Introduction: Why This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Shells Recipe Works
When it comes to easy weeknight dinners that check every box — creamy, comforting, packed with flavor, and ready in under an hour — few dishes deliver like this cheesy chicken and broccoli pasta shells recipe. Combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and melty cheddar cheese in a rich cream sauce, this dish is hearty enough to satisfy the whole family and simple enough to make on a busy night.
The magic of this recipe lies in its balance of flavor and convenience. Using medium pasta shells ensures that every bite holds a scoop of creamy sauce, chicken, and veggie goodness. Plus, the combination of cheddar and Parmesan cheese creates a deeply savory sauce that feels indulgent without being overwhelming. If you’re interested in why certain pasta shapes work better for creamy dishes, this overview of pasta types explains how shapes like shells capture sauce more effectively.
Unlike dry casseroles or overly complicated baked dishes, this one-pan meal stays moist and creamy thanks to the roux-based cheese sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and cream. If you’re unfamiliar with how a roux thickens sauces, Wikipedia’s article on roux offers a great explanation. This classic technique, paired with quality cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan, creates a sauce that coats every ingredient beautifully.
If you’re looking for more inspiration for dishes like this, check out these easy cheesy pasta dinners that pair well with chicken and veggies. This recipe not only uses common pantry ingredients, but it’s also easy to customize — making it a reliable go-to whether you’re meal prepping, using up leftovers, or feeding a crowd.
What Makes Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Shells So Satisfying
There’s a reason cheesy chicken and broccoli shells have become a staple in home kitchens — they combine comfort and nutrition in every forkful. This dish layers creamy cheese sauce with tender pasta shells, juicy chicken breast, and crisp broccoli florets, creating a satisfying contrast of textures. It’s the kind of recipe that brings together everything families love: warmth, richness, and a hint of freshness.
The flavor balance is what really makes this recipe shine. Cheddar cheese offers sharpness, while Parmesan brings a salty, nutty kick that complements the mild chicken and earthy broccoli. The cream base, made with a butter-flour roux and a blend of milk and heavy cream, gives the sauce a silky texture that clings to each shell. These flavor combinations make it not just filling but crave-worthy. For more ideas on how to pair flavors and textures in family meals, check out these quick weeknight dinner recipes.
Another reason this dish is so popular is its balance of protein, carbs, and vegetables — a complete meal in one pan. Incorporating broccoli adds fiber, color, and crunch. Learn more about the health benefits of broccoli here. Whether served on a weekday or meal prepped for later, this pasta dish consistently delivers both comfort and convenience.
Ingredient Breakdown and Their Function
Each ingredient in this cheesy pasta recipe plays a key role in building flavor, texture, and satisfaction:
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Medium Pasta Shells (12 oz)
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Ideal shape for holding cheese sauce and hearty add-ins. Read more on pasta shapes here.
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Cooked Chicken Breast (2 cups, shredded or diced)
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Adds lean protein and absorbs flavor from the sauce.
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Broccoli Florets (2 cups, steamed or blanched)
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Provides crunch, color, and nutrition. See broccoli’s benefits.
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Butter (2 tbsp) + All-Purpose Flour (2 tbsp)
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Combined to create a classic roux that thickens the sauce. Learn more about how this works here.
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Milk (2 cups) + Heavy Cream (1 cup)
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Form the creamy base, balancing richness and pourable consistency.
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Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded)
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Sharp and melty, creates a bold cheese flavor. Cheddar cheese properties.
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Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, grated)
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Adds saltiness and umami. Find more on Parmesan uses.
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Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp) + Onion Powder (1/4 tsp)
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Add subtle depth and seasoning to balance the richness. Learn more about garlic powder.
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Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
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Final flavor tuning — crucial in any cheese-based dish.
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For additional inspiration, check out these family-friendly pasta bake ideas to customize your own version.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
This chicken and broccoli pasta shells recipe is simple to prepare in just a few steps:
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Cook the Pasta Shells:
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Boil in salted water until al dente, according to package instructions.
