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Cajun Chicken Shells

Cajun Chicken Shells

Spice up your dinner with Cajun Chicken Shells! Creamy Alfredo meets bold Cajun flavors in this easy-to-make crowd-pleaser. Perfect for family meals or gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowls
  • Saucepan for Alfredo sauce
  • Baking dish
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse them under cold water.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and Cajun seasoning, then add ricotta, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, the egg, and chopped spinach, mixing until smooth.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, sauté minced garlic for about a minute, then pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan until the sauce thickens slightly; adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce in a baking dish.
  6. Fill each pasta shell with the chicken mixture and arrange them tightly in the dish, then drizzle with remaining Alfredo sauce and sprinkle with leftover mozzarella and Parmesan.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes; remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving and garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Feel free to swap chicken for turkey or plant-based proteins. For a lighter sauce, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months before baking. Freshly grated Parmesan works best for flavor; avoid pre-shredded cheeses. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an appealing presentation.
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