Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the magic of a seafood stuffed shells recipe! These little pasta wonders are like a warm hug on a plate, filled to the brim with a creamy, dreamy mixture of shrimp and crab that makes my taste buds dance. I first fell in love with this dish at my aunt’s house during a family gathering. The aroma wafting through the kitchen was irresistible, and as soon as I took that first bite, I knew I had to recreate it myself. The combination of the tender shells, the rich filling, and the comforting marinara sauce is just pure bliss. Trust me, once you serve these at your next dinner, everyone will be asking for seconds—and the recipe!
Ingredients for Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup crab meat
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 cups marinara sauce
How to Prepare the Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial because you want those shells to bake perfectly!
- While the oven warms up, cook your jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Make sure they’re al dente, so they hold up when stuffed and baked. Once done, drain them carefully and set them aside to cool a bit.
- Now, let’s make that heavenly filling! In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, crab meat, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix everything together gently until it’s well combined. Oh, the smell is already amazing!
- Grab your cooled pasta shells and begin stuffing each one with the seafood mixture. Don’t be shy; pack them in there! I like to use a spoon to help me with this. Place the stuffed shells seam side up in a baking dish.
- Next, spread half of the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. This will keep the shells nice and moist while they bake.
- Carefully arrange your stuffed shells in the dish and then cover them with the remaining marinara sauce. You want every shell to be bathed in that delicious sauce.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps them steam a bit while baking. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and let those cheesy tops get golden and bubbly for an additional 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them—this is the moment when they become irresistible!
- Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Trust me, you’ll want to dive in right away, but a moment of patience will make them even better!
Why You’ll Love This Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe
- Delicious flavors that blend shrimp and crab for a seafood lover’s dream.
- Rich, creamy filling that makes every bite feel indulgent.
- Quick preparation time, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
- Comforting and satisfying, this dish is sure to please the whole family.
- Can be made ahead of time, making it a fantastic option for meal prep.
- Beautiful presentation that’s impressive enough for guests, yet easy to make.
Tips for Success with Your Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe
Alright, let’s make your seafood stuffed shells truly unforgettable! First off, don’t skimp on the seafood—using fresh shrimp and lump crab meat makes a world of difference in flavor. If you can, hit up your local fish market for the best catch!
Now, if you’re not a fan of ricotta, you can swap it out for cream cheese or a blend of mascarpone and cream cheese for a richer filling. Also, feel free to kick up the flavor by adding a squeeze of lemon juice or some red pepper flakes for a little heat.
When it comes to baking, make sure your pasta shells are not overcooked in the boiling water. They should be al dente since they’ll continue cooking in the oven. And remember, letting the dish rest for a few minutes after baking helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your dish to a whole new level!
Variations on the Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe
There are so many fun ways to switch up this seafood stuffed shells recipe! For a twist, try adding some sautéed scallops or even lobster meat for that extra touch of luxury. If you’re feeling adventurous, a handful of spinach or sautéed mushrooms can add a lovely earthiness to the filling.
Want to change the flavor profile? Consider mixing in some fresh dill or tarragon for a hint of herbaceous goodness. You could also swap out the marinara for a creamy Alfredo sauce if you’re in the mood for something rich and decadent. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve got some delicious seafood stuffed shells left over? Lucky you! To store them, simply let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each shell tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for about 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, there’s no need to worry about sacrificing flavor or texture. For refrigerated shells, just pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to keep them moist. If they’re frozen, let them thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Trust me, they’ll taste just as amazing as the first time around!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying these scrumptious seafood stuffed shells, here’s what you can expect nutritionally per serving (which is about 2 stuffed shells):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. Enjoy every delightful bite with the knowledge that you’re indulging in something both delicious and satisfying!
FAQ About Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe
Can I use frozen seafood in this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before mixing it into your filling. Frozen seafood can be just as delicious as fresh, especially if you’re in a pinch.
What kind of sauce can I use instead of marinara?
If marinara isn’t your thing, feel free to switch it up! A creamy Alfredo sauce works wonderfully, or you can even try a homemade lemon butter sauce for a fresh twist. The choice is yours!
Can I make these stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prep the shells and filling, then assemble everything in the baking dish. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold.
What should I serve with seafood stuffed shells?
These shells are great on their own, but they pair beautifully with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread. The fresh crunch of the salad complements the rich flavors of the shells perfectly!
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While jumbo shells are traditional, you can use other pasta shapes like cannelloni or even manicotti if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly!
Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe: 7 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Seafood
Description
A delicious seafood stuffed shells recipe filled with shrimp, crab, and a creamy cheese mixture.
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup crab meat
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions and drain.
- In a bowl, mix shrimp, crab meat, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Stuff each shell with the seafood mixture.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce in a baking dish.
- Place the stuffed shells in the 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 cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- Use fresh seafood for better flavor.
- Adjust the amount of cheese to your liking.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: seafood stuffed shells recipe