Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells – A Flavor-Packed Pasta Bake

Looking for a dinner that’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with bold flavor? These Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shellsare the ultimate comfort food with a spicy twist. Jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a Cajun-seasoned chicken and cheese mixture, then baked in a creamy sauce until golden and bubbly. It’s a restaurant-worthy meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines the best of two worlds—Italian-inspired stuffed shells and Southern Cajun flair. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your dinner table:

Bold Cajun flavor – The spice blend adds just the right amount of heat and depth.
Creamy & cheesy – Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan make the filling rich and indulgent.
Great for entertaining – Looks impressive but is simple to prepare ahead of time.
Family favorite – Perfect for weeknight dinners or Sunday gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the shells:

20 jumbo pasta shells
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
Salt & pepper to taste

For the sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups heavy cream (or half & half)
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook pasta shells – Boil shells in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make filling – In a bowl, combine chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, green onions, and Cajun seasoning. Mix until well blended.
Stuff the shells – Carefully spoon the chicken mixture into each cooked shell.
Prepare the sauce – In a saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly add cream, whisking until smooth and thickened. Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, and Parmesan.
Assemble & bake – Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a greased 9×13 baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells on top, then pour remaining sauce over them. Sprinkle with extra mozzarella if desired. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serve – Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

Tips for Success

Use rotisserie chicken – A quick shortcut that saves time without sacrificing flavor.
Adjust the spice level – Add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne if you like it hot.
Make ahead – Assemble the shells and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Freeze friendly – Freeze unbaked stuffed shells in sauce for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells with a side of garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. A glass of iced tea or chilled white wine pairs beautifully with the rich, spicy flavors.

Final Thoughts

With creamy cheese, tender chicken, and bold Cajun spices, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells recipe is comfort food with a kick. Perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions, it’s a pasta bake that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.