Let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: seafood stuffed shells! This dish is a delightful blend of jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of shrimp and crab, all topped with bubbling marinara and melted cheese. It became a family favorite after one memorable dinner when I decided to try something new. The moment I pulled the cheesy, golden shells out of the oven, the aroma wafted through the house, and everyone gathered around the table, eager to dig in. Each bite is like a warm hug, with the tender pasta shell encasing a flavorful seafood filling that just sings of the ocean. Seriously, once you try these seafood stuffed shells, you’ll understand why they hold a special place in my heart (and my recipe book)!
Ingredients List
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup cooked crab meat
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Seafood Stuffed Shells
Preheat and Cook Pasta
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for achieving that perfect golden crust! While that’s warming up, go ahead and cook your jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water well—it makes a huge difference in flavor! Once they’re al dente, drain them carefully and let them sit while you prepare the filling. You want to avoid overcooking them since they’ll bake again later.
Prepare the Seafood Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped shrimp, crab meat, grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Wow, the smell of this mixture is already making my mouth water! Mix everything until it’s well blended, but don’t overdo it; you want a nice chunky texture that lets each seafood flavor shine through. Trust me, the combination is just divine!
Stuff the Shells
Now comes the fun part: stuffing those shells! Use a spoon to carefully fill each pasta shell with the seafood mixture. Don’t overfill them; a generous scoop is perfect because they’ll expand a little while baking. Place each stuffed shell seam-side up in a baking dish, and I promise, it’ll look gorgeous!
Bake the Dish
Once all your shells are stuffed and nestled in the dish, pour about a cup of marinara sauce over the bottom to keep them moist. Then, drench the shells with the remaining marinara sauce, making sure each one gets a good coating. Finally, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top because, let’s be real, more cheese is always better! Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Just wait until you get a whiff of that incredible aroma filling your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, savory flavors from the seafood and cheese that everyone will adore.
- A family-friendly meal that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.
- Comforting and satisfying, it feels like a hug on a plate.
- Great for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers for lunch!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your seafood stuffed shells turn out absolutely perfect! First off, don’t hesitate to mix and match your seafood; if you’re not a fan of shrimp or crab, scallops or even a firm white fish can work just as well! Just remember to cook everything beforehand for that lovely texture. As for the cheeses, feel free to swap out ricotta for mascarpone if you want an even creamier filling—yum! And when it comes to seasoning, taste as you go. A sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning can elevate the seafood flavors beautifully. Lastly, if you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container. They reheat wonderfully in the oven, so don’t worry about losing that deliciousness. Enjoy the journey, and happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
These delectable seafood stuffed shells pack a punch in flavor while being relatively balanced in nutrition. Each serving (about 1/4 of the recipe) contains approximately 450 calories, 18g of fat, 25g of protein, and 52g of carbohydrates. It also has 6g of sugar and 800mg of sodium. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy every delicious bite guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of seafood?
Absolutely! One of the best things about seafood stuffed shells is how versatile they are. Feel free to mix and match your favorite seafood. Scallops, lobster, or even some tender white fish can make a delicious filling!
Can I make these stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed shells in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them tightly with foil to keep them fresh. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I serve with seafood stuffed shells?
These shells are delicious on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a simple green salad or some garlic bread to soak up that extra marinara sauce. You can’t go wrong with adding a glass of white wine, either!
Can I freeze seafood stuffed shells?
Yes, you can freeze these beauties! Just assemble them in a freezer-safe dish without baking, cover tightly, and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a bit of extra time to ensure they heat through.
Why are my shells breaking while cooking?
Oops! If your shells are breaking, it could be that they were overcooked. Make sure to cook them just until al dente, as they’ll continue to soften while baking. A little care goes a long way!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store your seafood stuffed shells properly, let them cool down to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to make them last longer, you can freeze them! Just place the assembled but unbaked shells in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, there’s no need to thaw—just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer and add about 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time.
For reheating, if you have leftovers in the fridge, simply place them in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to keep them moist, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. You’ll still get that lovely gooey cheese and that comforting flavor!
For more information on the nutritional benefits of seafood, you can check out this Healthline article.
If you’re interested in exploring more delicious pasta recipes, visit this creamy garlic pasta recipe.
For a delightful dessert to complement your meal, consider making strawberry cheesecake.
Print
Seafood Stuffed Shells: 5 Steps to Comforting Bliss
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Seafood
Description
Seafood stuffed shells are pasta shells filled with a delicious mixture of seafood and cheese, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup cooked crab meat
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions and drain.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, shrimp, crab, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the seafood mixture.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place stuffed shells in the dish and cover with remaining marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Use any combination of seafood you prefer.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: seafood stuffed shells
