Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells are a delicious blend of spicy Cajun flavors and creamy cheese-filled pasta, baked to golden perfection. This comforting dish is perfect for cozy dinners and makes great leftovers, too.
Ingredients
20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Boil pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
3. In a bowl, mix chicken, cream cheese, ricotta, half the mozzarella, Cajun seasoning, sautéed garlic and onion, and parsley.
4. Stuff each pasta shell with the filling and arrange them in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
5. In the same skillet, add heavy cream, remaining Cajun seasoning, and parmesan cheese. Simmer until slightly thickened.
6. Pour sauce over the shells and top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
7. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
8. Garnish with extra parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Don’t overboil the pasta shells or they’ll tear during stuffing — aim for firm al dente.
For extra flavor, sear the chicken with Cajun seasoning before shredding.
Let the dish rest 5 minutes after baking for the sauce to thicken and set.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 4 shells)
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: creamy cajun chicken shells, stuffed shells, chicken pasta, cheesy baked pasta