Cheesy Chicken Shells

Cheesy Chicken Shells

Chicken, broccoli, and cheese-filled pasta shells topped with creamy homemade Alfredo sauce. It’s a dreamy, flavorful dinner!

Preparation Time

45 min

Cooking Time

30 min

Overall Time

75 min

Created By: Lili Clark

Category: Dinner

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: Fusion Italian

Output: 6 Serves (1)

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

1 box of large pasta shells.

1 cup of bite-sized broccoli pieces.

2 diced chicken breasts.

A stick of unsalted butter.

1 tablespoon of minced garlic.

16 ounces of heavy cream.

1/4 block of cream cheese.

1/4 cup of grated Parmesan.

1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan.

1 cup of shredded mozzarella.

1 tablespoon of garlic powder.

1 tablespoon of onion powder.

1 teaspoon of smoked paprika.

1 teaspoon of Italian herbs.

1 tablespoon of Sazon.

1 tablespoon of Creole spices.

A teaspoon of salt.

1 tablespoon of black pepper.

A drizzle of olive oil.

Steps

Coat the chicken pieces in oil and all the spices. Let it sit for at least half an hour.

Heat oil and some butter, cook the chicken for about 6 minutes. Take it out. Toss the broccoli in the same pan.

Melt butter, sauté the garlic briefly. Stir in cream and cream cheese till thickened, then season and mix in grated Parmesan.

Boil the pasta shells till slightly firm to the bite. Before draining, save half a cup of the cooking water.

Combine cooked chicken, broccoli, cheeses, and some sauce. Fill each shell with the mix.

Spread sauce across a baking dish. Place stuffed shells on top, cover with more sauce and cheese, then sprinkle Italian herbs.

Put it in the oven at 375°F for 15 minutes.

Tips

Let chicken soak in spices for extra taste.
Cooked shells should be firm, not mushy.
Prepare ahead and keep in the fridge to bake later.
Add reserved pasta water if the sauce gets too thick.
Handle the shells carefully—they’re delicate.

Required Tools

Large cooking pot.
Frying pan.
Oven-safe dish.
Bowls for mixing.

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.

Milk products (cheese, cream).
Gluten from the pasta.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.

Calories: 685
Fats: 48 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Proteins: 35 g

Lili Clark

Hi! I’m LiLi, a former kitchen disaster who learned to cook by documenting my grandmother’s recipes. I believe cooking should be accessible, sometimes messy, and always delicious. Join me as I share everything from family classics to weeknight emergencies!

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