Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells bring together bold Cajun spices, tender chicken, and rich cheeses for a decadent and satisfying pasta bake. Jumbo shells are generously filled with a creamy, spiced chicken mixture, then smothered in marinara sauce and baked to bubbly perfection. This flavorful twist on traditional stuffed shells makes a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Easy but Impressive: Looks fancy but is surprisingly simple to make.
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Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and spicy — all in one bite.
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Customizable: Adjust the spice level to fit your family’s taste.
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Perfect for Meal Prep: Freezes beautifully for make-ahead meals.
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High-Protein: A hearty dish loaded with shredded chicken.
Ingredients Breakdown:
For the Pasta
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Jumbo pasta shells (1 lb): The perfect vessel for holding the creamy chicken filling.
For the Chicken Mixture
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Chicken breasts (2, cooked and shredded): A tender, protein-packed base.
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Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used to sauté the aromatics and chicken.
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Cajun seasoning (1 tablespoon): Brings spicy, smoky flavor to the filling.
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Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and a subtle smoky undertone.
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Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Boosts the savory flavor.
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Onion (½ cup, diced): Adds sweetness and texture.
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Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Intensifies the flavor with aromatic richness.
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Salt and pepper: To season to taste.
For the Creamy Filling
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Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Makes the filling creamy and smooth.
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Mozzarella cheese (½ cup, plus more for topping): Melts beautifully inside and over the shells.
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Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds nutty, salty flavor to the creamy filling.
For the Sauce
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Heavy cream (½ cup): Creates a rich, luscious base for the filling.
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Chicken broth (½ cup): Adds moisture and enhances the savory flavor.
For Assembly
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Marinara sauce (1 jar, about 24 oz): Pours over the stuffed shells for extra moisture and tomato richness.
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Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Garnish for freshness and color.
Tips and Tricks
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Shred Chicken Ahead: Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
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Prevent Pasta from Tearing: Cook shells just until al dente so they hold their shape.
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Boost Flavor: Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth.
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Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes if you love extra heat.
Variations and Customizations
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Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
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Seafood Twist: Use cooked shrimp for a Cajun seafood version.
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Low-Carb Alternative: Swap pasta shells for roasted zucchini boats.
Pairing Suggestions
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Side Salad: A light Caesar or garden salad pairs perfectly.
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Garlic Bread: Mop up all that extra sauce!
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Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: For a healthy, vibrant side.
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freeze: Assemble shells without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 10–15 minutes.
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Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until heated through.
Popular Questions
Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?
Absolutely! Just make sure to taste-test, as some brands are spicier than others.
What type of marinara sauce should I use?
Any quality jarred sauce works, but homemade marinara gives an even fresher flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.