Pasta Shells With Chicken And Broccoli
Creamy pasta shells combined with tender chicken and crisp broccoli create a flavorful, satisfying dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, heat salad oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped broccoli, chopped onion, julienned carrot, and minced garlic; sauté until tender-crisp, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in sliced cooked chicken, diced tomatoes, and salt.
- Heat through, about 3 minutes.
- Serve over cooked pasta shells.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken makes a great substitute for the cooked chicken. You can also swap the broccoli for other vegetables like spinach or zucchini, which work well in this dish. This recipe is versatile and can easily be adapted to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, serve the pasta shells with a side salad or garlic bread. A light vinaigrette pairs well, enhancing the freshness of the broccoli. You might also enjoy this dish with a glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the flavors beautifully. For more chicken recipes, browse through our collection for additional ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help revive the dish. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Shells With Chicken And Broccoli contains roughly 590 calories, with 23g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (133% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (94% of the Daily Value), and potassium (62% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2055mg per serving (89% 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 use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used as a convenient substitute. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the skillet, as excess moisture can affect the final dish's texture. Cooking time may also be slightly shorter, so keep an eye on it while sautéing.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Both will add a nice depth of flavor to the dish. Alternatively, a blend of mozzarella and cheddar can also work if you prefer a creamier finish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, cook the pasta shells and combine everything in a skillet to heat through. This makes for a quick weeknight meal without sacrificing flavor.
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).