Here’s a flavorful recipe for Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells that combines tender pasta shells with a creamy, spicy filling!
Ingredients:
- 12-15 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (red or green)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
-
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Cook the Pasta Shells:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
Prepare the Filling:
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, ricotta cheese, cream cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Cajun seasoning, and sautéed vegetables. Mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Stuff the Shells:
- Spoon the chicken mixture into each cooked pasta shell, filling them generously.
-
Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish, seam-side up.
-
Add Sauce and Cheese:
- Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
-
Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
-
Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Enjoy your Creamy Cajun Chicken Stuffed Shells as a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress!