Microwave: If using a microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring between to ensure even heating. Add a splash of milk or a bit of extra cheese to revive the creamy texture.

Adding a little liquid helps keep the sauce from drying out or becoming too thick when reheated.

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

Avoiding a Gritty Cheese Sauce

Tip: Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded, which often contains additives that can cause a gritty texture.
Slow Heating: Heat the sauce over low heat and add the cheese slowly to ensure it melts smoothly without separating.

Not Overcooking the Pasta

Al Dente: Always cook your pasta just until al dente. Overcooked pasta will become mushy when mixed with the cheese sauce, especially if baked afterward.
Tip: Check the pasta 1-2 minutes before the recommended cooking time to ensure it retains some bite.

Keeping Broccoli Fresh and Green

Blanching: Blanch the broccoli quickly in boiling water and immediately transfer it to an ice bath. This stops the cooking process and preserves its bright green color and firm texture.

Sautéing Option: For added flavor, lightly sauté the broccoli in a little olive oil to give it a slightly crispy texture.

FAQs

Can I make Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Shells ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dish ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it just before serving. Cover it with foil to prevent the top from over-browning during baking.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze it, but note that the cheese sauce may separate upon thawing. To prevent this, reheat gently and stir in a little extra milk to help bring the sauce back together.

What can I use instead of broccoli?

You can substitute the broccoli with other vegetables like peas, spinach, or even bell peppers. If you want to omit vegetables altogether, the dish will still be delicious.

How can I make this dish healthier?

To make the dish lighter, use whole wheat pasta, lean proteins like turkey or chicken breast, and opt for lower-fat cheese and milk. You can also increase the vegetable content for added nutrition.

Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Shells

Author: Munil

Print Recipe

Description

Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Shells is the perfect combination of rich, creamy, and savory flavors, making it an ultimate comfort dish for busy weeknights. Tender pasta shells cradle a smooth cheese sauce, mixed with juicy chicken and crisp-tender broccoli, resulting in a satisfying meal that’s both hearty and balanced. The cheesy sauce, made from a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan, wraps every ingredient in indulgent creaminess, while the broccoli adds a healthy, vibrant contrast to the richness.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add the steamed broccoli and shredded chicken to the skillet, mixing well. Season with salt and pepper.

In a large bowl, combine the Alfredo sauce and milk. Add the cooked pasta shells, chicken, and broccoli mixture. Mix until the shells are well coated.

Transfer half of the shell mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the cheddar and Parmesan cheese.

Layer the remaining shell mixture on top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Use Pre-Cooked Chicken for Convenience:
If you’re short on time, using pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, significantly cuts down on preparation time. Simply shred or dice it, and you’re ready to go.
Vegetable Variations:
Broccoli is the classic veggie choice, but you can easily swap it out with peas, spinach, or even zucchini. This recipe is adaptable to whatever vegetables you prefer or have on hand.
Cheese Substitutions:
A combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan creates the perfect cheesy blend, but you can substitute other cheeses like Gruyère or Gouda for a more sophisticated flavor. You can also use dairy-free cheese to make this dish lactose-free.

Pasta Options:
While pasta shells are great for holding the sauce, you can use other short pasta varieties such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli if shells aren’t available. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente to avoid it becoming too soft.
Make-Ahead Friendly:
This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Simply reheat it in the oven, covered with foil, and add a little extra cheese or milk to keep the sauce creamy.
Freezing Tips:
You can freeze this dish, though the cheese sauce may separate when reheated. To minimize this, thaw the dish in the fridge overnight and reheat gently, stirring in a little milk to smooth out the sauce.

Baking Option for Extra Crisp:
For added texture, consider baking the dish with a breadcrumb and cheese topping. A quick broil at the end will give it a golden, crispy crust, adding even more layers of flavor and crunch to the creamy pasta.