Cajun Crawfish & Shrimp Stuffed Shells Recipe

Cajun cuisine brings a burst of flavor to the table, combining bold spices with hearty ingredients. This recipe for Cajun Crawfish & Shrimp Stuffed Shells blends the creamy richness of stuffed pasta with the zesty punch of seafood-inspired Cajun flavors. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, this dish is sure to become a household favorite.

Cajun Crawfish & Shrimp Stuffed Shells

Ingredients

To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Stuffed Shells:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup cooked crawfish tails, chopped
• 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Cajun Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the crawfish, shrimp, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, green onions, parsley, egg, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix until thoroughly combined.

Step 3: Stuff the Shells

1. Carefully spoon the seafood mixture into each cooked pasta shell. Place the stuffed shells in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.

Step 4: Prepare the Cajun Alfredo Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Add the Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and thickened.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the Cajun Alfredo sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.
2. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
3. Remove the foil, sprinkle with additional mozzarella if desired, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot. Pair with a fresh garden salad or crusty garlic bread for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cajun Crawfish & Shrimp Stuffed Shells deliver an irresistible combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and bold, spiced flavors. This dish is perfect for seafood lovers and anyone looking to add a touch of Southern flair to their dinner table.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercook the pasta shells so they don’t tear while stuffing.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh crawfish and shrimp enhance the overall flavor, but frozen options work well if fresh isn’t available.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute crawfish and shrimp with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
• Lighter Sauce: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter Alfredo sauce.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate diced bell peppers or spinach into the filling for added texture and nutrition.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 425
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 24g
• Sodium: 600mg

This Cajun Crawfish & Shrimp Stuffed Shells recipe is a surefire way to impress guests or elevate a weeknight dinner. Packed with Cajun flavors and creamy goodness, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again!