Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells are a bold and comforting dish — jumbo pasta shells packed with spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken and creamy cheese, all smothered in a rich, zesty sauce. It’s a total flavor explosion and a great way to spice up your dinner routine.
🌶️ Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells
🧾 Ingredients:
For the shells & filling:
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20 jumbo pasta shells
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan
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2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
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1 egg
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1/4 cup chopped parsley or green onions (optional)
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Salt & pepper to taste
For the sauce:
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 3/4 cups milk or half-and-half
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1/2 cup heavy cream (or more milk for a lighter version)
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1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
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1/2–1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (to taste)
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Salt & pepper to taste
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta shells:
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Boil jumbo shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
2. Make the filling:
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In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, egg, parsley or green onion, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
3. Make the creamy Cajun sauce:
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In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
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Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
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Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
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Stir in Parmesan and Cajun seasoning. Cook until smooth and slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning.
4. Assemble:
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Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13 baking dish.
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Fill each shell with the chicken mixture and arrange in the dish.
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Pour remaining sauce over the top.
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Optional: Sprinkle with extra mozzarella or Cajun seasoning.
5. Bake:
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Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
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Uncover and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
🧀 Optional Toppings:
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Chopped green onions or parsley
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Crushed red pepper flakes
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A squeeze of lemon for brightness
🔁 Variations:
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Sub shrimp for chicken for a Cajun seafood twist.
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Add sautéed spinach or bell peppers to the filling.
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Make it spicier with extra Cajun seasoning or hot sauce.
Want a make-ahead or freezer version? Or maybe a one-pan skillet alternative?