Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells have been a family favorite of mine for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I can vividly recall the aroma of garlic and herbs wafting through the house on the nights my mom would prepare this dish. It was always a special occasion, and we’d all gather around the table, eagerly awaiting the first bite of those heavenly Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells.
I can still picture my younger self, watching intently as my mom expertly assembled the shells, carefully spooning the rich, creamy seafood filling into each one. The anticipation would be almost unbearable, but the moment that first forkful hit my tongue, it was pure bliss. The delicate shells, the velvety sauce, the tender shrimp and crabmeat – it was a flavor explosion that you just can’t find anywhere else.
Even now, as an adult, those memories of Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells bring me right back to the comfort and warmth of my childhood home. It’s a dish that just feels like home, and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you today. Trust me, once you try this Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells recipe, it’s going to become your new go-to.
Why This Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
The secret to this Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells recipe is in the perfect balance of flavors and textures. We’re talking about a rich, velvety sauce that coats each shell, punctuated by the sweet, tender bites of shrimp and crab. But it’s the unique blend of seasonings that really takes this dish to the next level. The combination of garlic, fresh herbs, and a touch of lemon zest elevates the seafood filling and creates a flavor profile that’s truly unforgettable.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells, you’ll need:
- Jumbo pasta shells
- Ricotta cheese
- Shredded mozzarella
- Grated Parmesan
- Crab meat (or imitation crab)
- Cooked shrimp, diced
- Garlic
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon zest
- Salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Instructions
Preparing Your Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
This Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare, and the results are absolutely worth the small amount of effort. From start to finish, you’re looking at about an hour of total time, with just 20 minutes of active prep. Let’s dive in!
1- Begin by cooking the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, crab meat, shrimp, garlic, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well incorporated.
3- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
4- Carefully spoon the seafood filling into each cooked pasta shell, placing them in the prepared baking dish as you go. You should be able to fill around 20-24 shells.
5- Once all the shells are filled, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
6- Bake the Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot, garnished with a bit of fresh parsley if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells turn out perfectly every time, keep these pro tips in mind:
- Don’t overcook the pasta shells – you want them to be al dente so they don’t fall apart when you fill them.
- Be generous with the seafood filling, but don’t overstuff the shells or they may burst.
- Use a mixture of crab meat and shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Grate the garlic instead of mincing it for a more subtle, evenly distributed flavor.
- Don’t be afraid to get creative with the seasonings – try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped fresh basil.
Serving and Storing Your Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
Perfect Pairings for Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
These Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are the perfect main dish for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner. They pair beautifully with a fresh garden salad and some garlic bread for sopping up the delicious sauce. For a more indulgent meal, you could serve them alongside a crisp white wine or a light, citrusy cocktail.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the shells in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
You can also make these shells ahead of time and freeze them for later. Assemble the dish as directed, but don’t bake. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, bake the frozen shells directly from the freezer, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
Creative Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Variations
While the classic Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells recipe is pretty hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Try swapping in different types of seafood, like scallops or lobster. You could also experiment with various cheese blends, like a mixture of ricotta and goat cheese, or even a spicy kick by adding some diced jalapeños to the filling.
For a Mediterranean twist, try adding sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of oregano. Or go for a Tex-Mex vibe with some diced green chiles, cumin, and a dollop of salsa on top.
Making Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Diet-Friendly
To make these Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells a bit more diet-friendly, you can try a few simple substitutions. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells. To make it low-carb, you can use zucchini boats or eggplant slices instead of the pasta shells.
If you’re looking to cut down on the dairy, try using a dairy-free ricotta cheese alternative and vegan mozzarella. For a vegan or vegetarian version, you can skip the seafood and use a plant-based protein, like sautéed mushrooms or tofu, in the filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned crab meat instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Canned crab meat works great in this recipe. Just be sure to drain and flake it before adding it to the filling.
Q: How long do the Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells take to bake?
A: The shells should bake for 20-25 minutes at 375°F, until the cheese is melted and bubbly on top.
Q: Can I make the Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the dish in advance and then bake it when you’re ready to serve. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: To reheat leftover Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells, simply place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta shell?
A: While jumbo shells are the traditional choice, you could also use large manicotti tubes or even cannelloni if that’s what you have on hand.
Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 4
Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of these Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells – a delectable comfort food classic that’s surprisingly quick and easy to prepare. Tender pasta shells are filled with a decadent mixture of shrimp, crab, and a velvety cheese sauce, then baked to perfection.
Ingredients
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
– 1/2 cup lump crab meat
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
3. 3. In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, Parmesan, mozzarella, shrimp, crab, garlic, heavy cream, and 2 tbsp parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
4. 4. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the creamy seafood mixture.
5. 5. Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish. Top with additional Parmesan cheese.
6. 6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
7. 7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For an extra creamy texture, you can add a splash of half-and-half or milk to the filling mixture. If you prefer a crisper top, broil the stuffed shells for 2-3 minutes at the end.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Conclusion
There’s just something so comforting and indulgent about Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells. The rich, creamy sauce, the tender bites of shrimp and crab, and the perfectly al dente pasta shells – it’s a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
I hope this recipe has inspired you to give Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells a try. Trust me, once you taste these, they’re going to become a new staple in your kitchen. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the variations, and be sure to let me know how your Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells turn out in the comments below. Enjoy!
