Cheesy Shells With Chicken

• 1 12 cups small shell pasta, uncooked
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 6 green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic (or to taste)
• 1 small green pepper, seeded and chopped (optional)
• 12 teaspoon dried basil (or to taste)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 34 cups half-and-half cream
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 14 cups grated old cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon louisiana hot sauce (or to taste)
• salt and pepper
• 1 12 cups cooked chicken or 1 12 cups cooked turkey
• 2 cups crushed butter flavored crackers (optional)

1. Set oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Butter a 2-quart casserole dish.
3. Cook the shells in a pot of boiling salted water until just al dente (leave the shells slightly undercooked) drain and place in a large bowl, toss with a tablespoon of butter to prevent sticking.
4. In a large skillet melt 3 tablespoon butter; add in the green onions, bell pepper (if using) and basil, saute for about 7-8 minutes, adding in the garlic the last 2 minutes of cooking.
5. Add in the flour and half and half cream, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth.
6. Add in cream cheese; cook over medium heat, whisking constantly for about 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
7. Add in shredded cheddar and hot sauce; stir until the cheese has melted, then season with salt and pepper.
8. Pour the mixture into the bowl with the cooked shells, add in the cooked chicken; toss to combine.
9. Transfer to prepared baking dish.
10. Sprinkle with crushed crackers (if using).
11. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

shell pasta, butter, green onions, garlic, green pepper, basil, butter, flour, cream, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, hot sauce, salt, chicken, butter

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/cheesy-shells-with-chicken-173108 (may not work)