Description
A delicious and easy recipe for creamy cajun chicken shells that combines tender chicken with perfectly seasoned pasta shells in a rich, velvety cream sauce with authentic Louisiana flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 pieces (1.5 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 12 oz medium pasta shells
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Pasta – Cook pasta shells in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water if needed.
- Step 2: Brown Chicken – Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken breasts and cook 6-7 minutes until golden brown. Add minced garlic halfway through.
- Step 3: Season – Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over chicken, stirring well. Cook additional minute to bloom spices and release aromatic oils.
- Step 4: Create Sauce – Lower heat to medium-low. Mix in softened cream cheese, stirring until melted. Gradually add chicken broth while stirring continuously until smooth.
- Step 5: Add Cheese – Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and sauce reaches desired consistency.
- Step 6: Combine – Gently fold cooked pasta shells into sauce mixture. Add chopped green onions and toss to combine evenly.
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking and tender results throughout
- Let cream cheese reach room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to prevent lumpy sauce
- Reserve pasta cooking water as it contains starch that helps bind the sauce if needed
- Taste and adjust Cajun seasoning gradually since spice levels vary between brands significantly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485 calories
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: creamy cajun chicken shells, cajun pasta, chicken pasta recipe, creamy pasta, louisiana cuisine, easy dinner recipe