Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells
These Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells are a delightful blend of tender pasta, savory chicken, and a rich, spicy cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner, they are sure to impress with their bold flavors and creamy texture.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 baking dish (9x13 inches)
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 skillet
- 1 spoon or spatula
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 pasta strainer
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells jumbo pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded You can use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning Feel free to adjust the level of Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ¼ cup chopped green onions For garnish.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and sauté for about 5 minutes until heated through.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, ½ cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Gently fold the sautéed chicken into the cheese mixture until evenly distributed.
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the creamy chicken mixture and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
- Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
You can use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time.
Feel free to adjust the level of Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference.
These stuffed shells can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. If baking from cold, add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.