Creamy Cajun Chicken Shells (Print Version) Recipe
Creamy Cajun Chicken Shells is a delightful dish where Cajun seasoned chicken and cheese fill pasta shells, baked in a creamy sauce until golden and bubbling. Perfect for a comforting and flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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
- Cook Pasta Shells: Boil pasta shells until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Add chicken, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare Filling: Combine chicken mixture with cheeses in a bowl.
- Make Sauce: Create a roux, add milk, cream, seasonings, and simmer until thickened.
- Assemble: Layer sauce, fill shells, top with sauce and cheese.
- Bake: Cover and bake, then uncover to golden perfection.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, garnish with parsley, and enjoy!
Notes
- Prepare filling ahead for richer flavor.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 67mg