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Drain and set aside.
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Make the Cheese Sauce:
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In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
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Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden.
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Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Stir continuously for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
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Add Seasoning and Cheese:
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Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Reduce heat to low and add cheddar and Parmesan cheeses.
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Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
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Incorporate Chicken and Broccoli:
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Fold in cooked chicken and steamed broccoli.
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Stir to coat evenly with sauce.
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Mix with Pasta and Serve:
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Add pasta shells to the pan and mix gently.
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Serve warm, garnished with more cheese or fresh parsley if desired.
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Looking for visual examples? Explore these chicken broccoli pasta recipes for presentation and serving ideas.
Customizations and Flavor Variations
This recipe is endlessly adaptable to your pantry, preferences, and dietary needs:
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Add-Ins:
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Sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, spinach, or peas
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Protein Swaps:
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Use rotisserie chicken, leftover turkey, or ground chicken
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Spice It Up:
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Add red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, or a dash of hot sauce
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Gluten-Free Option:
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Substitute gluten-free pasta and use a GF flour for the roux
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Dairy-Free Version:
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Use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheeses for a creamy but lactose-free dish
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Need more adaptable dinner options? Browse easy cheesy pasta dinners for ideas to fit your diet and taste.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Shells
This dish is filling on its own, but thoughtful sides and presentation can make it shine:
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Pair with:
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Garlic bread, cheesy toast, or herb focaccia
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Crisp green salad with balsamic or lemon vinaigrette
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Garnish Ideas:
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Fresh parsley or basil
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Extra grated Parmesan
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A sprinkle of crushed red pepper for heat
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Make it a Casserole:
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Transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and cheese
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Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until golden
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For more full meal inspirations, explore quick weeknight dinner recipes designed for families.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating
Keep your leftovers tasting fresh and creamy with these tips:
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Refrigeration:
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Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk or broth.
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Freezing:
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Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers.
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Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheating Tips:
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Stir frequently while reheating to maintain smoothness.
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Add fresh cheese or a touch of cream if the sauce thickens too much.
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Avoid mushy pasta by undercooking shells slightly if planning to freeze. For more make-ahead comfort food options, check these family pasta ideas.
Nutrition Facts & Lightened-Up Alternatives
Estimated Nutrition (per serving, serves 6):
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Calories: 480–530
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Protein: 32g
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Fat: 28g
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Carbs: 32g
Lightened Options:
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Use low-fat milk and half the cream
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Choose reduced-fat cheese
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Bulk with extra broccoli or cauliflower instead of extra pasta
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Replace half the pasta with spiralized zucchini or roasted vegetables
Want to explore more nutritious swaps? See cheddar cheese properties and how to choose lower-fat versions.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes. Just thaw and drain it well before adding to avoid excess water in the sauce.
Q2: Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely. Penne, rotini, elbows, or rigatoni all work well with this creamy sauce.
Q3: How do I keep the sauce from getting grainy?
Use low heat when adding cheese and stir continuously. Avoid boiling after cheese is added to preserve smoothness.
Q4: Can I turn this into a baked pasta dish?
Yes. Transfer everything to a greased baking dish, top with extra cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.
Q5: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk with 1 tablespoon of flour can be used as a substitute. It won’t be quite as rich but still creamy.
Easy Jumbo Pasta Shells Recipe with Chicken and Fresh Broccoli
Description
These cheesy chicken broccoli pasta shells are a creamy, comforting weeknight dinner made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce — all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta shells for a one-pan family favorite.
Ingredients
12 oz medium pasta shells
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
2 cups broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to make a roux.
Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Add the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine.
Fold in the cooked pasta shells and mix until everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
Serve warm. Optionally, garnish with more cheese or fresh parsley.
Notes
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Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness
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Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut
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Fresh broccoli is best, but frozen works with proper draining
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Cheese should be added off the heat to avoid curdling
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Great for leftovers — the sauce reheats beautifully
