The aroma of Seafood Stuffed Shells wafts through the air, promising a taste sensation that dazzles your palate. Each shell bursts with savory seafood goodness, enveloped in creamy cheese and a rich tomato sauce that warms the soul. Creamy Tuscan sausage pasta Imagine this dish gracing your table during a cozy family gathering, where laughter fills the room and every bite elicits delighted sighs.
Do you remember that unforgettable dinner party when you first discovered how delightful stuffed pasta can be? You were surrounded by friends, all sharing stories and savoring each delicious bite. Seafood pasta salad pairing Seafood Stuffed Shells is not just a dish; it’s an adventure on your plate, perfect for any occasion from casual weeknight dinners to festive celebrations.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Seafood Stuffed Shells are a breeze to prepare, making them ideal for busy weeknights or impressive dinner parties.
- The flavor profile combines savory seafood with creamy cheese, creating a mouthwatering experience.
- Visually stunning, these shells add elegance to any table setting while being versatile enough to mix and match ingredients based on what you have at home.
Ingredients for Seafood Stuffed Shells
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Large Pasta Shells: About 20 shells are perfect for stuffing. Choose sturdy ones so they hold their shape when filled.
- Cooked Shrimp: Roughly 1 cup of chopped shrimp adds a delightful seafood flavor. Opt for fresh or frozen shrimp; just ensure they are properly thawed.
- Crab Meat: Use about 1 cup of lump crab meat for a luxurious touch. Be sure to pick through it for any shell pieces.
- Ricotta Cheese: One cup will create a creamy filling that complements the seafood beautifully.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate about half a cup; its nuttiness enhances the overall flavor of the stuffed shells.
For the Sauce:
- Marinara Sauce: A generous two cups of your favorite marinara sauce will provide a delicious base. Look for one with natural ingredients for the best taste.
- Fresh Basil: A handful of chopped basil adds freshness and color to your dish. You can also use dried basil if fresh isn’t available.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Seafood Stuffed Shells
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking later on.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to package directions until al dente—about eight minutes usually does the trick. Drain them carefully and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped cooked shrimp, crab meat, ricotta cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
Step 4: Fill the Shells
Using a spoon or piping bag (if you’re feeling fancy), carefully fill each pasta shell with about two tablespoons of the seafood mixture. Place each stuffed shell into your prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells until they are generously covered. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese on top for that cheesy crust we all love!
Step 6: Bake
Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional five minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Transfer to plates and garnish with fresh basil before serving for the perfect finishing touch.
There you have it—Seafood Stuffed Shells that are as comforting as they are delicious! Enjoy every bite while relishing in memories shared around good food with great company!
You Must Know
- This seafood stuffed shells recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that will impress your guests and make your taste buds dance.
- With a mix of succulent shrimp and creamy ricotta, it’s a dish that looks fancy but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
- Perfect for family dinners or special occasions!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling your pasta shells while preparing the seafood filling. Sauté shrimp until pink, combine with ricotta, then stuff those shells. Bake in marinara sauce until bubbly and golden for the perfect finish. For more inspiration, check out this Shrimp Scampi Recipe recipe.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap shrimp for crab or even chicken if you’re feeling adventurous. Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra pop of freshness. A sprinkle of cheese on top never hurts either!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F until heated through, ensuring they stay cheesy and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously; it adds flavor from the start.
- Make sure not to overstuff your shells; they need room to breathe!
- Fresh herbs elevate this dish—don’t skip them if possible!
The first time I made these seafood stuffed shells, my friends devoured every last bite. They kept asking for seconds, and I had to hide a few just to enjoy them myself later!
FAQs:
What are Seafood Stuffed Shells made of?
Seafood Stuffed Shells are typically made with large pasta shells filled with a delicious seafood mixture. For this recipe, you can use shrimp, crab, or fish combined with cream cheese, ricotta, and herbs. Crab stuffed mushrooms recipe The shells are then baked in a rich tomato sauce topped with cheese. This dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that seafood lovers will appreciate.
Can I substitute seafood in the Seafood Stuffed Shells recipe?
Yes, you can easily customize the filling for Seafood Stuffed Shells to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer chicken or turkey over seafood, feel free to use shredded cooked chicken or turkey in the filling. Additionally, you can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and nutrition of your dish.
How long do Seafood Stuffed Shells take to bake?
Seafood Stuffed Shells typically require about 25 to 30 minutes of baking time at 350°F (175°C). It’s essential to ensure that the filling is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. To achieve the perfect texture, cover the dish with foil for the first half of baking and then remove it for the last few minutes to allow the cheese to brown nicely.
Can I prepare Seafood Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare Seafood Stuffed Shells ahead of time by assembling them and storing them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil. This allows flavors to meld beautifully. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
Conclusion for Seafood Stuffed Shells:
Seafood Stuffed Shells offer a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. By using fresh seafood or alternatives like chicken, you can cater this dish to your preferences while keeping it deliciously creamy and cheesy. Prepare ahead for convenience and enjoy a comforting family meal that showcases a delightful blend of ingredients and flavors. Enjoy your cooking adventure with this versatile recipe! For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Garlic Salmon recipe.
Seafood Stuffed Shells
Seafood Stuffed Shells are a delightful culinary experience that transform a simple pasta dish into an unforgettable meal. These large pasta shells are generously filled with a creamy mixture of shrimp, crab, and ricotta cheese, all baked in a rich marinara sauce. Each bite offers a symphony of flavors that impresses guests and satisfies cravings. Perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, this dish is easy to prepare and visually stunning.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 20 large pasta shells
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup lump crab meat
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 handful fresh basil, chopped (or dried basil)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Boil salted water and cook pasta shells for about 8 minutes until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine shrimp, crab meat, ricotta, half the Parmesan, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Stuff each shell with about two tablespoons of the seafood mixture and place in the baking dish.
- Cover stuffed shells with marinara sauce and sprinkle remaining Parmesan on top.
- Bake covered with foil for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 stuffed shells (approximately 270g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Substitute shrimp with chicken or add vegetables like spinach for extra nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
