Creamy Cajun Chicken Shells
Creamy Cajun Chicken Shells is a delightful comfort food that brings together tender chicken, zesty Cajun spices, and a rich creamy sauce enveloped in large pasta shells. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, offering a satisfying blend of flavors that will impress your family and friends. With its stunning presentation and customizable options, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
- 12 large pasta shells
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown; remove from pan and let rest before slicing.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well; bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted, then add spinach and let wilt before mixing in sliced chicken.
- Fill each pasta shell with the creamy mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
- Transfer stuffed shells to a baking dish, top with extra cheese if desired, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell (150g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 85mg