Craving a dish that’s rich, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make? Look no further than this delightful Creamy Broccoli Chicken Shells and Cheese. It’s a complete meal in one pot, brimming with tender pasta shells, succulent chicken, fresh broccoli, and a luscious homemade cheese sauce that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers maximum comfort with minimal fuss, making it a favorite for both busy parents and picky eaters.

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Creamy Broccoli Chicken Shells and Cheese: Your New Go-To Comfort Food

Imagine a culinary embrace, a warm hug from the inside out – that’s precisely the experience this Creamy Broccoli Chicken Shells and Cheese delivers. Forget elaborate gourmet meals; sometimes, the simplest combinations create the most profound satisfaction. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a testament to the power of well-loved ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. It’s a celebration of tender pasta, savory chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, all swimming in a velvety blanket of cheesy goodness.

Don’t you just want to dive right in and savor every single forkful? It’s truly an irresistible sight and an even more irresistible taste.

Why This Dish Will Become a Family Favorite

If comfort food had a definitive entry in the dictionary, this Creamy Broccoli Chicken Shells and Cheese would undoubtedly be a strong contender. It effortlessly combines the universally adored flavors of macaroni and cheese with wholesome additions, elevating it to a truly balanced and fulfilling meal. Soft pasta shells provide the perfect vehicle for the rich sauce, while bites of tender chicken breast add protein and substance. The vibrant broccoli florets not only introduce a touch of freshness and essential nutrients but also a delightful textural contrast. Every spoonful is a symphony of flavors and textures that will please even the most discerning palates.

What makes this dish truly special is its universal appeal. It’s robust enough for adult palates yet mild and familiar enough for children, making it an ideal choice for family dinners. You’ll find it incredibly satisfying to watch your loved ones enthusiastically enjoy a meal that’s both delicious and secretly nutritious. Its simplicity means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more quality time around the table, creating cherished memories.

The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner Solution

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding time to prepare a homemade meal that’s both nourishing and enjoyable can be a challenge. This Creamy Broccoli Chicken Shells and Cheese recipe shines as a beacon of convenience and flavor. It requires minimal preparation, utilizes readily available ingredients, and comes together relatively quickly, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights. Forget the takeout menus; with just a few simple steps, you can create a wholesome, comforting meal that’s far superior in taste and quality.

Beyond its ease, this dish offers incredible versatility. You can adapt it to suit your family’s preferences, adding different vegetables or cheeses as desired. And the best part? It yields fantastic leftovers! Imagine the joy of having a delicious, pre-made lunch waiting for you the next day, saving you even more time and effort. This meal truly delivers on all fronts: taste, convenience, and satisfaction.

Crafting the Perfect Creamy Broccoli Chicken Shells and Cheese

Creating this delightful dish is a straightforward process, broken down into a few easy steps. The key to its success lies in building a flavorful cheese sauce from scratch, which is surprisingly simple and far more rewarding than using pre-made alternatives. Follow along to unlock the secrets to a truly unforgettable creamy pasta experience.

Creamy Broccoli Chicken Shells and Cheese

Yield:
5 Servings

Overall Rating: 4.6 Stars (8 Reviews)

Ingredients

For the Dish:

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces
3 1/4 cups (approximately 9 oz.) dry shells pasta
12 oz. broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
2 1/2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk (whole or 2% for best creaminess)
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups (approximately 8 oz.) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/3 cup (approximately 1 oz.) shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Cook chicken breasts using your preferred method (boiling, baking, or pan-frying). Once cooked through, allow to cool slightly, then cut into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the shells pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. During the last 3-4 minutes of pasta cooking time, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta. This ensures the broccoli is crisp-tender. Drain the pasta and broccoli thoroughly using a colander and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same large pot (wiped clean), melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour. Cook this mixture, stirring constantly with a whisk, for about 1 minute. This creates a roux, which is essential for thickening the sauce. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth, ensuring no lumps remain. Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and continue to cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it comes to a gentle boil and visibly thickens. Remove the pot from the heat immediately. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese until they are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine and Serve: Add the drained pasta, broccoli, and cooked chicken pieces back into the pot with the cheese sauce. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated in the rich, creamy sauce. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy every delicious bite!

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Tips for Perfection and Delicious Variations

To ensure your Creamy Broccoli Chicken Shells and Cheese turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

Al Dente Pasta: Don’t overcook your pasta! It will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot sauce. Al dente pasta provides the best texture and prevents the dish from becoming mushy.
Crisp-Tender Broccoli: Adding the broccoli during the last few minutes of pasta cooking ensures it’s perfectly cooked—bright green and tender but still with a slight bite. If you prefer softer broccoli, add it a minute or two earlier.
Smooth Sauce is Key: Whisking the flour into the melted butter (the roux) thoroughly, then gradually adding the milk while whisking vigorously, will prevent lumps in your cheese sauce. Patience here pays off!
Freshly Grated Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and yields a superior creamy texture because it lacks the anti-caking agents found in packaged varieties.
Season to Taste: Always taste your sauce before combining everything. Adjust salt, pepper, and even the garlic and onion powder to your preference. A pinch of nutmeg can also enhance the cheese flavor.

Flavorful Additions and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to experiment with these variations:

Different Cheeses: Try a blend of Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick.
Protein Swaps: Leftover rotisserie chicken works beautifully for an even quicker meal. You could also use cooked turkey or ham. For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add extra vegetables or white beans.
Vegetable Boost: Add peas, chopped carrots, spinach (stir in at the end until wilted), or even mushrooms for more nutrition and flavor.
Spice It Up: A dash of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper in the cheese sauce can add a subtle warmth.
Herbs: Fresh parsley or chives, sprinkled on top before serving, add a lovely fresh aroma and flavor.

Making Ahead and Storing Leftovers

One of the many advantages of Creamy Broccoli Chicken Shells and Cheese is its versatility for meal prep. While it’s best enjoyed fresh, it also makes fantastic leftovers.

Making Ahead: You can cook the chicken and broccoli a day or two in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply prepare the pasta and sauce, then combine everything.
Storage: Allow any leftover dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Reheating: When reheating, the sauce might thicken. To restore its creaminess, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the dish and heat gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently, or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

This hearty dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can easily elevate it with simple accompaniments:

Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy cheese sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted asparagus or green beans can add extra texture and nutrients.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a comforting end to a long day, this Creamy Broccoli Chicken Shells and Cheese delivers on every promise. It’s a dish that brings people together, nourishes the body, and soothes the soul. Gather your ingredients, prepare to be amazed, and watch this recipe become a cherished staple in your home.