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 only for their exquisite taste but also for their delightful texture. The combination of tender pasta, luscious cream sauce, and succulent 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 delicious recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends!
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 crab meat, shredded
- 1/2 cup cooked scallops, chopped
- 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
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Preparing the Pasta Shells
1. **Boil the Pasta**: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the large pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. 2. **Drain and Cool**: Once cooked, drain the pasta shells in a colander and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside to cool completely.Preparing the Filling
3. **Mix the Cheeses**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until well blended. 4. **Add Seafood**: Gently fold in the chopped shrimp, crab meat, and scallops into the cheese mixture. Make sure the seafood is evenly distributed throughout the filling. 5. **Season the Mixture**: Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the seafood and cheese mixture. Stir until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.Preparing the Sauce
6. **Heat the Marinara**: In a medium saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. Once it starts to simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This will enhance the flavors. 7. **Add Cream**: Stir in the heavy cream to the marinara sauce, mixing well. This will create a creamy texture and a richer flavor. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, then remove it from the heat.Assembling the Stuffed Shells
8. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the shells cook evenly and get that lovely golden top. 9. **Prepare the Baking Dish**: Spread a thin layer of the creamy marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the shells from sticking and add flavor. 10. **Stuff the Shells**: Take each cooled pasta shell and carefully fill it with the seafood and cheese mixture. I like to use a small spoon or a piping bag for this step to make it easier. Place the stuffed shells seam-side up in the baking dish. 11. **Cover with Sauce**: Once all the shells are stuffed and arranged in the baking dish, pour the remaining creamy marinara sauce over the top. Make sure to cover all the shells generously. 12. **Add Cheese Topping**: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the sauce. This will create a delicious cheesy crust as it bakes.Baking the Stuffed Shells
13. **Cover with Foil**: To prevent the cheese from burning, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will also help the shells heat through evenly. 14. **Bake**: Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the shells to heat through. 15. **Uncover and Brown**: After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning. 16. **Let it Rest**: Once out of the oven, let the stuffed shells rest for about 5-10 minutes. This will help the filling set a bit and make serving easier.Serving the Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
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