Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells: A Delicious Recipe for Seafood Lovers

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

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

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://cooktrove.com/creamy-seafood-stuffed-shells-3/