Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 20 jumbo pasta shells; 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup marinara sauce; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

These Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells are a comforting and bold dish that combines tender, spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken with a rich, creamy cheese blend, all tucked inside jumbo pasta shells and baked in a savory marinara sauce. It’s an explosion of flavors in every bite, perfect for a hearty dinner the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love how these stuffed shells strike the perfect balance of comfort food and exciting flavors. The Cajun seasoning brings a delightful kick to the shredded chicken, while the creamy cheese mixture adds a rich, indulgent texture. The marinara sauce ties it all together beautifully, creating a dish that’s savory, cheesy, and bold. Plus, the best part is that it’s baked to golden perfection, making every bite irresistibly delicious. It’s the kind of dish that’s sure to impress at any dinner table!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

20 jumbo pasta shells

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 cup ricotta cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup marinara sauce

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set them aside.

In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with Cajun seasoning, ensuring it’s evenly coated with the spice.

In another bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, half of the grated Parmesan, cream cheese, and minced garlic. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

Gently fold the Cajun-seasoned chicken into the cheese mixture until well combined.

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.

Stuff each cooked pasta shell generously with the Cajun chicken and cheese mixture, and then arrange the shells in the baking dish.

In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil and add the remaining marinara sauce and heavy cream. Stir until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened. Pour this creamy sauce over the stuffed shells.

Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Storage/Reheating

I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The stuffed shells keep well for about 3-4 days. When it’s time to reheat, I like to do so in the oven for the best results. Just cover the dish with foil and heat it at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until it’s heated through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, though the oven method gives a slightly better texture.

Related Recipes:

Italian Stuffed Shells

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of jumbo shells?

Yes, if you can’t find jumbo shells, you can use manicotti or any other large pasta that can be stuffed.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you like things extra spicy, you can increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture. You could also use a spicy marinara sauce for added heat.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the stuffed shells and assemble everything up to a day in advance. Just cover the dish with foil and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What can I serve with these stuffed shells?

I love pairing these Cajun chicken stuffed shells with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread to complete the meal. A side of roasted vegetables also works great!

Can I freeze the stuffed shells?

Yes, you can freeze these shells before or after baking. If freezing before baking, just cover the dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed. If freezing after baking, wrap the dish tightly and store it in the freezer. To reheat, thaw and bake as usual.

Conclusion

These Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells are an absolute flavor explosion! The combination of Cajun seasoning, creamy cheeses, and marinara sauce makes for a dish that is as comforting as it is exciting. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or even a special occasion. Give it a try—I’m sure it will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!

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