Description
Tender jumbo pasta shells filled with spicy Cajun chicken and creamy cheese sauce, baked to golden perfection for a flavorful, comforting meal.
Ingredients
20 jumbo pasta shells
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup chopped green onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup marinara sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add shredded chicken and Cajun seasoning; stir well and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta, sour cream, cream cheese, half the mozzarella, half the Parmesan, and green onions.
- Add the Cajun chicken mixture and stir until well blended. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the creamy Cajun chicken filling and arrange them in the dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For a creamier texture, add a little heavy cream to the cheese mixture.
Adjust the Cajun seasoning or add cayenne pepper to increase spiciness.
For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers.
Use gluten-free pasta shells if needed for a gluten-free diet.
Add chopped spinach or kale to sneak in extra greens.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 15-20 minutes or microwave covered for 2-3 minutes.
Recipe can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking.
Freezer-friendly for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
