Cheesy Seafood Stuffed Shells Your Family Will Crave

Introduction

Transform simple jumbo pasta shells into an elegant, yet comforting, seafood feast! This Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells recipe is easier than you think, proving that restaurant-quality meals can be made at home with minimal fuss. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and satisfying dish – it’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite!

Why This Works

This recipe works because it beautifully balances creamy richness with the delicate flavors of seafood. The combination of cheesy filling and marinara sauce creates a symphony of textures and tastes that’s simply irresistible. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to assemble, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Key Ingredients

• 🍝 1 pound jumbo pasta shells
• 🦀 1 pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells
• 🍤 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 🌿 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 🧀 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 🧀 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 🧀 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 🧅 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 🍅 2 cups marinara sauce
• 🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 🥛 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the pasta: Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

2️⃣ Sauté the aromatics: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.

3️⃣ Cook the seafood: Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in crab meat and cook for another minute or two, just to heat through. Be careful not to overcook the seafood.

4️⃣ Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine cooked seafood, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Mix well to combine.

5️⃣ Stuff the shells: Gently stuff each cooked pasta shell with the seafood mixture.

6️⃣ Assemble and bake: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells. Pour heavy cream evenly over the top.

7️⃣ Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.

Handy Tips

• Use high-quality crab meat for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp or crab meat; they should be cooked through but still tender.
• If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley instead (use about 1 tablespoon).

Heat Control

Baking at 375°F (190°C) ensures the shells are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly without burning. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.

Crunch Factor

While the dish itself is creamy and comforting, you can add a bit of crunch by topping with some toasted breadcrumbs in the last 5 minutes of baking.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For a richer flavor, use a homemade marinara sauce.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat.
• To save time, use pre-cooked shrimp.

Storage Tips

Store leftover Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This dish is perfect for gifting! Pack individual portions in attractive disposable aluminum containers, tied with a ribbon. Include a small card with reheating instructions.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Spicy Seafood: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling and marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
🌟 Lemon-Herb Seafood: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the filling, along with some chopped fresh dill or thyme.
🌟 Mediterranean Seafood: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese into the filling.
🌟 Creamy Pesto Seafood: Mix pesto into the ricotta cheese mixture for an Italian twist.

Troubleshooting

• Overcooked Shells: If your shells are mushy, they might have been overcooked. Try cooking them for a shorter time next time, following the package directions closely.
• Dry Filling: If the filling is too dry, add a little more ricotta cheese or cream.
• Burning: If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

FAQ

• Can I substitute other seafood? Yes, you can use other types of seafood, such as scallops, lobster, or cod.
• Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare the filling and stuff the shells ahead of time, then bake just before serving. Store the stuffed shells, unbaked, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
• Can I freeze this dish? It’s best to eat this dish fresh, but you can freeze unbaked stuffed shells for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Conclusion

This Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! So easy to make, yet so impressive, it’s perfect for any occasion. We can’t wait to see your delicious creations! Share your photos and reviews on Ratemyrecipes.com – happy cooking!