Seafood Stuffed Shells – glassika recipes

Seafood Stuffed Shells – Creamy, Cheesy, and Packed with Flavor!

If you’re looking for a decadent and satisfying seafood pasta dish, these Seafood Stuffed Shells are the perfect choice! Filled with a rich, creamy blend of shrimp, lump crab meat, ricotta cheese, and garlic, these shells are baked to perfection in a flavorful sauce. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a special family meal, or just craving a restaurant-quality seafood dish at home, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like stuffed pasta shells—especially when they’re packed with succulent seafood, creamy ricotta, and a hint of garlic. These Seafood Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food, offering a perfect balance of richness and freshness. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes gourmet but is easy to make at home.

The combination of tender shrimp and lump crab meat with creamy ricotta and a delicious sauce makes each bite absolutely irresistible. Plus, this recipe is versatile—you can add extra seafood, switch up the cheeses, or even make it spicy for a unique twist. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering Seafood Stuffed Shells recipe that will make your next meal unforgettable.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Seafood Stuffed Shells, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Essential Ingredients

20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente
1 tbsp olive oil
½ lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
½ lb lump crab meat
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ricotta cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp Old Bay seasoning (optional for extra seafood flavor)

For the Sauce:

1 cup heavy cream
½ cup marinara sauce (or more for a richer base)
2 tbsp butter
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp lemon juice (for brightness)

How to Make Seafood Stuffed Shells

1. Cook the Pasta Shells

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook them until al dente (firm to the bite). Be careful not to overcook them, as they will continue to bake in the oven. Drain the shells, rinse them with cold water, and set aside to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Seafood Filling

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Add the chopped shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and stir in the lump crab meat, ensuring everything is evenly mixed.

3. Make the Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, parsley, salt, black pepper, and Old Bay seasoning. Stir well until everything is fully incorporated. Add the cooked shrimp and crab mixture, folding it gently to keep the seafood pieces intact.

4. Prepare the Sauce

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream, marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously and let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the lemon juice for a fresh, tangy balance.

5. Stuff the Shells

Using a spoon, carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the seafood and cheese mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a lightly greased baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.

6. Assemble & Bake

Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle additional mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top for extra cheesiness. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

7. Serve & Enjoy!

Remove the Seafood Stuffed Shells from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

Helpful Tips

Use Fresh Seafood: Fresh shrimp and lump crab meat offer the best flavor, but you can also use frozen seafood (thawed and patted dry).
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Overcooked pasta can become too soft and break when stuffing.
Don’t Overfill: Fill the shells generously but avoid overstuffing to prevent them from tearing.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake.

Cooking Tips

To elevate your Seafood Stuffed Shells, try these pro tips:

Cheese Blend: Try using a mix of mozzarella, Gruyère, or fontina for a more complex cheesy flavor.
Add a Kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy variation.
Creamier Sauce: Substitute half-and-half or a little cream cheese in the sauce for extra richness.

Serving Suggestions

These Seafood Stuffed Shells pair well with:

Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices
Caesar salad or a light garden salad
Roasted asparagus, zucchini, or steamed broccoli
A glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:

Calories: 420
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Sodium: 780mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Freeze: Assemble the shells, place them in a freezer-safe dish, and freeze before baking. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F for 35-40 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! If you can’t find jumbo shells, try using manicotti or cannelloni as alternatives.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese or mascarpone makes great substitutes.

Can I make this recipe without shrimp?
Absolutely! Simply use extra crab meat or add lobster or scallops for variety.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed these Seafood Stuffed Shells, check out these other delicious seafood dishes:

Conclusion

These Seafood Stuffed Shells are the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors, making them an excellent choice for seafood lovers. Try them out today and treat yourself to a delicious homemade seafood dish that’s sure to impress! 🍽️🦐