Description: A delightful blend of creamy, cheesy sauce and spicy Cajun chicken all nestled inside giant pasta shells. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The combination of comforting pasta, tender chicken, and a kick of Cajun spice makes for a truly unforgettable meal.
Ingredients:
- 12 large pasta shells (jumbo shells)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 8 ounces (1 cup) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 cup non-alcoholic chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheating and Pasta Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the optimal temperature for even baking and melting the cheese. While the oven is heating, cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. It’s crucial to cook them al dente, meaning they should still have a slight bite to them. Overcooked shells will become mushy during baking and will be difficult to stuff. Once cooked, carefully drain the pasta shells and gently rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. This also prevents them from sticking together. Lay the shells out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool slightly while you prepare the filling. This step will help keep them from sticking together and tearing.
Step 2: Crafting the Creamy Chicken Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Cajun seasoning. Make sure the cream cheese is truly softened; this will ensure a smooth and creamy filling. If the cream cheese is still cold, it will be difficult to incorporate properly and may leave lumps in the mixture. Use a fork or a hand mixer on low speed to thoroughly combine all the ingredients. Taste the mixture and adjust the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper according to your preference. Remember that the Cajun seasoning can vary in heat level, so start with less and add more until you reach your desired level of spiciness.
Step 3: Stuffing the Shells: Once the pasta shells have cooled enough to handle, it’s time to stuff them with the creamy chicken mixture. Use a spoon or small ice cream scoop to fill each shell generously. Don’t be afraid to overstuff them slightly; the filling will settle as it bakes. As you stuff each shell, place it in a greased baking dish. A 9×13 inch baking dish works well for this recipe, but you can adjust the size depending on how many shells you’re making.
Step 4: Creating the Broth Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat the non-alcoholic chicken broth and olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Heating the broth helps it to better distribute the flavors and create a more cohesive sauce. Stir the mixture until the butter is melted (if using) and the broth is heated through, but avoid letting it boil. This simple sauce will help keep the stuffed shells moist and flavorful during baking.
Step 5: Baking to Perfection: Gently pour the chicken broth mixture over the stuffed shells in the baking dish. Be sure to evenly distribute the broth so that each shell is moistened. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This will trap the steam and help the shells cook evenly without drying out. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Keep a close eye on the shells during this final baking period to prevent them from burning.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells recipe is a winner for so many reasons! It’s the perfect marriage of comfort food and bold flavors. The creamy filling is rich and satisfying, while the Cajun spice adds a delightful kick that will keep you coming back for more. The recipe is surprisingly easy to make, especially if you use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. It’s also highly customizable – you can adjust the level of spice to your liking, swap out the cheeses, or add vegetables to the filling for extra nutrients. This dish is a great way to use up leftover chicken, and it’s always a hit with family and friends. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells hot, straight from the oven.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Accompany with a side salad, such as a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, to balance the richness of the dish.
- Garlic bread or crusty rolls are a great addition for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- For a heartier meal, serve with roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers.
Tips:
- Don’t overcook the pasta shells! Al dente is key to preventing mushy shells.
- Soften the cream cheese properly for a smooth and creamy filling.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your spice preference.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy shortcut.
- Prepare the filling ahead of time to save time on the day of baking.
- Freeze leftover stuffed shells for a quick and easy meal later on. To freeze, arrange cooled stuffed shells in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- Add vegetables to the filling for extra nutrients and flavor. Chopped bell peppers, onions, or spinach would be delicious additions.
- Use different cheeses to customize the flavor. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or provolone would all work well.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
- If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can make your own by combining paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and black pepper.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 450-500 (This can vary depending on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.)
- Protein: 30-35g
- Sodium: 700-900mg (Sodium content will vary greatly depending on the Cajun seasoning used and the amount of salt added.)
Conclusion
Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells are a delightful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy cheese, spicy chicken, and comforting pasta is simply irresistible. With its easy preparation and customizable ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed shells completely ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they are heated through.
Q2: I don’t have Cajun seasoning. What can I use instead?
A: If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand, you can easily make your own! A simple blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and black pepper will do the trick. Start with equal parts of each spice and adjust the cayenne pepper to your desired level of heat. You can also use a store-bought Creole seasoning blend as a substitute.
Q3: Can I use ground chicken instead of shredded chicken?
A: Yes, you can definitely use ground chicken instead of shredded chicken. Just brown the ground chicken in a skillet before adding it to the filling mixture. Be sure to drain off any excess fat before combining it with the other ingredients.
Q4: I’m trying to reduce the calories in this recipe. What can I do?
A: There are several ways to reduce the calories in this recipe. You can use light cream cheese, part-skim mozzarella cheese, and reduced-sodium chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables to the filling to increase the fiber content and make the dish more filling. Using less cheese overall will also help reduce the calorie count.
Q5: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftover Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells. Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
