Seafood Stuffed Shells – Creamy, Cheesy

Is there anything better than a big plate of stuffed shells, loaded with creamy filling and topped with gooey cheese? Oh, but wait, we’re taking it up a notch by stuffing those shells with a rich, seafood blend that’s sure to make your taste buds sing! These Seafood Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food with a touch of elegance—creamy, cheesy, and just a little bit indulgent. Trust me, this is a dish that’ll impress at dinner parties, and your family will devour it in no time.

Why You’ll Love Seafood Stuffed Shells

Here’s why these seafood-stuffed shells are about to become your new favorite:

• Rich & Creamy: The creamy filling is dreamy, with a delicate balance of seafood and cheese, making each bite a comforting indulgence.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: It’s fancy enough for a dinner party but simple enough to make on a weeknight when you’re craving something extraordinary.
• Seafood Lovers’ Dream: Shrimp and crab pair perfectly with the creamy ricotta and Parmesan, creating a filling that’s flavorful yet not too heavy.
• Cheesy Perfection: Topped with melted mozzarella and baked to golden, bubbly perfection, these shells are just the right mix of cheesy and savory.
• Family-Friendly: The seafood isn’t overpowering, so even picky eaters who aren’t huge fans of seafood will love this dish.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these heavenly stuffed shells:

Jumbo Shells: The perfect pasta for stuffing! These large shells hold a generous amount of filling and bake up beautifully.
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp adds a sweet, briny flavor to the stuffing, giving it that signature seafood taste.
Crab Meat: Lump crab meat brings sweetness and a delicate texture to the stuffing.
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and mild, ricotta creates the perfect base for the stuffing.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan gives a sharp, nutty flavor that balances the creaminess.
Mozzarella Cheese: This melty cheese gets sprinkled on top, giving the shells that irresistible cheesy crust.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is sautéed to infuse the filling with aromatic flavor.
Egg: The egg binds the filling together, making it easy to stuff the shells.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herby note to the dish.
Marinara Sauce: A simple, flavorful marinara sauce to spread under the shells, adding a rich, tangy base to the dish.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning to taste.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to bring these cheesy, seafood-stuffed shells to life:

1. Cook the Shells
Start by cooking your jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain them and set aside to cool slightly. Be sure not to overcook the shells; you want them al dente for the perfect bite.

2. Prepare the Seafood Filling
In a skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat and sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp and chop them into small pieces. Add the crab meat to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes until it’s warmed through. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Make the Stuffing
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and the egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked shrimp and crab mixture and stir until everything is well combined.

4. Stuff the Shells
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Now, gently stuff each cooked shell with the seafood mixture, making sure not to overstuff them. Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, side by side.

5. Bake to Perfection
Top the stuffed shells with mozzarella cheese and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for about 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

6. Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 530 (approximate)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Seafood Stuffed Shells

These creamy, cheesy stuffed shells are filling on their own, but here are a few ideas for side dishes to complete your meal:

• Garlic Bread: A warm loaf of garlic bread is the perfect side to mop up any extra sauce.
• Green Salad: A light, refreshing green salad with a lemony vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini pair wonderfully with this dish for a healthy touch.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, complements the seafood and creamy sauce beautifully.

Additional Tips

• Seafood Variations: You can mix up the seafood by using scallops or lobster meat in place of the shrimp or crab. Just make sure to chop them finely so they mix well in the stuffing.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed shells in advance, refrigerate them, and bake them when you’re ready to serve.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the unbaked shells. Just assemble the dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, bake straight from the freezer (just add an extra 15-20 minutes of cooking time).

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of seafood?
A1: Absolutely! You can use scallops, lobster, or even a mix of your favorite seafood. Just chop them into small pieces so they’re easy to stuff into the shells.

Q2: Can I make these stuffed shells ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the shells, stuff them, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Q4: Can I use regular pasta shells instead of jumbo shells?
A4: While jumbo shells work best for stuffing, you can use regular pasta and spoon the seafood mixture into a baking dish, layering the pasta instead.

Q5: Can I make this recipe without crab?
A5: Yes, you can skip the crab and use more shrimp or even add other ingredients like spinach or artichokes for variety.

Q6: Can I use pre-cooked seafood?
A6: Yes! Pre-cooked shrimp or crab meat works perfectly. Just be sure to chop them up before mixing into the filling.

Q7: How can I make the stuffing spicier?
A7: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the stuffing for a kick of heat.

Q8: Can I use a different sauce instead of marinara?
A8: You can definitely swap marinara for a white sauce, like Alfredo, or even a simple pesto for a fresh twist.

Q9: How do I know when the stuffed shells are done?
A9: The shells are done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the filling is hot throughout. If you want a golden top, remove the foil towards the end of baking.

Q10: Can I freeze these stuffed shells?
A10: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked shells. Just assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, add an extra 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.

Conclusion

If you’re in the mood for something comforting, flavorful, and a little bit fancy, these Seafood Stuffed Shells are the answer. Creamy, cheesy, and brimming with seafood goodness, they’re sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself on a cozy night in, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Enjoy every bite and savor that cheesy, seafood-filled perfection!

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