Cheese-Broccoli Stuffed Pasta
Creamy cheese and broccoli stuffed pasta features tender giant shells filled with a cheesy, savory mixture, perfect for comforting family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook pasta in boiling water for 15 minutes or until done. Rinse with cold water.
- Drain well and set aside.
- Cook broccoli as directed on package. Chop finely and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add chopped green onions and cook until softened.
- Add chopped mushrooms and cook until tender.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk and whipping cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Fold in cooked broccoli.
- Stuff the cooked pasta shells with the cheese-broccoli mixture.
- Place stuffed shells in a baking dish, top with additional cheese if desired, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, consider adding garlic or a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce. If you're short on time, you can substitute fresh broccoli with thawed frozen broccoli, although fresh offers a better texture. You can also swap Swiss cheese with Cheddar for a sharper taste or use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version. This dish is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cheese-Broccoli Stuffed Pasta as a delightful main dish, ideally alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Dell'S Salad for a refreshing contrast. For an elegant touch, you can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for about 2-3 minutes, checking for warmth.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese-Broccoli Stuffed Pasta contains roughly 1356 calories, with 31g protein, 171g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (109% of the Daily Value), iron (91% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (75% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2075mg per serving (90% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells in advance and store them in the refrigerator before baking. To do this, assemble the dish up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of giant shell pasta?
If giant shell pasta isn't available, consider using other pasta shapes such as manicotti or even jumbo rigatoni. These alternatives can also hold the cheese-broccoli filling well, ensuring you still enjoy the creamy and cheesy experience of this dish.
Can I freeze the stuffed pasta?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled stuffed shells before baking. Layer them in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual. This makes for a convenient meal option any day.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).