Description
Bring bold Southern flavor to your dinner table with these Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells. Tender jumbo pasta shells are filled with a spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken and cheese mixture, then smothered in a rich, velvety cream sauce and baked to golden perfection. This hearty, comforting dish is ideal for busy weeknights or impressing guests without much effort. If you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, food ideas for family meals, or a quick baked pasta recipe, this one hits the spot every time. It also fits perfectly into your list of creamy chicken recipes, easy dinner favorites, and weeknight comfort meals.
Ingredients
20 jumbo pasta shells
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the jumbo shells in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, ricotta, cream cheese, half the mozzarella, parmesan, garlic, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Fill each shell generously with the chicken mixture. Set aside.
4. In a saucepan, heat heavy cream gently and stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning and a bit of garlic. Simmer briefly, then remove from heat.
5. Pour a layer of sauce in the base of a baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells on top.
6. Spoon the rest of the cream sauce over the shells and top with remaining mozzarella.
7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
You can swap ricotta with cottage cheese for a slightly lighter version.
For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños to the filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 stuffed shells
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg