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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

• Easy but Impressive: Looks fancy but is surprisingly simple to make.

• Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and spicy — all in one bite.

• Customizable: Adjust the spice level to fit your family’s taste.

• Perfect for Meal Prep: Freezes beautifully for make-ahead meals.

• High-Protein: A hearty dish loaded with shredded chicken.

Ingredients Breakdown:

For the Pasta

• Jumbo pasta shells (1 lb): The perfect vessel for holding the creamy chicken filling.

For the Chicken Mixture

• Chicken breasts (2, cooked and shredded): A tender, protein-packed base.

• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used to sauté the aromatics and chicken.

• Cajun seasoning (1 tablespoon): Brings spicy, smoky flavor to the filling.

• Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and a subtle smoky undertone.

• Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Boosts the savory flavor.

• Onion (½ cup, diced): Adds sweetness and texture.

• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Intensifies the flavor with aromatic richness.

• Salt and pepper: To season to taste.

For the Creamy Filling

• Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Makes the filling creamy and smooth.

• Mozzarella cheese (½ cup, plus more for topping): Melts beautifully inside and over the shells.

• Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds nutty, salty flavor to the creamy filling.

For the Sauce

• Heavy cream (½ cup): Creates a rich, luscious base for the filling.

• Chicken broth (½ cup): Adds moisture and enhances the savory flavor.

For Assembly

• Marinara sauce (1 jar, about 24 oz): Pours over the stuffed shells for extra moisture and tomato richness.

• Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Garnish for freshness and color.

Tips and Tricks

• Shred Chicken Ahead: Use rotisserie chicken to save time.

• Prevent Pasta from Tearing: Cook shells just until al dente so they hold their shape.

• Boost Flavor: Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth.

• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes if you love extra heat.

Variations and Customizations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.

• Seafood Twist: Use cooked shrimp for a Cajun seafood version.

• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap pasta shells for roasted zucchini boats.

Pairing Suggestions

• Side Salad: A light Caesar or garden salad pairs perfectly.

• Garlic Bread: Mop up all that extra sauce!

• Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: For a healthy, vibrant side.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freeze: Assemble shells without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 10–15 minutes.

• 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.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells – Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with spicy Cajun chicken, creamy cheese, and smothered in marinara, then baked to bubbly perfection. A bold, comforting twist on classic stuffed shells!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb jumbo pasta shells

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ cup diced onion

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ½ cup chicken broth

• 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz)

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

• Cook jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente.

• Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Add diced onion and garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.

• Stir in shredded chicken, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

• Cook for 5–7 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse into the chicken.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

• In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth.

• Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.

• Mix in the ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and ½ cup mozzarella cheese.

• Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and smooth.

• Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

• Spoon the creamy Cajun chicken mixture into each cooked pasta shell.

• Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish in a single layer.

Step 5: Top and Bake

• Pour marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.

• Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese over the top.

• Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.

• Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.

• Serve hot with a crisp side salad or warm garlic bread.

Notes

• To keep the pasta shells easy to handle, drizzle with a little olive oil after cooking.

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and gives superior flavor.

• If doubling the recipe, use two baking dishes to avoid overcrowding.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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