If you love traditional stuffed shells, then you will love these Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Shells in Tomato Cream Sauce. This filling chicken and broccoli dinner recipe is the perfect winter comfort food.
Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Shells in Tomato Cream Sauce is an incredible comfort food recipe. Stuffed shells are one of my absolute favorite foods and the addition of chicken and broccoli make the ricotta stuffed shells an even more well rounded dinner.
Chicken and broccoli go so well together. It is one of those classic combinations that always seems to work! In fact, the very first recipe that I ever posted on this blog is our favorite Chicken and Broccoli Pasta in Garlic and Oil. Head over to the post to see some really terrible photos 🙂 The addition of juicy chicken breasts and tender broccoli to my classic ricotta filling came out so well. I use three types of cheese in my stuffed shell filling which adds to the texture and the flavor! You could really lighten up this recipe too if you are looking for a healthy comfort food meal. Use part skim ricotta and mozzarella and then really bulk up the chicken and broccoli!
How to make Tomato Cream Sauce
Tomato cream sauce sounds fancy but it is really easy. I took my easy weeknight marinara sauce recipe and added a cup of half and half to it! For an even easier meal, you could use store bought marinara and then just add the cream and let simmer for a little while. You can whatever type of cream you like, heavy cream, light cream, or half and half, depending on what you have in your fridge! You could even use whole milk if that’s all you have on hand.
How to Make Stuffed Shells
I really wish I had an easy pasta shell filling method for you, but after trying numerous methods, using a small teaspoon is definitely the best way. It is still messy and time consuming, but I am yet to find am easier method!
More Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes
Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Chili
One Pan Garlic Chicken and Rice
Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Shells in Tomato Cream Sauce
These Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Shells are a delicious, cheesy comfort food dinner that you will make again and again!
Ingredients
- 1 box jumbo shells cooked 3 minutes shy of box instructions
For the filling:
- 2 lbs ricotta cheese
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 chicken breasts cooked and diced
- 12 oz. bag of steamed broccoli
- 2 eggs
- salt pepper, garlic powder to taste
For the sauce:
- 3 cups store bought or homemade marinara sauce
- 1 cup half and half or cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
Instructions
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To make sauce: (can be made ahead of time) add marinara sauce to a saucepan over medium heat. Add the cream and stir well. Let simmer 15-30 minutes.
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In a 9 by 13 pan, add a layer of sauce to the bottom of your pan to prevent sticking.
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Set cooked shells aside to cool. In a mixing bowl, add all the filling ingredients except for the eggs. Mix well to combine. Taste and add seasonings as desired.
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Once seasoned, add eggs and mix well. Add about 2 heaping tablespoons of filling to each shell. Place in casserole dish seam side up. Repeat until all are full. Top with additional sauce.
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Cover with aluminum foil and place in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and then bake for an additional 15 minutes.
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Let sit for 10 minutes after removing from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil and parmesan cheese.
Looking for more comfort food recipes?
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Creamy Jalapeño Queso Chicken Enchiladas
Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Meatballs
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