Cajun Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells – Get ready for a mouthwatering adventure with our Cajun Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe! These delectable pasta shells are filled with a creamy and cheesy blend of seasoned chicken, vibrant broccoli, and zesty Cajun flavors. Topped with a luscious Cajun alfredo sauce and gooey melted mozzarella, this dish takes traditional stuffed shells to a whole new level. Don’t miss out on the chance to indulge in this irresistible combination of flavors!
Let me share a delightful story about how this recipe has become a beloved staple in my household. Every Sunday, my husband and I gather our little family around the dining table, eager to savor a comforting homemade meal. One particular Sunday, I decided to surprise everyone with these Cajun Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells. As soon as the aroma of the bubbling cheese and the tantalizing Cajun spices filled the kitchen, their curiosity was piqued. With each bite, their faces lit up with joy and satisfaction. It was an instant hit, and ever since that memorable day, this recipe has been a constant request at our family gatherings. Now, it’s time for you to create your own cherished memories with this delicious dish!
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe?
- Unique Twist on Classic Dish: This recipe takes the classic stuffed shells to a whole new level by infusing them with bold cajun flavors, giving you a memorable dining experience.
- Creamy and Cheesy Goodness: Indulge in the creamy richness of the cajun alfredo sauce combined with the perfect blend of ricotta, chicken, and broccoli, all generously stuffed into each pasta shell.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of cajun seasoning, garlic, and parmesan creates a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.
- Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to adapt the recipe to your preferences by adjusting the spice level, adding extra veggies, or even incorporating your favorite protein.
- Perfect for Family Gatherings: Impress your loved ones with this visually stunning dish that will have everyone eagerly reaching for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454g) large pasta shells (gluten-free for gluten-free option)
- 2 tablespoons (28g) butter
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 cups (480ml) cream (and/or milk)
- 1/2 cup (50g) parmigiano reggiano (parmesan), grated
- 1/2 tablespoon (8g) Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup (245g) ricotta
- 1 cup (150g) chicken, cooked and shredded or diced
- 1 cup (120g) broccoli, cooked and diced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup (50g) parmigiano reggiano (parmesan), grated
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 tablespoon (8g) Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup (115g) mozzarella, shredded
Directions:
Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set them aside individually to cool.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant.
Pour in the cream (and/or milk), grated parmesan, and Cajun seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together into a luscious Cajun alfredo sauce.
In a bowl, combine the ricotta, cooked chicken, diced broccoli, sliced green onions, grated parmesan, lemon zest, and Cajun seasoning. Mix everything together until well combined.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Take a large baking pan and pour the Cajun alfredo sauce into it, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
Now it’s time to stuff the cooked pasta shells with the chicken mixture. Fill each shell generously and place them in the baking pan over the sauce.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top of the stuffed shells, ensuring they are fully covered.
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the sides are bubbling with irresistible goodness.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve your Cajun Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells while they’re still hot, and enjoy the symphony of flavors!
Notes:
- Feel free to adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- You can add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the chicken mixture for an added burst of flavor and nutritional value.
- For a lighter option, you can substitute part or all of the cream with milk to reduce the richness of the dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
In conclusion, our Cajun Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe is a true culinary delight that combines the comforting familiarity of stuffed shells with a tantalizing Cajun twist. With its creamy Cajun alfredo sauce, flavorful chicken and broccoli filling, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone craving more.
Whether you’re looking to impress your loved ones at a family gathering or simply want to treat yourself to a memorable homemade meal, these stuffed shells are the perfect choice. The unique blend of Cajun spices, garlic, and Parmesan creates an explosion of flavors that will transport your taste buds to new culinary heights.
So why wait? Embrace the opportunity to create cherished memories around the dining table with our Cajun Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe. Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness and savor the perfect balance of flavors in every bite. It’s time to elevate your stuffed shell game and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you wanting more. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free pasta shells for this recipe?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta shells to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Can I adjust the spice level of the Cajun seasoning?
Absolutely! Feel free to increase or decrease the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can also experiment with different spice blends to customize the flavors.
Can I substitute the cream with milk?
Yes, you can substitute part or all of the cream with milk if you prefer a lighter version of the dish. Keep in mind that using cream will result in a richer and creamier sauce.
How long can I store the leftovers?
You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
Cajun Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
- 1 pound 454g large pasta shells (gluten-free for gluten-free option)
- 2 tablespoons 28g butter
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 2 cups 480ml cream (and/or milk)
- 1/2 cup 50g parmigiano reggiano (parmesan), grated
- 1/2 tablespoon 8g Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup 245g ricotta
- 1 cup 150g chicken, cooked and shredded or diced
- 1 cup 120g broccoli, cooked and diced
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup 50g parmigiano reggiano (parmesan), grated
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 tablespoon 8g Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup 115g mozzarella, shredded
Instructions
- Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set them aside individually to cool.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the cream (and/or milk), grated parmesan, and cajun seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together into a luscious cajun alfredo sauce.
- In a bowl, combine the ricotta, cooked chicken, diced broccoli, sliced green onions, grated parmesan, lemon zest, and cajun seasoning. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Take a large baking pan and pour the cajun alfredo sauce into it, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Now it's time to stuff the cooked pasta shells with the chicken mixture. Fill each shell generously and place them in the baking pan over the sauce.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top of the stuffed shells, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the sides are bubbling with irresistible goodness.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve your Cajun Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells while they're still hot, and enjoy the symphony of flavors!
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