Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 green onions or 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup extra shredded cheese (for topping)
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cream cheese, mozzarella, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and green onions or parsley until well combined.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream and Cajun seasoning. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then add Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread a layer of sauce in the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- Stuff each shell with the chicken mixture and arrange in the dish.
- Pour remaining sauce over the shells and top with extra shredded cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or sautéed peppers for extra veggies.
- Adjust spice level with red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce or Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese.
- Can be prepped ahead and refrigerated unbaked for up to 1 day.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of cream or milk to keep sauce smooth.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun-American
- Diet: Halal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3–5 shells
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg