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Insanely Cheesy Cajun Stuffed Shells

Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with creamy Cajun-seasoned meat and cheese, baked in a rich, velvety Cajun cream sauce.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 620
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Jumbo Pasta Shells
  • 24 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)
Cajun Cheese & Meat Filling
  • 1 lb ground chicken or sausage
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
Creamy Cajun Sauce
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese (topping)

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking dish
  • Saucepan
  • Skillet

Method
 

  1. Cook jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté onion and bell pepper in olive oil until softened, then add garlic and cook briefly.
  3. Add ground chicken or sausage and cook until browned. Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
  4. In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and egg. Combine with cooled meat mixture.
  5. Make sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, then slowly adding cream and broth until thickened.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread sauce in baking dish, stuff shells, and arrange inside.
  7. Pour remaining sauce over shells and top with mozzarella cheese.
  8. Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Rest before serving.

Notes

For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Best served fresh and hot.