Description
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.
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)
Instructions
- 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!
Notes
This recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
If you prefer a spicier version, add cayenne pepper or use a spicy marinara sauce.
You can freeze the shells before or after baking for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cover them tightly with foil.
Pair this dish with a fresh green salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
