Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells

If you’re craving a dish that blends bold flavors with creamy comfort, Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells is the perfect recipe to satisfy your appetite. This dish combines tender jumbo pasta shells filled with a spicy Cajun chicken and cheese mixture, all smothered in a rich, velvety Cajun cream sauce. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, feeding your family, or looking for an indulgent weekend meal, this recipe will become a household favorite. Let’s dive deep into this mouthwatering experience that will leave your taste buds dancing.

What Makes Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells So Irresistible?

It’s all in the layers of flavor. You get the savory depth from the Cajun seasoning, the creaminess from the cheeses and sauce, and the satisfying bite from the perfectly cooked jumbo pasta shells. This dish is both comforting and exciting, with just enough spice to make it stand out without overwhelming the palate.

At its core, this recipe is an elevated pasta bake. But instead of a traditional Italian flavor profile, we’re adding a Southern twist with robust Cajun flavors. This fusion brings together the best of both worlds and transforms a simple pasta dinner into a gourmet experience.

Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious dish from scratch:

For the Shells and Filling:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (leftovers or rotisserie chicken work well)
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Cajun Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Jumbo Pasta Shells

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your jumbo pasta shells and cook them according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Drain them and lay them on a baking sheet or dish so they don’t stick together. Let them cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Chicken Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Cajun seasoning, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and egg. Mix everything together until fully combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

3. Make the Cajun Cream Sauce

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously to create a roux. Cook for another minute, then gradually whisk in the heavy cream. Allow it to simmer gently until it thickens slightly—about 3 to 4 minutes.

Once thickened, stir in the Parmesan cheese and Cajun seasoning. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce should be smooth, creamy, and flavorful with a touch of heat.

4. Assemble the Stuffed Shells

Take each cooled shell and spoon in the prepared chicken mixture. Fill each shell generously but don’t overstuff. Arrange the filled shells snugly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

5. Pour and Bake

Pour the prepared Cajun cream sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 5–10 minutes until the top is bubbly and slightly golden.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once baked, let the dish rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy the rich flavors of your Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells.

Recipe Variations and Creative Twists

Want to switch things up? Try these creative ideas:

• Add vegetables like sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the filling for extra nutrients.
• Use Italian sausage or shrimp instead of chicken for a different protein punch.
• Make it spicier with an extra dash of Cajun seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• For a smoky twist, add smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells is great for leftovers:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, prepare as directed but don’t bake—wrap tightly and freeze. To cook, thaw overnight and bake as directed.
• Reheat in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce from drying out.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~520
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Calcium: 20% DV
• Iron: 10% DV

These values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQs About Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells

Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the stuffed shells and refrigerate them up to 24 hours in advance. Bake just before serving.

Q2: What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese or mascarpone are good alternatives to ricotta in the filling.

Q3: Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat from the Cajun seasoning. You can adjust the spice level by using less or more seasoning.

Q4: Can I use pre-cooked pasta shells?
Yes, just be sure not to overcook them initially, as they’ll continue to cook during baking.

Q5: How do I keep the sauce from separating when reheating?
Add a splash of cream or milk when reheating in the microwave or on the stovetop to maintain creaminess.

Q6: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta shells and substitute the flour in the sauce with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch.

Conclusion

When it comes to comfort food with a kick, Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells is a true winner. It’s creamy, flavorful, cheesy, and just the right amount of spicy to satisfy all your cravings. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or impressing guests with something a little different from the usual pasta fare.

With bold Cajun flavor, a luscious creamy sauce, and satisfying chicken-packed shells, this dish truly earns its place as a standout dinner option. Don’t wait—make it tonight and watch it become your new favorite. Whether you’re enjoying leftovers or baking it fresh, this is a meal worth savoring again and again.

So go ahead, print this out, pin it, bookmark it—whatever it takes to keep Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells on regular rotation in your kitchen!

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