Looking for a bold, savory dinner that will wow your family? Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells combine creamy cheese, tender chicken, and zesty Cajun seasoning in a hearty pasta dish. Perfect for weeknight meals or special gatherings, this recipe is as impressive as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this dish, gather fresh and pantry staples:
Meat
- 2 cups cooked chicken
Produce
- 2 cloves garlic
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Canned Goods
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
Pasta & Grains
- 24 jumbo pasta shells
Baking & Spices
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Oils & Vinegars
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Dairy
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add cooked chicken and Cajun seasoning, stirring to coat evenly.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, cream cheese, heavy cream, and half of the mozzarella.
- Combine chicken mixture with cheese filling.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the creamy chicken mixture.
- Pour marinara sauce in a baking dish and arrange stuffed shells inside.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Cajun Chicken Shells
- Use freshly cooked chicken for the best flavor.
- Don’t overfill shells; it ensures even cooking.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells with:
- Garlic bread or a fresh baguette
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables for a balanced meal
This dish pairs perfectly with a chilled white wine or sparkling water.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and simple for busy nights.
- Creamy, cheesy, and full of bold Cajun flavors.
- Easily adaptable for family preferences.
- Can be made ahead and baked when ready to serve.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Sugar: 6 g
Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells for a Flavor-Packed Dinner
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells are packed with tender chicken, rich cheese, and bold Cajun flavors. Perfect for dinner!
Ingredients
12 jumbo pasta shells
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning
4 oz cream cheese
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp chopped green onions
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook shells until al dente, then drain.
2. Heat oil in a skillet and sauté garlic.
3. Add chicken and Cajun seasoning; mix well.
4. Stir in cream cheese and half the heavy cream until creamy.
5. Add half the mozzarella and green onions.
6. Prepare sauce with remaining cream, Parmesan, and seasoning.
7. Stuff shells with chicken mixture and place in baking dish.
8. Cover with sauce and remaining cheese.
9. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.
10. Garnish and serve warm.
Notes
Use leftover chicken for convenience.
Adjust spice by adding more or less Cajun seasoning.
Store leftovers up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
