Description

Ready to upgrade your pasta night? These Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells are the perfect blend of comfort and bold flavor. Jumbo shells are packed with a creamy Cajun-spiced chicken and cheese filling, baked in rich Alfredo sauce, and topped with gooey melted mozzarella. Ideal for an easy dinner, quick meal prep, or an indulgent weekend treat, this dish brings together everything we love about hearty food ideas and flavorful weeknight recipes. It’s a fantastic option for anyone looking for quick dinners, creamy pasta recipes, or spicy twists on Italian classics.

Ingredients

16 jumbo pasta shells (uncooked)

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, divided

2 cups Alfredo sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and let cool slightly.

2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic with shredded chicken and Cajun seasoning for 2–3 minutes to infuse flavor.

3. In a large bowl, combine chicken mixture with cream cheese, ricotta, 3/4 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, 1 tablespoon parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy.

4. Spoon the filling into each cooked shell, being careful not to overfill.

5. Spread 1 cup Alfredo sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells on top.

6. Pour remaining Alfredo sauce over the shells. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

7. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.

8. Remove foil and broil for 3–5 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden.

9. Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with remaining parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

Slightly undercook your pasta shells to prevent them from tearing when stuffing and baking.

Always taste the filling before stuffing to adjust seasoning levels to your preference.

You can freeze the stuffed shells before baking for a quick meal prep option.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 480
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 790mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: easy dinner, stuffed pasta, creamy cajun chicken, weeknight meals, pasta bake