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A close-up shot of a single Cajun chicken stuffed shell on a plate, showing the creamy filling and rich sauce.

Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells: The Ultimate Creamy Pasta Bake

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells recipe. Tender pasta shells are filled with spicy chicken and cheese, then baked in a luxurious, velvety cream sauce for a perfect weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into small dice
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning plus more to taste

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • 1 Large Skillet
  • 1 Large Pot

Method
 

  1. Cook jumbo shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, cook diced chicken until browned. Remove chicken. In the same skillet, sauté onion, bell pepper, and celery until soft.
  3. Return chicken to the skillet. Stir in cream cheese, 1/2 of the mozzarella, and 1/2 of the Parmesan. Season with Cajun seasoning and mix until well combined.
  4. In a saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour to make a roux. Add garlic, then slowly whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream. Add Cajun seasoning. Simmer until thickened, then stir in the remaining Parmesan cheese.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of sauce in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Stuff each shell with the chicken mixture and arrange in the dish.
  6. Pour the remaining sauce over the shells and top with the remaining mozzarella. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Notes

For a spicier dish, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Use rotisserie chicken to save time on meal prep.
Ensure shells are cooked al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft after baking.