Description
Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Shells is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and broccoli. This easy pasta bake is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, with a homemade cheese sauce that coats every shell in rich, indulgent flavor. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead and freezer-friendly meal for busy families.
Ingredients
12 oz large pasta shells
2 cups cooked chicken, diced
1 cup broccoli florets, steamed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Pasta – Boil the pasta shells according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics – In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Make Roux – Sprinkle in flour, stirring constantly, and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Create Sauce – Gradually add milk, whisking to remove lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Melt Cheese – Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Add Chicken & Broccoli – Mix in diced chicken and steamed broccoli.
- Combine with Pasta – Gently fold in cooked pasta shells until evenly coated.
- Bake – Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden.
Notes
Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and swap flour with cornstarch.
Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave in intervals, stirring to maintain creaminess.
Customizations: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal
