Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells – Flavor Explosion!
Indulge in these cheesy stuffed shells filled with creamy Cajun-seasoned chicken, topped with a rich, spicy sauce. A comfort food with a kick that will satisfy all your cravings!
🛒 Ingredients
For the Stuffed Shells:
Jumbo pasta shells (enough to stuff, about 18–20 shells)
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great for this)
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
🔧 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Jumbo Pasta Shells
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions, ensuring they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cajun Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and creamy.
Carefully stuff the cooked pasta shells with the chicken mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
In a medium skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until soft.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the creamy Cajun sauce over the stuffed shells in the baking dish, ensuring all shells are covered.
Top with extra shredded mozzarella cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad. Enjoy your Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
Side options: Serve with a crunchy green salad, roasted vegetables, or some buttery garlic bread to complete the meal.
Wine pairing: Pair with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the spice!
🧊 Storage & Reheating:
Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of cream or broth if it needs more moisture.
Enjoy this Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells—a spicy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family meal! 🌶️🧀🍝