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Cajun Alfredo Shrimp Stuffed Pasta Shells

Course Dinner, Main Course
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
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.