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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups pasta shells, cooked
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
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.