Description
Creamy Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Shells is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor. This easy, one-pot pasta dish combines tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and creamy cheddar-Parmesan sauce over pasta shells, making it a delicious and satisfying meal for the whole family.
With simple ingredients and a quick cooking process, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s also versatile, allowing for substitutions like different cheeses, protein options, or added vegetables to customize the recipe to your taste. Whether you’re meal-prepping or making dinner on the fly, this cheesy pasta recipe is guaranteed to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 12 oz medium pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the chopped broccoli. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute until lightly golden.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the sauce. Stir until everything is well coated.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
✅ Use Freshly Shredded Cheese – Pre-packaged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Always shred cheese fresh for a smooth, velvety sauce.
✅ Don’t Overheat the Cheese Sauce – Keep the heat low when adding cheese to prevent separation or curdling.
✅ Cooking Broccoli with Pasta Saves Time – Add broccoli florets in the last 1–2 minutes of pasta cooking for perfect tenderness.
✅ Customize with Different Proteins – Swap chicken for ground turkey, shrimp, or tofu for a new twist.
✅ Reheat with a Splash of Milk – If leftovers become too thick, stir in milk or broth while reheating to bring back the creamy texture.
✅ Make It a One-Pot Meal – Cook everything in a single pot to reduce cleanup time. Check out these one-pot dinner ideas for more inspiration!
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min