Description
Creamy Parmesan Chicken Shells with Melted Mozzarella is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken and rich, cheesy sauce enveloped in delightful shell pasta. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this indulgent meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Every bite offers a satisfying combination of creamy textures and robust flavors, making it an instant favorite among both adults and kids alike. With the added zing of Cajun seasoning and a melty blend of Parmesan and mozzarella, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz medium shell pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- Cajun seasoning and spices
Instructions
- Cook shell pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Sear chicken pieces seasoned with Cajun seasoning until golden brown. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, combine heavy cream and cream cheese until smooth, then stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce; mix well to coat.
- Stir in half of the mozzarella until melted, then return the chicken to the skillet or plate individually.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and garnish as desired before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet/Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Feel free to customize by adding vegetables like spinach or swapping proteins like shrimp. Reserve pasta water helps adjust sauce consistency for your desired creaminess.