Description
Enjoy these Seafood Stuffed Shells, featuring a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, shrimp, and crab, all baked in marinara sauce. This dish offers a delicious combination of flavors and textures, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 crab meat, shredded
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the large pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Drain the pasta shells in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and all of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until well blended.
- Add the chopped shrimp and shredded crab meat to the cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Add chopped parsley, minced garlic, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spoon the seafood filling into each cooled pasta shell, placing them seam-side up in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the marinara sauce.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Sprinkle extra chopped parsley on top and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.
- Carefully serve the stuffed shells onto plates, scooping up some marinara sauce with each serving.
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread, and pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to substitute the seafood with other proteins or vegetables as desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes