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Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells: A Delicious Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are a delightful dish that brings the ocean’s flavors right to your dinner table. As someone who has always been captivated by the rich and diverse culinary traditions of coastal regions, I find that this recipe beautifully marries the freshness of seafood with the comforting embrace of pasta. The history of stuffed pasta dates back centuries, with variations found in many cultures, but the creamy seafood filling truly sets this dish apart.

People love creamy seafood stuffed shells for their luxurious taste and velvety texture, making them a perfect choice for both special occasions and weeknight dinners. The combination of tender pasta shells filled with a savory seafood mixture, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, creates a symphony of flavors that is simply irresistible. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to prepare, allowing you to impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home!

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells 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 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. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, carefully add the large pasta shells. Cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Once cooked, drain the shells in a colander and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

Making the Seafood 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, crab meat, and scallops to the cheese mixture. Make sure to mix them in 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 mixture 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 marinara sauce and bring it to a simmer.
  2. Stir in the heavy cream, mixing well to create a creamy texture. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help meld the flavors together.
  3. Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside. You’ll use this sauce to layer the stuffed shells.

Assembling the Stuffed Shells

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your stuffed shells cook evenly and get that lovely golden top.
  2. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the creamy marinara sauce on the bottom. This will prevent the shells from sticking and add flavor.
  3. Now, take each cooled pasta shell and carefully fill it with the seafood mixture. I like to use a small spoon or a piping bag for this step to make it easier. Make sure to fill each shell generously but avoid overstuffing.
  4. Once all the shells are filled, place them in the baking dish, open side up. It’s okay if they are snug; they will hold together nicely while baking.
  5. After all the shells are in the dish, pour the remaining creamy marinara sauce over the top, ensuring that all the shells are covered. This will keep them moist and flavorful during baking.
  6. 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

  1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help the shells cook evenly and prevent the cheese from burning.
  2. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the shells 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. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overcook

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells

Conclusion:

In summary, 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 creates a delightful experience that is both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. For serving suggestions, I recommend pairing these stuffed shells with a light, crisp salad and a glass of white wine to enhance the flavors. You can also experiment with variations by adding different seafood, such as crab or lobster, or even incorporating some fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experience with friends and family. I would love to hear how your Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells turn out and any creative twists you might add. Cooking is all about experimenting and having fun, so don’t hesitate to make it your own! Happy cooking!

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Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells: A Delicious Recipe for Seafood Lovers


  • Author: Lily
  • Total Time: 70 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
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Description

Enjoy creamy seafood stuffed shells filled with a delicious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, shrimp, crab, and scallops, all baked in a rich marinara sauce. This dish is perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner!


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 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

Instructions

  1. 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. 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.
  3. 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. 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. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Stir in the heavy cream to the marinara sauce, mixing well. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, then remove it from the heat.
  8. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  9. Spread a thin layer of the creamy marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  10. Take each cooled pasta shell and carefully fill it with the seafood and cheese mixture. Place the stuffed shells seam-side up in the baking dish.
  11. Pour the remaining creamy marinara sauce over the top, ensuring all the shells are covered.
  12. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the sauce.
  13. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning.
  14. Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
  15. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  16. Once out of the oven, let the stuffed shells rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute the seafood with your choice of proteins or vegetables for a different flavor profile.
  • For added flavor, consider using homemade marinara sauce.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes

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