Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Shells – A Creamy, Comforting Pasta Dish
When it comes to easy, cheesy comfort food, nothing beats a warm, creamy pasta bake. This Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Shells recipe is packed with tender shredded chicken, perfectly steamed broccoli, and a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce—all baked together for the ultimate cozy meal.
If you love chicken Alfredo, this dish takes it to the next level with cheddar, Parmesan, and pasta shells that hold all that creamy goodness in every bite. Plus, it’s quick to make, family-friendly, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Let’s get cooking and make this decadent, cheesy pasta dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Easy to Make – Just mix, layer, and bake!
✔️ Rich & Creamy – Alfredo sauce + cheddar + Parmesan = ultimate cheesy goodness.
✔️ Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters love this cheesy combo!
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Make it ahead and enjoy all week!
✔️ Customizable – Add extra veggies or swap the cheese for your favorites!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta Bake:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded – A great way to use up leftovers or rotisserie chicken!
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed – Adds a pop of color and nutrition.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated – For that melty, gooey texture.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated – Adds a bold, savory kick.
- 2 cups pasta shells, cooked – Perfect for trapping all the creamy sauce!
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce – The rich, creamy base of the dish.
- ½ cup milk – Helps make the sauce extra smooth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Simple but essential seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the garlic.
💡 Want to add a crispy topping? Sprinkle on some buttered breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers before baking!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Before you start assembling the dish, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the pasta bake cooks evenly and the cheese gets perfectly golden and bubbly.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
💡 Pro Tip: Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be lightly golden and aromatic!
Step 3: Add the Chicken & Broccoli
- To the same skillet, add the steamed broccoli and shredded chicken.
- Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir everything together for about 2 minutes, letting the flavors blend.
💡 Short on time? Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and frozen, steam-in-bag broccoli for quick prep!
Step 4: Combine with Alfredo Sauce
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Alfredo sauce and milk until smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta shells, followed by the chicken and broccoli mixture.
- Stir well to ensure the shells are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
💡 Want extra cheesiness? Stir in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella for even more gooey goodness!
Now that our cheesy, creamy pasta mixture is ready, it’s time to layer it in a baking dish, top it with even more cheese, and bake it to golden perfection!
This is the part where all the flavors melt together, creating a rich, cheesy pasta bake that’s absolutely irresistible. Let’s keep going!
Step 5: Layer the Pasta in a Baking Dish
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Pour half of the pasta mixture into the dish and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle with half of the cheddar and Parmesan cheese—this ensures every bite is extra cheesy!
- Add the remaining pasta mixture, spreading it out in an even layer.
💡 Pro Tip: Love extra cheesy bites? Stir half of the cheddar cheese into the pasta mixture before layering!
Step 6: Add the Final Cheese Layer
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta.
- Make sure the cheese covers the entire surface—this helps create that delicious, golden, bubbly crust.
💡 Want a crispy topping? Add ¼ cup of buttered breadcrumbs on top before baking!
Step 7: Bake Until Golden & Bubbly
- Place the baking dish in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is:
✔️ Melted and gooey.
✔️ Golden brown on top.
✔️ Bubbling around the edges.
💡 For an extra crispy, cheesy top, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes—just watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
Step 8: Let It Rest & Serve
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving.
- This helps the sauce thicken slightly, making each bite even creamier.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan for a finishing touch.
💡 Want to spice it up? Sprinkle a little red pepper flakes or black pepper on top before serving!
Our Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Shells is out of the oven—golden, bubbly, and absolutely irresistible! Now, let’s talk about how to store leftovers, reheat without losing creaminess, and customize this dish to fit your taste.
Whether you’re making this for a cozy family dinner or meal prep, this final section will answer your questions and give you creative ways to switch things up!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.
✔️ To prepare ahead: Assemble the pasta in a baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
✔️ To bake from the fridge: Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to let it come to room temperature, then bake as directed.
✔️ To freeze before baking: Assemble the dish, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
💡 Pro Tip: If baking from frozen, add 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time.
2. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
This dish stores and reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep!
✔️ Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔️ Freeze: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating Instructions:
- Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring occasionally, until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or Alfredo sauce to bring back the creaminess.
💡 Avoid microwaving too long at once—short bursts keep the pasta from drying out!
3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While shells are great for holding the sauce, you can easily swap them out for:
✔️ Penne – Holds sauce well and keeps its shape.
✔️ Rotini – Twists trap the cheesy sauce perfectly.
✔️ Fettuccine – Creates a more traditional Alfredo-style dish.
✔️ Gluten-free pasta – Works just as well for a GF-friendly meal.
4. What other cheeses can I use?
Cheddar and Parmesan give this dish its classic, rich flavor, but you can experiment with:
✔️ Mozzarella – Extra melty and creamy.
✔️ Gruyère – Adds a nutty, slightly sweet depth.
✔️ Colby Jack – Mild and smooth, great for kids.
✔️ Pepper Jack – For a little spicy kick!
💡 Mixing two or three cheeses creates even more depth of flavor!
5. How can I make this dish healthier?
You can lighten up this pasta while keeping it just as delicious:
✔️ Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for added fiber.
✔️ Swap Alfredo sauce for Greek yogurt or a light cheese sauce.
✔️ Add extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
✔️ Use grilled or roasted chicken breast instead of shredded rotisserie chicken.
💡 Want a lower-carb version? Swap the pasta for cauliflower or spaghetti squash!
Final Thoughts & Serving Suggestions
This Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Shells is everything you want in a comforting, creamy pasta bake—cheesy, rich, and packed with flavor! Whether you serve it as a weeknight dinner, a meal-prep option, or a crowd-pleasing casserole, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
Best Side Dishes to Serve With It:
🥗 Garlic Bread or Breadsticks – Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
🥦 Side Salad – A fresh contrast to the creamy pasta.
🥕 Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add a great balance.
I hope you love this easy, cheesy pasta bake! If you try it, let me know how you customized it or if you have a favorite cheesy combination.
Enjoy every creamy, cheesy, and delicious bite! 🍽️🧀
The Best Creamy Chicken Broccoli Shells Recipe for Comfort Food
This decadent Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Shells dish is rich, creamy, and packed with cheesy goodness. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta shells, and broccoli are smothered in a luscious Alfredo sauce and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a comforting family dinner!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups pasta shells, cooked
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté the garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3️⃣ Add the chicken & broccoli: Stir in the steamed broccoli and shredded chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well and remove from heat.
4️⃣ Prepare the sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together Alfredo sauce and milk. Add the cooked pasta shells and the chicken-broccoli mixture. Stir until well coated.
5️⃣ Layer the dish: Pour half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
6️⃣ Add the second layer: Pour the remaining pasta mixture on top, then sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.
7️⃣ Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8️⃣ Cool & serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
✔ Make it extra creamy: Add ¼ cup cream cheese for an even richer texture.
✔ Switch up the cheese: Try using mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
✔ Add a crispy topping: Sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking for a crunchy texture.
