Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or finely chopped; 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste); 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp chopped parsley; Salt & pepper to taste; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Cajun seasoning; Salt & pepper, to taste; A pinch of smoked paprika (optional); 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (for topping); 20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente; Fresh parsley or chopped green onions (for garnish)

Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells combine the rich heartiness of comfort food with a kick of Southern-style spice. Stuffed with tender chicken, ricotta, and mozzarella, and smothered in a velvety Cajun cream sauce, these pasta shells are a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re hosting dinner guests or just feeding your family, this dish brings a restaurant-quality experience straight to your home.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or finely chopped
1 tsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp chopped parsley
Salt & pepper to taste

For the Cajun Cream Sauce:

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
Salt & pepper, to taste
A pinch of smoked paprika (optional)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)

For Assembly:

20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente
Fresh parsley or chopped green onions (for garnish)

Preparation

Step 1: Cook the jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Cajun seasoning, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully blended.

Step 3: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.

Step 4: Gradually whisk in the heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika (if using), and season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the Cajun cream sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 6: Stuff each pasta shell with the chicken filling and arrange them in the baking dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the shells and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella.

Step 7: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Variation

Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with spinach and mushrooms.
Seafood Twist: Use cooked shrimp or crab meat instead of chicken for a Cajun seafood version.

COOKING Note

Don’t overcook the pasta shells initially; they will continue to cook while baking and you want them to hold their shape.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables. A chilled glass of white wine or iced tea pairs beautifully.

Tips

Use rotisserie chicken for faster prep.
For extra richness, add a spoonful of cream cheese to the filling.
Make ahead and refrigerate or freeze before baking.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 470
Protein: 28g
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 690mg

FAQs

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can fully assemble the dish and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes, prepare and assemble the dish, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.

Q: What can I use instead of ricotta?
A: Cottage cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream can work in a pinch.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells are bold, flavorful, and endlessly comforting. The spicy chicken filling, rich cream sauce, and cheesy topping create a dish that’s hard to resist. Whether for a family meal or a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress and become a new favorite in your rotation. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked on its creamy, zesty magic!