Cajun Alfredo Shrimp Stuffed Pasta Shells
Servings 6
Ingredients
**Shrimp and Pepper Filling:**
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 pound raw large shrimp peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 2 teaspoons chili powder mix
- 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Pinch of cayenne powder optional
**Cajun Alfredo Sauce:**
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 to 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon black pepper adjust to taste
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese at room temperature
- Squeeze of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
**Other:**
- 18 to 24 jumbo pasta shells cooked al dente
- Salt for boiling pasta
- 1 to 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Parsley for garnish
- Red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
**Shrimp Filling:**
- Heat a large pan over medium heat.
- Add olive oil, butter, diced bell peppers, shrimp, chili powder, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cayenne powder.
- Saute for 7 to 9 minutes until the shrimp is cooked and the peppers are soft.
- Remove the shrimp and peppers from the pan.
**Cajun Alfredo Sauce:**
- In the same pan, melt butter with garlic over medium heat.
- Add heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, basil, salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk and simmer for 5 to 6 minutes until thickened.
- Add Parmesan, cream cheese, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth.
- Remove from heat, add parsley, and set aside.
**Cook Pasta and Assemble:**
- Boil water in a large pot, salt it generously, and cook pasta shells until al dente. Drain and dry.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Pour 1 cup of Cajun Alfredo sauce into an oven-safe dish.
- Fill each shell with shrimp filling and arrange in the dish.
- Pour remaining sauce over shells, sprinkle with cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Uncover, broil for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown.
- Garnish with parsley, red pepper flakes, and more Parmesan if desired.