This dish , Cheesy Chicken & Brоccoli Shells , feels like a warm hug in a bowl . It mixes tender chicken chunks , bright green broccoli florets and pasta shells filled with creamy cheese . Everybody in the family piles on their plate and dives right in , so it soon turns into the go- to dinner when you 're short on time and hungry tummies are waiting .

Lots of folks keep this rеcipe in their back pocket because it 's simple , and even picky eaters will eat their veggies . Parents love it too , since you don 't have to watch the pot all day . That 's why this dish is considered the ultimate comfort food .

Ingredients

To whip up these Cheesy Chicken & Brоccoli Shells , you 'll need:

Chicken breast (or thighs): Tender cuts that cook real quick and soak up flavor s .
Brоccoli florets: Fresh or frozen ; either way works fine .
Large pasta shells: Perfect for stuffing with chicken and cheese .
Cheddar cheese (shredded): Sharp or mild , your choice .
Cream cheese: Makes the sauce smooth and helps it stick together .
Chicken broth: Adds taste to the sauce and thins it just right .
Garlic powder: A little pinch goes a long way .
Onion powder: Works with garlic to deepen the taste .
Salt & black pepper: To bring out all the flavors .
Optional spices: Paprika , cayenne or chili flakes if you want some heat .

For extra crunch or a pop of color , you can add these toppings :

Breadcrumb topping: Panko or regular ; both give a nice crunch .
Extra cheese: Because more cheese is always better !
Fresh parsley: Chopped ; adds a fresh touch .

Directions

Follow these simple steps :

Cook the chicken : Heat a pan over medium- high heat and cook chicken pieces until golden and done . Dice them small so they fit in the shells easily .
Prep the brоccoli : Steam or blanch florets till they 're bright green but still a bit firm . No mushy veggies here .
Boil the shells : In a big pot of salted water , cook shells until al dente . Drain and set aside .
Make the cheese sauce : In a saucepan over low heat , melt cream cheese into the chicken broth until smooth . Stir in shredded cheddar until creamy . Season with garlic powder , onion powder , salt , and pepper .
Assemble the shells : Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) . Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a baking dish . Stuff each shell with chicken , brоccoli and sauce , then line them up in the dish . Pour the rest of the sauce on top .
Bake : Cook in the oven for 25 - 30 minutes until it 's bubbling and the top is lightly golden . If you want an extra crust , broil for 2 - 3 minutes while watching so it doesn 't burn .

Directions

Prepping Ingredients : First , cook the chicken in a skillet until browned through . Cut into bite- size pieces . Then steam or blanch the broccoli until just tender . Finally , boil the pasta shells in salted water until al dente , drain and set aside .
Making the Cheese Sauce : In a saucepan over low heat , whisk together cream cheese and chicken broth until smooth . Add shredded cheddar a little at a time , stirring until melted and well mixed . Season with garlic powder , onion powder , salt , and pepper .
Assembling the Dish : Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) . Spread a bit of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish . Stuff each shell with chicken , broccoli and sauce , then line them in the dish . Pour remaining sauce over everything .
Baking Instructions : Bake for 25 - 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top . For a crispy top , broil 2 - 3 minutes more , but watch it closely .

Nutrition Information

Cheesy Chicken & Brоccoli Shells not only tastes awesome but also gives you a balance of protein , fats and carbs . One serving is about 450 calories , with 30 g protein , 22 g fat , 43 g carbs and 3 g fiber .

Chicken brings lean protein for muscle repair , and brоccoli is full of Vitamin C , K and fiber , so it 's a win for everyone .

Variations

Vegetarian Version : Swap chicken for firm tofu or sautéed mushrooms . You 'll still get plenty of flavor without the meat .
Low- Carb Version : Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets instead of pasta shells for a lighter meal .
Spicy Version : Mix in diced jalapeños or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the cheese sauce .

Pairing Suggestions

Garlic Bread : A warm , buttery slice goes great with the creamy shells .
Green Salad : A fresh salad with vinaigrette balances the richness .
Best Drinks : White wine like Chardonnay or a cold iced tea works perfect .

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

Cooking Chicken : Use a meat thermometer to hit 165°F (75°C) so it 's cooked through but not dry .
Perfect Shells : Boil just until al dente ; they cook more in the oven and won 't turn to mush .
Seasoning : Taste the sauce before baking . A pinch more salt or spice can make a big diference .
Storing Leftovers : Keep in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days . Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave .

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time ? Yes , you can prep and assemble up to baking step , then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake .
How long do leftovers last ? Store in the fridge up to three days in a sealed container .
What other veggies work ? Spinach , peas or sliced bell peppers are all tasty additions .
Can I use frozen broccoli ? Sure — just steam or microwave it first until tender before adding to the shells .

Conclusion

Cheesy Chicken & Brоccoli Shells hit the spot every time , giving you comfort , flavor and ease all in one dish . Whether it 's a busy weeknight or you 're hosting friends , this recipe is bound to be a crowd- pleaser . Give it a try and let us know how it turns out !

References

1. Smith, John. "Comfort Foods: A Guide to Hearty Meals." Cooking Magazine, 2022.

2. Johnson, Emily. "Family Favorite Recipes." Culinary Arts Press, 2023.

3. Miller, Sarah. "Healthy Comfort Food: Balancing Nutrition and Taste." Nutritional Journal, 2023.