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Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.7 from 81 reviews

Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells are a flavorful and comforting baked pasta dish featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with a rich mixture of shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, and three varieties of cheese, all smothered in a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce and baked to bubbly, golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 20 jumbo pasta shells
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta shells: Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the shells well and let them cool slightly so they are easier to handle for stuffing.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Prepare the chicken filling: Stir in shredded cooked chicken, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper into the sautéed vegetables. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Then fold in ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  4. Make the creamy sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
  5. Assemble the dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour half of the creamy Cajun sauce evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Stuff each cooked pasta shell generously with the chicken and cheese mixture and arrange the stuffed shells in the dish in a single layer.
  6. Bake the stuffed shells: Spoon the remaining sauce over the top of the arranged shells. Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
  7. Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the shells to cool briefly before serving. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.

Notes

  • You can prepare the pasta shells a day ahead and assemble right before baking.
  • For extra spice, increase the Cajun seasoning in the filling and sauce.
  • Use gluten-free pasta shells if you need a gluten-free version.
  • Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Keywords: Cajun chicken stuffed shells, creamy baked pasta, cheesy stuffed shells, Cajun pasta bake, stuffed pasta shells recipe

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-stuffed-shells-recipe/