Creamy Parmesan Chicken Shells with Melted Mozzarella
Creamy Parmesan Chicken Shells with Melted Mozzarella is a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make recipe features tender chicken pieces enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce made from Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. The combination of Cajun seasoning adds an exciting twist to this hearty meal. Not only is it ideal for family dinners, but it also makes for an impressive dish to serve at gatherings or on busy weeknights. With minimal cleanup required thanks to the one-pan cooking method, you’ll love how quickly you can whip up this flavorful dinner that everyone will enjoy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 12 oz medium shell pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- Reserved pasta water (optional), to loosen sauce
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the shell pasta in salted boiling water until al dente according to package directions. Drain, reserving some pasta water, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the thick-cut chicken pieces. Season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear the chicken until golden-brown and fully cooked through (about 5–6 minutes per side).
- In the same skillet after removing the chicken, pour in the heavy cream. Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth. Add Parmesan cheese; stir until thickened. If too thick, loosen with reserved pasta water.
- Stir in the cooked shell pasta until each shell is coated in sauce. Add half of the mozzarella cheese; stir until melted through.
- Return cooked chicken to skillet or plate pasta first then add chicken on top. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top; let melt slightly before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 450g)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 135mg