Hey there! So, tonight’s dinner is going to be a real treat with this flavorful dish of Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells. I remember the first time I made this dish for my family, and let me tell you, it was a hit! The creamy Cajun sauce paired with tender chicken and pasta shells is simply irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This
I make this when I want to add a bit of spice and creaminess to our dinner routine. My family goes crazy for this because it’s a perfect blend of Cajun flavors and comforting cheesy goodness. Plus, it’s a great way to switch up the usual pasta night with something a bit more exciting!
For this recipe, you’ll need some basic ingredients like chicken, pasta shells, Cajun seasoning, and a few pantry staples. Feel free to customize it based on your preferences – I sometimes add extra veggies or swap out the protein for a vegetarian version.
Directions
Start by cooking the pasta shells until al dente, then prepare the creamy Cajun sauce by sautéing chicken with Cajun seasoning and mixing it with a rich, creamy sauce. Stuff the cooked shells with the chicken mixture, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.
Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy when stuffing the shells – that’s part of the fun! This is where I usually sneak a taste to adjust the seasoning to my liking.
Notes
Through trial and error, I’ve found that using a rotisserie chicken adds an extra depth of flavor to the dish. Additionally, letting the stuffed shells rest for a few minutes after baking helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Variations
I’ve experimented with adding diced bell peppers to the chicken mixture for a pop of color and crunch. However, one variation that didn’t work out so well was substituting the Cajun seasoning with Italian herbs – it just didn’t have the same bold flavor profile.
If you don’t have a piping bag to stuff the shells neatly, don’t fret! A simple spoon works just fine, and the end result will still be delicious.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells with a side salad dressed with a zesty vinaigrette. It adds a refreshing contrast to the rich and spicy flavors of the main dish. Plus, leftovers (if there are any) taste even better the next day!
So, what are you waiting for? Get your ingredients together and whip up this delectable Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells for a dinner that’s sure to impress!
Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells for Dinner Tonight
A flavorful dish of pasta shells stuffed with tender chicken cooked in a creamy Cajun sauce, topped with melted cheese for a delicious and comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta shells
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente.
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In a skillet, sauté the cooked and shredded chicken with Cajun seasoning until well-coated.
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Add heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet, and simmer until the sauce thickens.
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Stuff the cooked pasta shells with the creamy Cajun chicken mixture.
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Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish, top with shredded cheese.
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Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Let the stuffed shells rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.