Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells

🛒 Ingredients (Check Off As You Measure)

• 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente, drain, and set aside to cool slightly.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, then cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until soft, about 2 minutes. Add heavy cream, chicken broth, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened, then stir in 1 cup of mozzarella until melted. Set sauce aside.
4. In a bowl, mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and cooked chicken. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Spread a thin layer of sauce in a 9x13 baking dish. Stuff each shell with the ricotta-chicken mixture and arrange in the dish. Pour remaining sauce over the shells, sprinkle with extra mozzarella, and bake uncovered for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with parsley before serving.