Oh my goodness, let me tell you about seafood stuffed shells! They’re this delightful combination of creamy, cheesy goodness, and they’re absolutely packed with flavor. I remember the first time I made them; the whole kitchen was filled with this mouthwatering aroma that had everyone wandering in to see what was cooking. Seriously, the rich blend of ricotta, shrimp, and crab nestled in those tender pasta shells is like a warm hug for your taste buds. And the best part? You can whip them up easily, making them perfect for both a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for gatherings. Trust me, once you try these seafood stuffed shells creamy cheesy and packed with flavor, you’ll be coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!).
Ingredients List
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup crab meat
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Seafood Stuffed Shells Creamy Cheesy and Packed with Flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures everything bakes evenly and helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- While the oven is heating up, cook the large pasta shells according to package instructions. You want them al dente, so they hold their shape when stuffed. Once cooked, drain them and set them aside to cool a bit.
- In a generous mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped shrimp, crab meat, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until well combined. The smell alone will have you dreaming of the ocean!
- Now, it’s stuffing time! Take each pasta shell and fill it with the seafood mixture. Don’t be shy—pack it in there! Place the stuffed shells seam-side up in a greased baking dish.
- Spread half of the creamy Alfredo sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking and add extra flavor.
- Carefully arrange the stuffed shells in the dish, then pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the top, making sure each shell is coated.
- Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over everything. This will create a lovely golden crust as it bakes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the top is slightly golden. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen smells irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with these seafood stuffed shells! Here are just a few:
- Flavor Explosion: Each bite is a creamy, cheesy delight with the perfect blend of shrimp and crab that’ll make your taste buds sing.
- Super Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you don’t need to be a master chef to impress your family or guests.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, these stuffed shells are sure to steal the show!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep them in advance and simply pop them in the oven when you’re ready, making entertaining a breeze.
- Kid-Approved: The cheesy goodness and fun shapes make them a hit with the little ones too!
Trust me, once you serve these up, everyone will be asking for your secret!
Tips for Success
To make your seafood stuffed shells truly shine, here are some handy tips I swear by!
- Fresh is Best: Always use fresh seafood if you can! It really enhances the overall flavor. If you’re using frozen shrimp or crab, make sure they’re fully thawed and drained.
- Cook Pasta Perfectly: When boiling the pasta shells, aim for al dente. They will continue to cook in the oven, and you don’t want them to become mushy.
- Season to Taste: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings! Taste your seafood mixture before stuffing and add more garlic powder or Italian seasoning if you like it extra flavorful.
- Make Ahead: If you’re prepping for a gathering, assemble the shells a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready!
- Get Creative: Feel free to add other ingredients like spinach or artichoke hearts for an extra twist. The possibilities are endless!
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to making seafood stuffed shells that everyone will rave about!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Hey there! Just a quick note on nutrition: the values provided for these seafood stuffed shells are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, don’t stress if your numbers look a bit different! Typically, you can expect around 400 calories, 20 grams of fat, and 25 grams of protein per serving, but these can fluctuate. It’s always a good idea to double-check based on what you’re using. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and remember, it’s all about savoring the deliciousness!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these scrumptious seafood stuffed shells? You’re not alone! Here are some common queries I get:
Can I use different types of seafood?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite seafood, like scallops or even lobster. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces for easy stuffing.
Can I make these stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare them up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to bake. It’s a great way to save time!
What if I don’t have Alfredo sauce?
No worries! You can make your own quick creamy sauce using heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, or even use a marinara sauce for a different spin.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven to keep that cheesy goodness intact!
Can I freeze them?
Yes! You can freeze the stuffed shells before baking. Just assemble them, cover well, and freeze. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
I hope this helps you on your culinary journey with these delicious seafood stuffed shells!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover seafood stuffed shells is super easy! Just let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save them for later, you can also freeze them before baking. Just make sure to cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They’ll stay fresh for about 2 months!
When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious shells again, reheating is key! If you’ve stored them in the fridge, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. If they were frozen, let them thaw overnight in the fridge first, then follow the same reheating instructions. This way, they’ll come out warm, cheesy, and just as delightful as when you first made them!
Print
Seafood Stuffed Shells Creamy, Cheesy, and Deliciously Irresistible
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Seafood stuffed shells are creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup crab meat
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, shrimp, crab, mozzarella, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each shell with the seafood mixture.
- Spread half of the Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place the stuffed shells in the dish and cover with the remaining Alfredo sauce.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly.
Notes
- Use fresh seafood for the best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: seafood stuffed shells, creamy cheesy seafood shells, stuffed pasta shells