Best 3 Chicken Broccoli Shells Recipes

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Indulge in the delightful flavors of Chicken Broccoli Shells, a culinary masterpiece that seamlessly blends tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and delectable pasta shells in a creamy, luscious sauce. This dish, brimming with wholesome ingredients, is not only satisfying but also versatile, offering a symphony of flavors that cater to various palates. Embark on a culinary journey with our comprehensive guide, which features a classic Chicken Broccoli Shells recipe alongside two enticing variations: a tangy Pesto Chicken Broccoli Shells and a rich and indulgent Creamy Pesto Chicken Broccoli Shells. Each recipe is meticulously crafted to ensure a delectable and memorable dining experience.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CHICKEN BROCCOLI SHELLS



Chicken Broccoli Shells image

This cheesy entree is a make-ahead dream. Just assemble it ahead of time and put it in the oven when company arrives. I round out the meal with a tossed salad and warm bread. -Karen Jagger, Columbia City, Indiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 45m

Yield 7 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 jar (16 ounces) Alfredo sauce
2 cups frozen chopped broccoli, thawed
2 cups diced cooked chicken
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
21 jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the Alfredo sauce, broccoli, chicken and cheeses. Spoon into pasta shells. Place in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. , Cover and bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until heated through. Freeze option: Cover and freeze unbaked casserole. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake casserole as directed, increasing time as necessary to heat through and for a thermometer inserted in center to read 165°.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 355 calories, Fat 16g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 72mg cholesterol, Sodium 453mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 24g protein.

CHEESY CHICKEN & BROCCOLI STUFFED SHELLS



Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells image

Make and share this Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells recipe from Food.com.

Provided by OceanIvy

Categories     Chicken

Time 1h

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 (16 ounce) box jumbo pasta shells
2 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup chopped onion
2 (10 ounce) bags frozen broccoli, thawed &, well drained
1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
1 cup light cream or 1 cup half-and-half
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/4 cup butter
1 1/2 teaspoons instant chicken broth
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup flour
1 cup milk
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Cook shells as directed--don't overcook because they will cook in oven again.
  • Cool shells in a large bowl of COLD water; set aside for now.
  • Sauté onion in 2 tablespoons of butter until tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Combine broccoli, onion, mozzarella cheese, sour cream, egg and chicken; set aside.
  • Melt 1/4 cup butter in saucepan. Stir in flour, instant bouillon and pepper.
  • Stir in milk and cream; bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
  • Boil and stir 1 minute until thickened. Remove shells from water, strain and pat dry with paper towels.
  • Spread small amount of sauce on bottom of 2-quart rectangular baking dish.
  • Stuff each shell with broccoli and chicken mixture; put shells in dish.
  • Spoon remaining sauce over shells and sprinkle with Parmesan.
  • Bake 30-35 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

CHICKEN BROCCOLI ALFREDO STUFFED SHELLS



CHICKEN BROCCOLI ALFREDO STUFFED SHELLS image

Categories     Chicken     Casserole/Gratin

Number Of Ingredients 8

•1 jar (16 oz) alfredo sauce
•2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
•2 cups cooked broccoli, chopped
â��¢1 cup shredded cheddar (or mozzaerlla) cheese
•¼ cup shredded parmesan
•21 jumbo pasta shells, cooked
•1½ - 2 cups spaghetti sauce (optional, but I love the combination of alfredo with tomato sauce!)
•Salt/Pepper to season

Steps:

  • 1.Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. 2.In a large bowl, mix alfredo, chicken, broccoli, and cheeses. 3.Spoon mixture into pasta shells. 4.Grease 13 x 9 baking dish with butter or cooking spray. 5.Evenly spread spaghetti sauce on bottom of baking dish. 6.Arrange shells in baking pan. 7.Cover with foil and bake 35 minutes until heated thru. Notes Remember that the noodles need to be cooked prior to stuffing. I usually like cooking them 1-2 minutes under what the package says, that way they will fully cook when baking in the oven

Tips:

  • Use fresh broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets have a vibrant green color and a crisp texture. Avoid using broccoli that is wilted or has yellowing florets.
  • Cook the pasta shells al dente: Al dente means "to the tooth" in Italian and refers to the ideal doneness of pasta. It should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it.
  • Use a large skillet or Dutch oven: This will give you plenty of room to cook the chicken, broccoli, and pasta shells together.
  • Season the chicken and broccoli generously: This will help to bring out their flavor. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt and pepper.
  • Don't overcook the chicken: Chicken breasts can easily become dry and tough if they are overcooked. Cook them until they are just cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
  • Add the pasta shells to the skillet or Dutch oven during the last few minutes of cooking: This will help to ensure that the pasta is cooked through but not overcooked.
  • Stir in the cheese and milk just before serving: This will help to create a creamy sauce that coats the chicken, broccoli, and pasta shells.

Conclusion:

This chicken broccoli shells recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. It is packed with flavor and is sure to please the whole family. The combination of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and al dente pasta shells is irresistible. The creamy sauce is the perfect finishing touch. This recipe is also a great way to use up leftover chicken. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the skillet or Dutch oven along with the broccoli and pasta shells.

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