Ah, my friends, do I have a treat for you today! Let me tell you about my all-time favorite cozy dinner: **Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells**. This delectable dish combines the comfort of pasta with the delightful flavors of cheese, chicken, and broccoli, all enveloped in a luscious marinara sauce. It’s the ultimate warm hug on a plate!
I first discovered this recipe during one of those chilly nights where you just crave something hearty and satisfying. I whipped it up for a family gathering, and I can tell you, it was an instant hit! My brother, who usually is quite picky, went for seconds, and I felt like I had just discovered a treasure. Since then, this recipe has secured its spot on our dinner table whenever we need a bit of comfort food, and I think you’re going to love it just as much as I do!
What’s in Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells?
Let’s break down the delicious stars of the show in this recipe:
Jumbo Pasta Shells: These sturdy pasta pockets are perfect for stuffing. They hold all that cheesy goodness, and their size makes them so satisfying!
Cooked Chicken: I like to use shredded rotisserie chicken for this recipe. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-flavorful!
Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen, broccoli packs in the nutrients and makes this dish a little healthier. Just steam and chop them up.
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese adds a delightful richness to the filling. It’s a must-have for that luscious texture!
Mozeralla Cheese: Who doesn’t love melted mozzarella? It brings that gooey, cheesy goodness to the top of the dish.
Parmesan Cheese: Adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan gives that nutty flavor. It really elevates the dish!
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These pantry staples give extra flavor without the hassle of chopping.
Salt & Pepper: Always essential for balancing the flavors.
Marinara Sauce: A warm, flavorful base that ties everything together. Be sure to use your favorite brand!
Fresh Parsley: Not only does it look pretty, but it adds a light, fresh touch to the finished dish.
Is Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells Good for You?
Absolutely! Well, in moderation, of course. This dish does offer some great benefits:
– **Protein-Packed**: Between the chicken and the cheeses, you’ll be getting a decent amount of protein, very important for muscle repair and overall health.
– **Vitamins from Broccoli**: Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, full of vitamins C and K, and contributes to your daily fiber intake too.
– **Calcium Source**: The ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan provide plenty of calcium, which is essential for strong bones.
But remember, with all that delicious cheese can come a bit of fat and calories, so enjoy in portions!
Ingredients
– 12 large jumbo pasta shells
– 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed and chopped
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
*Serves: 4-6*
How to Make Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells?
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). We want it nice and toasty for our cheesy creation.
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. We want them firm enough to hold the filling. Drain and set aside while they cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, chopped broccoli, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and the Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste, and mix until well combined.
4. Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a delightful base.
5. Stuff each jumbo shell generously with the chicken and broccoli mixture and arrange them in the baking dish.
6. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella on top. Because cheese!
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is all bubbly and slightly golden.
8. Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley to make it look extra inviting before serving. Time to dig in!
Cheesy Tips & Serving Suggestions!
– **Make it Vegetarian**: Swap out the chicken for sautéed spinach or mushrooms to keep it meatless but equally delicious!
– **Add More Vegetables**: Feel free to sneak in other veggies like carrots or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
– **Double the Sauce**: If you love your pasta saucy, go ahead and double the marinara; it works wonders.
– **Perfect for Meal Prep**: These stuffed shells also freeze beautifully, so make a big batch and have a comforting meal at the ready!
I really hope you get the chance to try out these Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Stuffed Shells. They’re perfect for cozy family dinners or just a night in all by yourself (you deserve it!). Once you make this recipe, I would love to hear your thoughts or any variations you decided to try. Happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy bite!
