Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Delight 🦞🧀✨
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a luxurious and satisfying seafood pasta dish, look no further than our creamy seafood stuffed shells. This recipe combines tender pasta shells, rich creamy sauce, and a variety of fresh seafood for an unforgettable meal. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner, this seafood stuffed shells recipe is guaranteed to impress your guests. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just exploring new flavors, you’ll love how easy and delicious this dish is to prepare.
2. Ingredients
- 20 large pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- ½ cup cooked crab meat
- ½ cup cooked scallops, chopped
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
3. Step-by-step Instructions for Making Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
Preparing the Pasta Shells
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta shells until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, ensuring they don’t stick together.
Making the Seafood Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, cooked shrimp, crab meat, scallops, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
Assembling the Stuffed Shells
Gently stuff each cooked shell with the seafood mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish, seam side down.
Preparing the Creamy Sauce
In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in remaining mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Baking the Dish
Pour the creamy seafood sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
4. Storage Tips
Leftover seafood stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
5. Serving Suggestions
Serve your creamy seafood shells hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Pair it with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. For a refreshing addition, try a side of Asian cucumber salad or a light white wine to enhance the seafood flavors.
6. FAQs about Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
Can I substitute other seafood in this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to use lobster, crab, or even smoked salmon as alternatives or additions to the seafood mixture for different flavors.
Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?
To make it gluten-free, substitute regular pasta shells with gluten-free pasta shells available at most grocery stores.
How long does it take to prepare and cook?
The total preparation time is approximately 40 minutes, including boiling the pasta and assembling the dish. Baking adds an extra 25 minutes.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
To make preparing your seafood stuffed shells even easier, check out these essential tools:
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker – Perfect for refreshing drinks to serve alongside your meal.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – Streamline prep work with this versatile vegetable chopper.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker – Ideal for cooking seafood or preparing sauces in advance.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set – Ensures easy cooking and cleanup for your kitchen endeavors.
8. Conclusion
Experience the decadence of our creamy seafood stuffed shells and elevate your dinner menu with this dreamy, cheesy, and seafood-packed dish. Designed to delight seafood fans and pasta lovers alike, this recipe combines rich flavors with a simple preparation. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or a family gathering, this dish promises to satisfy all taste buds. Try it today and indulge in the seafood pasta masterpiece that is seafood stuffed shells.
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Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Delight
A decadent and creamy seafood stuffed shells recipe, perfect for seafood lovers seeking a quick and comforting dinner.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
- 20 large pasta shells
- 1 lb (450g) mixed seafood (shrimp, crab, scallops)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley and lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add mixed seafood and cook until seafood is opaque and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, heavy cream, Parmesan, and 1 cup mozzarella. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in cooked seafood mixture into the cheese mixture.
- Spoon the seafood and cheese filling into each cooked shell and place into a baking dish.
- Top with remaining mozzarella cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with lemon slices.
Notes
- Use fresh seafood for the best flavor.
- Can assemble ahead and refrigerate before baking.
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Method: Bake, sauté
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: High-protein
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shell
- Calories: 430 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 130mg