Description
Cozy up with these Cheesy Chicken Shells — a creamy, comforting pasta bake packed with shredded chicken, broccoli, Alfredo sauce, and bubbly cheese. This easy dinner idea is perfect for feeding the family or prepping ahead for the week. It’s one of those quick dinner recipes that delivers big flavor without much fuss. A go-to if you’re craving something hearty, satisfying, and full of cheesy goodness — great for weeknight meals, meal prepping, or whenever you need dinner inspiration!
Ingredients
20 to 25 jumbo pasta shells
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 ½ cups steamed chopped broccoli florets
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Simmer until thickened, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in Parmesan and season with salt and pepper.
3. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, chopped broccoli, 1 ½ cups mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add ½ cup of Alfredo sauce to the mix and stir.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13 baking dish. Fill shells with the chicken mixture and place them open side up.
5. Pour remaining Alfredo sauce over the shells. Top with extra mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for 10 more minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
For an extra cheesy crust, broil the top for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 3–4 shells)
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg