Description
These Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food with a spicy twist! Tender pasta shells are filled with a rich mixture of Cajun-seasoned chicken, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and smoky andouille sausage, then baked in a decadent Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or to impress guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
12 oz jumbo pasta shells
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp + 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 large eggs
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
12 oz cooked smoked chicken andouille sausage, chopped
2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
3 cloves garlic, grated
1 tbsp tomato paste
1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
1½ cups heavy cream
2 cups finely grated Parmesan cheese
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp Cajun seasoning. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook chicken until golden and cooked through. Let rest, then shred.
In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, ricotta, eggs, mozzarella, parsley, and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Fold in chopped sausage.
In a saucepan, melt 1 tbsp butter. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add flour and cook another minute.
Gradually whisk in broth and cream. Stir until smooth and thickened. Add Parmesan and remaining Cajun seasoning. Simmer until creamy.
Pour a layer of sauce into the bottom of a 9×13” baking dish. Stuff each shell with the filling and arrange in the dish. Pour remaining sauce over shells and dot with 1 tbsp butter.
Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly. Garnish with parsley and serve!
Notes
Don’t overcook the pasta — it will continue to cook in the oven.
Want it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne or extra Cajun seasoning.
Great for meal prep — leftovers reheat beautifully!
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American , cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 670 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg