Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Shells
This Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Shells recipe is a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce all enveloped in pasta shells. It’s a perfect meal for a family dinner or a cozy night in.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 large skillet
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 baking dish (9x13 inches)
- 1 whisk
Ingredients
- 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded You can substitute with rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- 2 cups broccoli florets Fresh or frozen.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Gently fold in the cooked pasta shells, ensuring they are evenly coated with the chicken and broccoli mixture.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then serve warm.
Notes
You can substitute the cooked chicken with rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach. For a spicier version, consider adding red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.