Description
This Cheesy Chicken Shells — The Ultimate Creamy, Comforting Pasta Bake is a warm, family-style dish that brings creamy satisfaction to your dinner table. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, make-ahead meal prep, or freezer-friendly dinners, this easy recipe is packed with tender chicken, broccoli, and rich cheese in every stuffed shell. A must-try for those looking for cozy dinner ideas, this hearty comfort food is both flavorful and filling — the kind of dish that has everyone coming back for seconds. It’s a fantastic food idea if you’re searching for easy pasta recipes, healthy-ish comfort meals, or simply delicious dinner ideas that please the whole family.
Ingredients
20 jumbo pasta shells
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 1/2 cups steamed broccoli, finely chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups Alfredo sauce
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 8–9 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, broccoli, ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, 3/4 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan. Add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour 1 cup Alfredo sauce into the base.
4. Spoon the chicken mixture into each pasta shell. Arrange stuffed shells in the baking dish.
5. Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the top. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and extra Parmesan if desired.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
7. Let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Slightly undercook pasta so it doesn’t turn mushy during baking.
Ensure cream cheese is fully softened before mixing for a smooth filling.
Leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American/Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg