Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Shells

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Shells are the kind of comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together tender pasta, creamy sauce, and hearty fillings in one satisfying bake. Each jumbo shell is stuffed generously with seasoned chicken and broccoli, creating perfect bite-sized pockets of flavor that bake beautifully under a blanket of rich cheese sauce. It’s a cozy, home-style dinner that feels both familiar and indulgent.

The real appeal of this recipe lies in its balance of textures and flavors. The steamed broccoli adds brightness and a bit of crunch, while the shredded chicken provides savory depth and heartiness. A smooth, velvety cheese sauce ties everything together, coating the shells and bubbling into golden perfection in the oven. The combination of cheddar and mozzarella ensures both sharp flavor and picture-perfect melt.

Despite the layered look of this dish, it’s surprisingly simple to make. Preparing the shells, stirring together the filling, and assembling everything in the baking dish takes minimal effort, but the end result tastes like it took much longer. The sauce comes together quickly on the stovetop, and the short bake time brings the entire dish together into a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece.

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Whether you’re serving this for a family dinner, a potluck, or a comforting weekend meal, these cheesy shells deliver warmth and satisfaction in every bite. They’re easy to customize, easy to prepare, and always a hit at the table.

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 12–16 jumbo pasta shells
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 2 cups chopped steamed broccoli
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar or Colby Jack
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

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