Seafood Stuffed Shells

Are you craving a dish that’s decadent, satisfying, and totally restaurant-worthy but easy to make at home? Then Seafood Stuffed Shells are about to be your new favorite recipe. Imagine giant pasta shells generously stuffed with a rich, creamy filling made with shrimp, crab, and a blend of cheeses, all smothered in a savory marinara sauce. It’s everything you want in a comfort meal with a seafood twist!

The best part? These stuffed shells are so easy to make, you can prepare them ahead of time and have them ready to bake when it’s dinner time. So, whether you’re hosting a special dinner party, celebrating a holiday, or just craving something comforting yet fancy, this dish delivers on every level. Trust me, you’re going to be wowed.

Why You’ll Love Seafood Stuffed Shells

Elegant Comfort Food:

Seafood Stuffed Shells take your typical pasta dish to the next level. They’re comforting, yet sophisticated enough for a special occasion. You get all the coziness of pasta, with the delicious, savory flavors of seafood.

Flavor-Packed:

The seafood filling is rich and creamy, while the marinara sauce brings just the right amount of acidity to balance it all out. It’s a party of flavors in every bite!

Make-Ahead Friendly:

These stuffed shells can be made in advance, saving you time when you’re ready to serve them. Pop them in the oven and get ready for a delicious dinner!

Customizable:

Not a fan of shrimp or crab? No worries! You can swap them out for your favorite seafood, like scallops or lobster, or even use a combo of other seafood.

Family-Friendly:

If you’re serving a crowd, this dish is sure to be a hit. It’s hearty, filling, and packed with flavor. Plus, the creamy filling and pasta are always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients in Seafood Stuffed Shells

Here’s what makes these stuffed shells a seafood lover’s dream:

For the Filling:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: These large pasta shells hold all that delicious seafood filling, and they’re fun to eat, too.
• Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp adds a sweet, tender bite to the stuffing.
• Crab Meat: Lump crab meat gives the filling that sweet, delicate seafood flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can substitute with more shrimp.
• Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese helps bind the filling together while adding richness and creaminess.
• Ricotta Cheese: A classic in stuffed shells, ricotta adds a mild, creamy texture to the filling.
• Parmesan Cheese: A touch of parmesan adds a bit of sharpness and depth of flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a savory, aromatic touch to the filling.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and brightness to the filling and is perfect for balancing the rich seafood.

For the Sauce:

• Marinara Sauce: A flavorful, tangy marinara sauce is the base for this dish. You can use store-bought or homemade, whichever you prefer.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully and creates a gooey, cheesy top layer over the stuffed shells.
• Olive Oil: A little bit of olive oil to help sauté the garlic and shrimp.

(Note: Full measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Jumbo Shells:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions, about 9-10 minutes. Drain the shells and set them aside to cool. You’ll need them to be cooled enough to handle when you stuff them.

2. Cook the Shrimp:

While the pasta shells are cooking, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from heat and chop the shrimp into small pieces.

3. Make the Filling:

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, crab meat, cream cheese, ricotta cheese, garlic, parsley, and parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the filling is smooth and well-combined.

4. Stuff the Shells:

Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the seafood filling, being generous with the amount of filling. Place each stuffed shell in a baking dish, side by side.

5. Prepare the Sauce:

Pour your marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, making sure to cover each shell generously.

6. Top with Mozzarella:

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the stuffed shells, making sure each shell gets a good amount of cheesy goodness.

7. Bake:

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with extra parsley if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy the creamy, savory goodness of seafood stuffed shells!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 480
Total Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 170mg
Sodium: 920mg
Total Carbohydrates: 38g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 28g
Vitamin A: 15%
Vitamin C: 10%
Calcium: 20%
Iron: 15%
Potassium: 350mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve Seafood Stuffed Shells

With a Side Salad:

A light, crisp salad with a simple vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the richness of the stuffed shells. Consider arugula, spinach, or mixed greens.

With Garlic Bread:

A warm, crunchy garlic bread is always a great side to serve with pasta. It’s perfect for dipping into the marinara sauce!

With Roasted Vegetables:

Oven-roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus would complement the dish beautifully, adding a healthy and colorful side.

With a Glass of White Wine:

Pair this seafood stuffed shells dish with a chilled glass of white wine, like a crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, for an elevated dining experience.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead:

You can stuff the shells and assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead of time. Just cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. It’s a great way to save time for a busy weeknight or dinner party.

Use Other Seafood:

Feel free to swap out or add other seafood like scallops, lobster, or even clams to customize the filling. The seafood combinations are endless!

Skip the Shells:

If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, you could make this seafood filling into a casserole by layering the filling and sauce, topping with cheese, and baking until golden and bubbly.

Spice It Up:

If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A1: Yes! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to bake them thoroughly when you’re ready.

Q3: Can I use other types of cheese in the filling?
A3: Absolutely! You can swap the ricotta or cream cheese for mascarpone, goat cheese, or even a combination of mozzarella and parmesan for a different texture and flavor.

Q4: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A4: Yes, seafood stuffed shells freeze well! Store the leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until bubbly.

Q5: What’s the best marinara sauce to use?
A5: A high-quality store-bought marinara sauce or homemade marinara will work best. Look for one that’s rich in flavor, with minimal added sugar or preservatives.

Q6: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A6: Sure! If you can’t find jumbo shells, you can use manicotti tubes or even large rigatoni. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds the filling.

Q7: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A7: Yes! Simply use gluten-free jumbo shells or another gluten-free pasta, and you’re good to go!

Q8: How can I make this dish spicier?
A8: Add red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce, or even toss in some chopped jalapeños or chili peppers for extra heat.

Q9: Can I make a vegetarian version?
A9: Yes! Replace the seafood with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian alternative.

Q10: Can I add other seasonings to the filling?
A10: Definitely! Feel free to add herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano to the filling for extra depth of flavor.

Conclusion

Seafood Stuffed Shells are the ultimate combination of comfort food and seafood indulgence. With creamy, flavorful seafood filling and a rich marinara sauce, this dish is sure to impress anyone who tries it. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, grab your jumbo shells, some seafood, and get ready to indulge in this mouthwatering dish! Enjoy!

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