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Easy Chicken Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Shells Baked Dinner

These Easy Chicken Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food—perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or freezer-friendly meals. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a creamy mixture of shredded chicken, chopped broccoli, and three cheeses (ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan), then baked in a rich marinara sauce until bubbly and golden. This crowd-pleasing recipe is easy to prepare and completely customizable for your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

For the filling:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 ½ cups steamed broccoli, finely chopped
  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

For the pasta and sauce:

  • 20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, chopped broccoli, ricotta, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated.

Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Stuff each cooked shell with the chicken and broccoli mixture and place them in the baking dish, open side up.

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.

Sprinkle the top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve hot.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: Assemble the entire dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze unbaked for up to 3 months.

  • Substitutions: Use any melty cheese blend, swap marinara for Alfredo, or make vegetarian by skipping the chicken.

  • Serving Suggestion: Pair with a green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

  • Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer.

  • Reheating Tip: Always cover with foil when reheating to prevent the shells from drying out.