Cajun Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Peppers

$To make Cajun Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Peppers, gather these items: - 4 large bell peppers (any color) - 2 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1 cup Cajun Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can swap ingredients based on what you have. - Bell Peppers: Use zucchini or eggplant if you want a low-carb option. - Pasta: Gluten-free pasta works great for those avoiding gluten. - Chicken: Use cooked shrimp or turkey for a different protein. - Cheese: Try cheddar or pepper jack for a twist in flavor. These stuffed peppers are not just tasty; they are also healthy. Each serving contains: - Calories: Approximately 450 - Protein: 35g - Carbohydrates: 40g - Fat: 20g This dish packs a punch with protein and flavors. It’s satisfying and good for you! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. While the oven heats up, grab your bell peppers. Slice off the tops and take out the seeds and membranes. Make sure they stand upright in a baking dish. This helps keep all the filling inside. Next, let’s mix all the tasty ingredients. In a big bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and Cajun Alfredo sauce. Add the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is coated with the sauce. Now, take your prepared peppers and fill them with this mixture. Pack it tightly for a good bite. Be generous! Finally, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each pepper for that gooey goodness. Now it’s time to bake! Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil. This keeps moisture inside. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil. Bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and slightly golden. Once done, carefully take the peppers out of the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley before serving! To make perfect Cajun Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Peppers, follow these steps: - Choose fresh peppers: Look for firm, bright bell peppers. They hold up well during baking. - Cook pasta al dente: This keeps the pasta from getting mushy when baking. - Mix well: Ensure every piece of chicken and pasta gets coated in the sauce. - Don’t overfill: Pack the peppers, but leave a little space. This helps with even cooking. - Adjust baking time: Check the cheese. If it’s not golden, give it a few more minutes. Here are some mistakes to watch out for: - Using raw chicken: Always use cooked chicken. Raw chicken won’t cook through in the peppers. - Skipping seasoning: Don’t forget the Cajun seasoning. It adds the signature flavor. - Not covering the dish: Cover the baking dish with foil to keep moisture in. - Using too much sauce: Too much sauce can make the filling runny. Stick to the recipe. - Ignoring cooling time: Let the peppers cool before serving. This helps set the filling. Serve your stuffed peppers with these ideas: - Fresh salad: A crisp salad balances the richness of the dish. - Garlic bread: It’s perfect for scooping up any extra sauce. - Extra cheese: Offer grated cheese on the side for those who love it. - Hot sauce: A dash of hot sauce can spice things up for heat lovers. - Wine pairing: A nice white wine complements the creamy sauce well. Pro Tips Choose Colorful Peppers: Using a mix of colored bell peppers not only makes the dish visually appealing but also adds a variety of flavors. Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to make your own Cajun Alfredo sauce to control the spice level and ensure freshness. Layer the Cheese: For an extra cheesy experience, layer cheese between the pasta mixture and the top layer before baking. Let Them Rest: Allow the stuffed peppers to rest for a few minutes after baking to help them set, making it easier to serve. {{image_2}} You can make this dish vegetarian by swapping the chicken for a meat substitute. Use a mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a hearty filling. This adds flavor and keeps the dish vibrant. You can also use plant-based Alfredo sauce. It still tastes great and keeps the creamy texture. To make this dish gluten-free, simply choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer options like rice or corn pasta. Ensure that your Cajun Alfredo sauce is gluten-free too. Check the label for any hidden gluten. This way, you can enjoy the stuffed peppers without worry. You can change the flavors based on your taste. Add more Cajun seasoning for extra heat. If you prefer milder flavors, use less seasoning. Consider adding diced tomatoes or black beans for more texture. A squeeze of lemon can also brighten up the dish. Explore these small changes to find your perfect mix. To store leftovers, cool the stuffed peppers to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. They will last in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. When reheating, use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the peppers in an oven-safe dish. Cover them with foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave; just be careful not to overcook them. To freeze, wrap each stuffed pepper tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your tasty Cajun Chicken Alfredo stuffed peppers anytime! Yes, you can prepare these stuffed peppers ahead of time. Just follow the steps until you fill the peppers. Then, cover them and place them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to cook, bake them straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. To reheat stuffed peppers, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C). Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, checking often to avoid overcooking. Yes, you can switch up the cheese! Try cheddar for a sharper flavor or pepper jack for some heat. Cream cheese can give a rich, creamy texture. Just remember to adjust the amount if you use a different cheese type. In this post, I explored Cajun Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Peppers, including ingredients and step-by-step instructions. I shared tips to perfect your dish, variations to suit different diets, and proper storage methods. Remember, these peppers are flexible and fun to make. You can adapt them to your tastes and needs. Keep these ideas in mind as you cook. Enjoy making this tasty dish, and don't be afraid to experiment!$

Cajun Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Peppers

Delicious stuffed bell peppers filled with a creamy Cajun chicken and pasta mixture.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Ingredients

4 large bell peppers (any color)
2 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 cup Cajun Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the bell peppers by slicing the tops off and removing the seeds and membranes. Place them upright in a baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, Cajun Alfredo sauce, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Spoon the chicken and pasta mixture into each bell pepper, packing them tightly.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each filled pepper.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Carefully remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste.

Keyword Alfredo, Cajun, chicken, pasta, stuffed peppers