Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Shells
Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Shells is a creamy and delicious casserole that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta shells enveloped in a rich cheese sauce. It's an easy, satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 strainer
- 1 large skillet
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 9x13 inch baking dish
- 1 spoon or spatula
- 1 set measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 8 oz large pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced Can substitute with rotisserie chicken to save time.
- 2 cups broccoli florets Fresh or frozen.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese About 8 oz.
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup Or homemade equivalent.
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- ½ cup breadcrumbs Optional, for topping.
- 1 tbsp olive oil Optional, for greasing.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the baking dish with olive oil if desired.
- Cook the pasta shells in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the broccoli florets and cook for about 3 minutes until bright green and tender. Drain and set aside alongside the pasta.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the diced chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and heated through.
- Gently fold in the cooked pasta shells and broccoli into the skillet until they are coated in the cheesy mixture. Remove from heat.
- Pour the chicken and broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs if using.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
You can substitute the chicken with rotisserie chicken to save time.
Feel free to use different types of cheese for added flavor, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Just add an extra few minutes to the baking time.