Seafood Stuffed Shells

Description

Seafood stuffed shells are a rich, creamy, and indulgent dish that combines tender pasta shells filled with a luscious seafood mixture, smothered in a flavorful sauce, and baked to perfection. This dish is perfect for special occasions or when you want to elevate your dinner with restaurant-quality flavors at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent and creamy – The filling is packed with seafood and a creamy blend of cheeses, creating a luxurious bite.
• Perfect for special occasions – Impress your guests with this elegant and comforting dish.
• Customizable – Use your favorite seafood, adjust the spices, or experiment with different cheeses to make it your own.

Ingredients

For the filling:

• 12-16 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
• 1 cup cooked crab meat (lump or claw)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)

For topping:

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta shells – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the seafood filling – In a large bowl, mix the chopped shrimp, crab meat, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Make the sauce – In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, cooking until the sauce thickens. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and Old Bay seasoning. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble the dish – Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Stuff each cooked shell with the seafood mixture and arrange them in the dish.
5. Top with sauce and cheese – Pour the remaining sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley.
6. Bake – Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Serve – Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Variations

• Different seafood – Swap shrimp and crab for scallops, lobster, or a seafood mix.
• Spicy kick – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
• Tomato-based sauce – Instead of a creamy sauce, use a marinara or vodka sauce for a different flavor profile.
• Cheese blend – Experiment with Gruyère, fontina, or smoked gouda for a richer taste.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Assemble the dish but do not bake. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 50-60 minutes.
• Reheating: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions.

FAQs

How do I prevent my pasta shells from tearing?

Cook the shells until al dente and handle them gently when stuffing to prevent tearing.

Can I make seafood stuffed shells ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

What is the best type of crab meat to use?

Lump crab meat offers the best texture and flavor, but claw meat is a more budget-friendly option.

Can I use canned seafood?

While fresh seafood is preferred, you can use high-quality canned crab and shrimp, well-drained.

Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese or mascarpone can be used instead of ricotta for a slightly different texture.

What can I serve with seafood stuffed shells?

A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair well with this rich dish.

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

Yes, you can use jarred Alfredo sauce for convenience, but homemade sauce offers better flavor.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta shells and a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce.

Can I add spinach or other vegetables?

Yes, finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be mixed into the filling.

How do I make this dish lighter?

Use light ricotta, skim milk, and reduce the cheese quantities for a lighter version.

Conclusion

Seafood stuffed shells are a delightful and indulgent dish perfect for special occasions or an elegant weeknight dinner. With a creamy filling, rich sauce, and customizable ingredients, this recipe is sure to impress. Try different seafood combinations and sauces to make it your own!

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