Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells

Today I am bringing you a new family favorite of ours that makes me think of all the comforts of childhood! Did anyone else eat broccoli cheddar soup all the time or was that just me?! This is what inspired my Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells!

Picture this: you’re in your kitchen, enveloped in the comforting smells of broccoli cheddar soup, but with a fun new twist! I’m always on the lookout for recipes that strike the perfect balance between flavor, convenience, and nutritional value. And let me tell you, this Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shell recipe ticks all the boxes!

Why You’ll love my Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells:

• It is the ultimate comfort food
• Each serving packs a whopping 42 grams of protein, making it a satisfying and nutritious choice
• It’s meal prep-friendly, so you can enjoy it throughout the week
• Both kids and adults will devour every last bite

With a generous amount of chicken breast, low-fat cottage cheese, part-skim ricotta cheese, and shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, this dish is packed with protein to help support muscle growth and repair. Protein also helps keep you feeling full and satisfied, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy weight or build muscle.

But protein isn’t the only nutrient this recipe has to offer. Thanks to the broccoli, you’ll also get a hefty dose of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Broccoli is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate, as well as fiber, which helps support digestive health and keep you feeling full for longer periods.

And let’s not forget about the pasta shells. While some people shy away from pasta due to its carbohydrate content, when enjoyed in moderation and as part of a balanced meal, pasta can be a nutritious source of energy.

And finally, let’s discuss flavor. With garlic, dried chives, dried basil, and grated Parmesan cheese, this dish is bursting with savory goodness. The addition of low-fat Campbell’s condensed broccoli soup adds creaminess and depth of flavor. Let me tell you, this Chicken, Broccoli and Cheese stuffed pasta shells is FULL of flavor!

Ready to get cooking? Here’s the Main Ingredients you’ll need:

For the full list of ingredients, check out the recipe card below! 

Let’s Break it Down Step-by-Step (A Visual Guide!)

1. Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente (about 10-12 minutes). Drain and set aside to cool.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cooked chicken breast, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, Half the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, chives, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

3. Spoon about 40g of the chicken and broccoli cheese mixture into each cooked pasta shell, filling them evenly. Arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish. If you have leftover filling, spoon it around stuffed shells. 

4. Prepare the broccoli soup: in a medium sized bowl add the 2 cans of condensed soup with 0.75 can of water and whisk together. Pour the prepared soup over the stuffed shells, covering them evenly and then top the dish with the remaining mozzarella

5. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown slightly, can also broil for 2-5 minutes.

7. Once done, remove the stuffed shells from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal prep option to enjoy throughout the week, this Broccoli Cheddar Shells recipe has got you covered. It’s macro-friendly, packed with protein and fiber, and bursting with flavor—all the things busy individuals like us look for in a meal.

Recipe Notes & Modifications

• Can use canned chunked chicken breast (I like using costcos!) to save time 
• For broccoli, I like buying frozen and then steaming in the bag prior to chopping
• You can sub light mozzarella for light double cheddar or do half of each
• You can use full fat broccoli and cheddar soup, please adjust the macros if you do so
• If you are making this as meal prep, I love making it in baking dishes from amazon as they come with a lid and make storage easy! 

Hungry for more dinner inspiration similar to the Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells?

Be sure to explore the recipes below:

One-Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

Arugula Chicken Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear from you! Rate the recipe, leave a comment, or tag me on Instagram @thebalancedbitefoodie so I can see your delicious creations.

Now, let’s get cooking!