Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells: A Delicious Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are a delightful dish that brings the taste of the ocean right to your dinner table. As someone who has always been captivated by the rich flavors of seafood, I find that these stuffed shells offer a perfect blend of creamy goodness and savory seafood that is simply irresistible. Originating from Italian cuisine, stuffed pasta shells have become a beloved comfort food in many households, and the addition of seafood elevates this dish to a whole new level.

People adore creamy seafood stuffed shells not just for their exquisite taste but also for their delightful texture. The combination of tender pasta, luscious cream, and fresh seafood creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to prepare, making them a convenient option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Join me as we dive into this recipe that promises to impress your family and friends while satisfying your seafood cravings!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 20 large pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
• 1 cup cooked scallops, chopped
• 1/2 cup cooked crab meat
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Preparing the Pasta Shells

1. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, carefully add the large pasta shells.
2. Cook the shells according to the package instructions, usually around 9-11 minutes, until they are al dente. You want them firm enough to hold the filling without breaking.
3. Once cooked, drain the shells in a colander and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside to cool.

Preparing the Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese. This will create a creamy base for your filling.
2. Add the chopped shrimp, scallops, and crab meat to the cheese mixture. Make sure to mix gently to avoid breaking up the seafood too much.
3. Next, add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together until well combined. The filling should be creamy and packed with flavor.

Preparing the Creamy Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the remaining minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Allow the cream to simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help thicken the sauce slightly.
3. Add the marinara sauce to the cream mixture, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assembling the Stuffed Shells

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of the creamy marinara sauce on the bottom. This will prevent the shells from sticking.
2. Using a spoon, carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the seafood filling. Don’t overfill them, as they need to fit snugly in the baking dish.
3. Once all the shells are filled, place them in the baking dish, open side up. It’s okay if they touch each other; they’ll hold together nicely while baking.
4. Pour the remaining creamy marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top for a delicious cheesy crust.

Baking the Stuffed Shells

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese on top. This will help the shells cook evenly without burning the cheese.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the filling to heat through.
3. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
4. Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the filling set a bit, making it easier to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Conclusion:

In conclusion, these Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to impress their family or guests with a delicious and elegant dish. The combination of tender pasta shells filled with a rich, creamy seafood mixture is simply irresistible. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also look stunning on the plate, making them perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner. For serving suggestions, I recommend pairing these stuffed shells with a light, crisp salad and a glass of white wine to complement the flavors of the seafood. You can also experiment with variations by adding different types of seafood, such as crab or shrimp, or even incorporating some fresh herbs like dill or parsley for an extra burst of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the cream sauce for a tomato-based sauce for a different twist! I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Once you’ve made these Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your delicious creation. Let’s spread the love for this delightful dish together! Happy cooking! Print

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells: A Delicious Recipe for Seafood Lovers
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• Author: Lily
• Total Time: 70 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
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Description
Enjoy creamy seafood-stuffed pasta shells filled with a delicious blend of ricotta, shrimp, scallops, and crab, all baked in a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner!
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Ingredients
Scale 1x2x3x
• 20 large pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
• 1 cup cooked scallops, chopped
• 1/2 cup cooked crab meat
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
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Instructions
1. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, carefully add the large pasta shells.
2. Cook the shells according to the package instructions, usually around 9-11 minutes, until they are al dente. You want them firm enough to hold the filling without breaking.
3. Once cooked, drain the shells in a colander and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside to cool.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese. This will create a creamy base for your filling.
5. Add the chopped shrimp, scallops, and crab meat to the cheese mixture. Make sure to mix gently to avoid breaking up the seafood too much.
6. Next, add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together until well combined. The filling should be creamy and packed with flavor.
7. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the remaining minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
8. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Allow the cream to simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help thicken the sauce slightly.
9. Add the marinara sauce to the cream mixture, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of the creamy marinara sauce on the bottom. This will prevent the shells from sticking.
11. Using a spoon, carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the seafood filling. Don’t overfill them, as they need to fit snugly in the baking dish.
12. Once all the shells are filled, place them in the baking dish, open side up. It’s okay if they touch each other; they’ll hold together nicely while baking.
13. Pour the remaining creamy marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top for a delicious cheesy crust.
14. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese on top. This will help the shells cook evenly without burning the cheese.
15. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the filling to heat through.
16. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
17. Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the filling set a bit, making it easier to serve.
Notes
• Feel free to customize the seafood filling with your favorite seafood options.
• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
• This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes