Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for seafood stuffed shells! I remember the first time I made these delightful pasta pockets; I was hosting a small dinner party, and the moment I pulled them out of the oven, the aroma filled the entire house—I knew I had a winner! These shells are not just any pasta dish; they’re generously stuffed with a creamy mixture of shrimp and crab, all baked in a rich marinara sauce. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible! Trust me, once you try these seafood stuffed shells, they’ll become a staple in your home too. They’re perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to a cozy night in. Let’s dive into how to make these scrumptious beauties!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best seafood stuffed shells! Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 12 jumbo pasta shells: These are the star of the show! Make sure they’re large enough to hold all that delicious filling.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese gives the filling a lovely texture. Make sure it’s fresh!
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped: Use shrimp that’s already been cooked and peeled. Chop them into bite-sized pieces for easy stuffing.
- 1 cup crab meat: Fresh or canned will work, but I personally love the sweet flavor of fresh crab meat.
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: This adds a gooey, melty element to your filling. You can’t go wrong with mozzarella!
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: For that extra depth of flavor, sprinkle in some grated Parmesan.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: This adds a pop of color and freshness. If you’re not a fan of parsley, feel free to substitute with basil!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a hint of garlicky goodness without overpowering the seafood.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: This brightens up the filling, balancing all those rich flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season! Adjust to your preference.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce to create a luscious base for the shells.
How to Prepare Seafood Stuffed Shells
Alright, let’s get down to the fun part—preparing those delicious seafood stuffed shells! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a dish that’s sure to impress.
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’ll be nice and hot when the shells are ready to go in!
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook them according to the package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes, until they’re al dente. You don’t want them too soft since they’ll bake in the oven later. Drain and set them aside on a clean kitchen towel to cool slightly.
- Make the seafood filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped shrimp, crab meat, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, garlic powder, lemon juice, and salt and pepper. Mix everything until well combined. Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there; it’s the best way to ensure everything is evenly distributed!
- Stuff the shells: Now comes the fun part—stuffing! Take each cooked pasta shell and generously fill it with the seafood mixture. I like to use a spoon to pack it in, but you can also use a piping bag for a cleaner approach if you have one. Place the stuffed shells seam-side up.
- Prepare the baking dish: Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a baking dish. This not only adds flavor but also prevents the shells from sticking!
- Arrange the shells: Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, nestled close together. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, making sure to cover all the shells. This keeps them moist while baking.
- Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap in moisture and help them cook evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes.
- Get bubbly: After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil (watch out for steam!) and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This is when the sauce gets bubbly and the tops get a little golden and delicious.
And there you have it! Just let them cool for a few minutes before serving, and get ready to dig into a plate of pure comfort food!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, where do I even begin? These seafood stuffed shells are simply a delight, and here’s why you’ll adore this recipe just as much as I do:
- Quick to Prepare: With just a bit of prep and cooking time, you’ll have a satisfying meal on the table in about an hour!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy ricotta, tender shrimp, and sweet crab creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
- Satisfying Texture: The contrast between the chewy pasta shells, creamy filling, and rich marinara sauce makes every bite a pleasure.
- Customizable: Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies or tweak the seafood according to what you love—endless possibilities!
- Impressive Presentation: These shells look gorgeous on a plate, making them perfect for dinner parties or cozy family meals.
Trust me, once you taste these beauties, they’ll be on your regular dinner rotation!
Tips for Success
To make your seafood stuffed shells truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure your pasta shells are cooked al dente; this way, they’ll hold their shape and not become mushy when baked. If you want to add a fun twist, consider mixing in some sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers into the seafood filling for extra flavor and nutrition!
Don’t skimp on seasoning! Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking, and feel free to sprinkle in some red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Also, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of white wine to the marinara sauce for a deeper flavor. Finally, remember to let the stuffed shells cool for a few minutes before digging in—trust me, your taste buds will thank you for it!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk nutrition! Keep in mind that the values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this a general guide. Each serving of these delightful seafood stuffed shells packs a satisfying punch with approximately 450 calories. You’ll also find about 18 grams of fat, which gives them that creamy richness we love!
On top of that, you’ll get around 25 grams of protein from the shrimp and crab, making this dish not only delicious but filling too. Plus, with about 50 grams of carbohydrates, it’s a great option for a hearty meal. Just remember, if you’re watching your sodium intake, these shells do have around 800 mg per serving. Overall, it’s a well-rounded dish that brings flavor and comfort to your table!
FAQ Section
Can I use different seafood in my stuffed shells?
Absolutely! While shrimp and crab are my favorites, you can mix it up with other seafood like scallops or even lobster if you’re feeling fancy. Just make sure whatever you choose is already cooked before mixing it into the filling.
How do I prevent the pasta shells from sticking together?
To keep your jumbo pasta shells from sticking, make sure to rinse them under cold water after cooking. This helps stop the cooking process and removes excess starch. You can also toss them lightly in some olive oil if you’d like!
Can I make seafood stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just prepare the stuffed shells and assemble them in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, just pop them in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I serve with seafood stuffed shells?
These stuffed shells pair beautifully with a simple side salad or some garlic bread to soak up that delicious marinara sauce. You could also serve them with a light white wine to complement the seafood flavors!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely! Just let the leftovers cool completely, then cover them tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, here’s the scoop on how to store those delicious seafood stuffed shells! If you have any leftovers (which is rare because they’re so good!), let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge, where they’ll keep well for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re covered so they don’t dry out!
Now, when it comes to reheating, I recommend using the oven to maintain that lovely texture. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C), then place the shells in a baking dish and cover them with foil to keep the moisture in. Heat for about 20 minutes, or until they’re warmed through. If you want to add a little extra sauce to keep things saucy, go for it! You can also microwave them, but watch out—microwaving can make the pasta a bit chewy. Enjoy your leftovers, because trust me, they’re still delightful!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear about your experience with these seafood stuffed shells! Did you make any fun tweaks, or did you stick to the classic recipe? Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts—I’m all ears! If you enjoyed the recipe, consider giving it a rating and sharing it on your social media. Let’s spread the love for these delicious pasta pockets! Your friends and family will thank you for it, and I can’t wait to see how your creations turn out. Happy cooking!
For more delicious recipes, check out Seafood Paella or Seafood Lasagna!
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Seafood Stuffed Shells: 7 Irresistible Comfort Food Delights
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Seafood
Description
Seafood stuffed shells are pasta shells filled with a creamy seafood mixture, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup crab meat
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shrimp, crab meat, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the seafood mixture.
- Spread marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place stuffed shells in the baking dish and cover with remaining marinara sauce.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.
Notes
- Use cooked seafood for best results.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Try adding spinach or other vegetables for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: seafood stuffed shells, stuffed pasta, seafood pasta dish
