Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Shells

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If comfort food had a mascot, Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Shells would be strutting front and center with a gooey grin. Between juggling work, laundry, and maybe the occasional toddler tantrum or group Zoom meeting (no judgment if both happen in the same hour), it’s nice to know dinner can still feel like a warm hug from the oven.

This recipe is the kind of meal that hits all the high notes: creamy, cheesy, and carb-y—with just enough broccoli to make you feel like a responsible adult. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or need a no-fuss dinner that still feels a little fancy, this one’s a winner, hands down.

Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Shells

Comfort Meets Convenience: Using rotisserie chicken and frozen or fresh broccoli makes this dinner doable, even on your busiest nights.
Family-Friendly Flavor: Kids love the cheese, adults appreciate the savory depth, and everyone comes back for seconds.
One Dish Wonder: Fewer pans, more praise. Just how we like it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break it down into pantry-and-fridge-friendly bites:

12 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente
1½ cups cooked chicken, diced – Rotisserie chicken is your best friend here.
1 cup steamed broccoli, chopped – Fresh or frozen, whatever’s in your freezer or crisper drawer.
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar gives that perfect melty tang.
1 can cream of chicken soup – Velvety and flavorful.
½ cup milk – Helps turn your soup into a silky sauce.
Salt, pepper, garlic powder – Add to taste and trust your instincts.

💡 Pro Tip: Use fresh broccoli for a slight crunch or frozen if you’re operating in “get dinner done now” mode.

Step-by-Step Directions To Master Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Shells

1. Prep Your Pasta Shells
Cook your jumbo pasta shells according to the box. Drain and lay them out on a baking sheet so they don’t get clingy with each other.

2. Mix the Filling
In a bowl, mix together the diced chicken, steamed broccoli, and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and a dash (or three) of garlic powder. Stir until it’s a tasty little mixture of love and leftovers.

3. Stuff Those Shells
Grab a spoon and gently stuff each shell with your mixture. Don’t overpack them like a vacation suitcase—leave a little room for the sauce to seep in and do its magic.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce
In another bowl (I know, I know—but it’s worth it), whisk together the cream of chicken soup and milk until it’s smooth. No lumps allowed.

5. Assemble with Care
Place your stuffed shells into a greased baking dish. Cozy them up side-by-side like they’re in a pasta slumber party. Pour your soup mixture over the top, giving each one a little sauce blanket.

6. More Cheese, Please
Top everything with that last ½ cup of shredded cheddar. Don’t be shy—it’s what brings the golden bubbly joy.

7. Bake to Perfection
Pop it into a 350°F oven for 25 minutes, uncovered. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and you’re tempted to dive in face-first. (Maybe wait a few minutes before doing that.)

Aneta’s Kitchen Note

I first whipped up these Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Shells on a chilly Tuesday when my pantry looked more “meh” than “meal.” My kids gobbled them up, and even my husband—who usually thinks broccoli is a punishment—went back for thirds. It quickly became our unofficial “comfort in a casserole dish” meal.

Smart Tips for Success

Short on time? Use pre-cooked grilled chicken strips or canned chicken.
Want more veggies? Add chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the filling.
Craving a kick? Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce.

Close-up of Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Shells baked with golden, melted cheese in a casserole dish.

FAQs About Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Shells

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything in the dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Bake when ready—just add 5–10 minutes to the baking time.

What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?

You can sub in cream of mushroom or make a quick homemade version with butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk.

Can I freeze Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Shells?

Absolutely. Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze. When you’re ready, thaw overnight and bake as directed.

Conclusion

Whether it’s a dinner for the family, a cozy meal for two, or a dish to share at a potluck, Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Shells is the kind of recipe that wraps you up in flavor and simplicity. It’s cheesy, it’s hearty, and it delivers all the warm-and-fuzzy vibes you crave after a long day. This dish doesn’t just feed your stomach—it feeds your soul, too.

And the best part? You don’t need hours in the kitchen or a culinary degree to pull it off. With just a few pantry staples and a sprinkle of love (okay, and cheese), you’ve got a meal that feels like a little celebration on a plate. Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or anytime you need something delicious without the drama.

So go ahead—grab those shells, stuff them with all that creamy, cheesy goodness, and slide them into the oven. You’ll end up with a bubbling, golden masterpiece that brings everyone to the table with smiles (and maybe even silence… because they’re too busy enjoying it to talk). Your oven will do the heavy lifting, and your belly will absolutely thank you. Trust me—this is chicken magic at its finest.

Keep the Magic Going with These Delicious Chicken Recipes

If Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Shells has made its way into your regular dinner rotation (and how could it not?), then you’re going to love exploring even more comforting, flavorful recipes from Chicken Magic. Whether you’re looking to try a creative spin on stuffed shells, want something quick and saucy, or feel like adding more veggies into the mix, we’ve got you covered. Here are four mouthwatering dishes that pair beautifully with tonight’s dinner inspiration:

If you loved the creamy comfort of tonight’s bake, you’ll definitely want to try the ultra-satisfying Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells, which brings a spicy, cheesy twist to the same cozy format.
For a hearty casserole that sneaks in extra greens and flavor, don’t miss the cheesy and family-approved Chicken Potato Broccoli Casserole.
Craving something with a creamy texture but a different flair? Dive into the irresistible Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta for a pasta night that’ll make you swoon.
And if you’re dreaming of an oven-baked classic that’s as easy as it is nostalgic, check out the ever-popular Doritos Chicken Casserole—it’s bold, cheesy, and kid-approved!

Click around and let your next meal be just as magical.