The aroma of bubbling cheese wafting through the kitchen, mingled with the enticing scent of fresh seafood, is simply irresistible. Picture this: you pull a tray of Ultimate Seafood Stuffed Shells from the oven, and that golden crust glistens like treasure at the end of a culinary rainbow. Cheesy eggplant rollatini.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
- What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
- How do I prevent the shells from sticking together?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I remember the first time I made these stuffed shells for my family. They devoured them in minutes, leaving me with a messy kitchen and a heart full of joy. Chicken sausage and broccoli skillet Perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners, this dish never fails to impress!
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] These Ultimate Seafood Stuffed Shells are easy to prepare, making weeknight meals a breeze. The combination of rich flavors will delight your taste buds and make your dinner table sparkle. Their vibrant look will have everyone reaching for seconds. These shells are versatile; feel free to mix and match seafood or even go vegetarian! [/info_box]
One memorable evening, my cousin declared these stuffed shells “life-changing” after one bite. It was a proud moment for me! For more inspiration, check out this flavorful Italian delight recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Large Pasta Shells: Choose sturdy shells that can hold all that delicious filling without falling apart during cooking. Grilled vegetable pasta salad.
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works well; just ensure they are peeled and deveined for ease.
Crab Meat: Opt for lump crab meat if possible for its sweet flavor and chunky texture.
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese adds richness to the filling and helps bind everything together perfectly.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a salty kick that enhances the overall flavor profile. For more inspiration, check out this cheesy chicken parm soup recipe.
Fresh Herbs (like parsley): Chopped fresh herbs brighten up the dish; choose your favorites based on personal preference.
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce for an extra layer of flavor over the shells.
Garlic Powder: This pantry staple helps elevate your filling with savory goodness.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance the flavors of all ingredients.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Pasta Shells: Boil water in a large pot and cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain them gently to avoid tearing.
Create the Filling: In a large bowl, combine shrimp, crab meat, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper until well mixed. Garlic butter shrimp scampi The mixture should be creamy yet chunky.
Stuff Those Shells: Take each shell and fill generously with the seafood mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Don’t be shy; pack them nicely!
Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange filled shells snugly on top while ensuring they’re not overcrowded.
Add More Sauce: Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells liberally. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for that golden crust when baked.
Bake Until Golden: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell divine!
Enjoying these Ultimate Seafood Stuffed Shells brings warmth and comfort—not just from their flavors but also from their ability to bring people together around the dinner table. So grab your loved ones and dig in!
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] The Ultimate Seafood Stuffed Shells not only impress but can be made ahead. The blend of creamy cheese and fresh seafood creates a delightful experience. Don’t skip the herbs; they elevate the flavors to a whole new level! [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the pasta shells until al dente, then prepare your seafood filling while they cool. Bake the stuffed shells in a preheated oven for a bubbly, golden finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with different seafood like shrimp or crab, and add spices to match your taste. A sprinkle of fresh parsley can provide color and freshness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Make sure to avoid overcooking the shells; al dente is key for perfect texture. Fresh herbs brighten up flavors beautifully, so don’t skip them. Lastly, let stuffed shells rest before serving for optimal flavor integration. [/info_box]
The first time I made these Ultimate Seafood Stuffed Shells, my friends declared it a culinary masterpiece. Ever since, they’ve requested it at every gathering!
FAQ
Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Yes, frozen seafood works well; just thaw it before cooking.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
Cream cheese or cottage cheese can be used as a great ricotta alternative.
How do I prevent the shells from sticking together?
Toss cooked shells in olive oil to keep them separate before stuffing.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Ultimate Seafood Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Ultimate Seafood Stuffed Shells are a delightful blend of flavors, featuring creamy ricotta, succulent shrimp, and sweet crab meat, all nestled in tender pasta shells. Baked until golden and bubbling with marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, these stuffed shells transform any meal into a memorable experience.
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 cup peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 cup lump crab meat
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta shells: Boil water in a large pot and cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain gently.
- Create the filling: In a bowl, combine shrimp, crab meat, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy yet chunky.
- Stuff the shells: Fill each shell generously with the seafood mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
- Assemble: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Arrange filled shells snugly on top and pour remaining sauce over them. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 stuffed shells (about 250g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
