Description
A delightful blend of creamy sauce and spicy Cajun chicken wrapped inside giant pasta shells, creating a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
12 large pasta shells
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup Cajun seasoning
1 cup non-alcoholic chicken broth
1 tablespoon vegetable oil or butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the chicken mixture and place them in a greased baking dish.
- In a saucepan, heat the chicken broth and vegetable oil or butter over medium heat.
- Pour the warmed broth mixture evenly over the stuffed shells.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Substitute chicken with cooked shrimp or spicy sausage for variation.
Add sautéed bell peppers or spinach into the filling for extra veggies.
Use reduced-fat cheeses or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Increase Cajun seasoning or add cayenne pepper for more heat.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat covered in oven or microwave.
Fresh pasta shells can be used with adjusted cooking time.
Ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt can substitute cream cheese.
Assemble a day ahead and refrigerate before baking.
To make gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check seasoning and broth ingredients.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
