Creamy Cajun Chicken Shells (Print-Friendly Version)
Jumbo pasta shells filled with cajun-style chicken and a rich cheese mixture, baked until melting and golden.
# Ingredients You’ll Need:
→ Pasta
01 -
20 jumbo pasta shells
→ Filling
02 -
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
03 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
04 -
1 small onion, finely chopped
05 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
07 -
1 cup ricotta cheese
08 -
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
09 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 -
1 egg
11 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Sauce
12 -
2 tablespoons butter
13 -
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
14 -
2 cups milk
15 -
1/2 cup heavy cream
16 -
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
17 -
Salt to taste
→ Topping
18 -
Shredded mozzarella cheese, as needed
# How to Make It:
01 -
Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook jumbo pasta shells until just al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
03 -
In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.
04 -
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, sautéed onion and garlic, ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly incorporated.
05 -
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Gradually pour in milk and heavy cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning and salt. Continue stirring until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
06 -
Spread half of the prepared sauce evenly over the base of the baking dish. Fill each cooked shell with the chicken filling and arrange filled shells in the dish over the sauce.
07 -
Spoon remaining sauce over the filled shells. Sprinkle with additional shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
For best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and high-quality Cajun seasoning. Allow shells to cool slightly before filling to prevent tearing.