Seafood Stuffed Shells: A Creamy Pasta Delight Awaits!

As a busy mom, I know how challenging it can be to whip up a meal that feels special yet doesn’t take hours to prepare. That’s where my Seafood Stuffed Shells come in! This creamy seafood pasta dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful treat for the taste buds. Imagine tender jumbo shells filled with a rich mixture of shrimp and crab, all smothered in a luscious garlic cream sauce. It’s the perfect way to impress your loved ones without spending all day in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Seafood Stuffed Shells
These Seafood Stuffed Shells are a game-changer for busy weeknights! They come together quickly, making them a fantastic option when time is tight. The creamy seafood filling is bursting with flavor, and the garlic cream sauce adds a touch of elegance. Plus, they’re a hit with both kids and adults, making dinner a breeze. Trust me, this dish will become a family favorite in no time!
Ingredients for Seafood Stuffed Shells
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these Seafood Stuffed Shells a success. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Jumbo pasta shells: These are the stars of the dish, perfect for holding all that creamy goodness.
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, shrimp adds a delightful seafood flavor. Just make sure to peel and chop them!
- Lump crab meat: Whether you choose real or imitation, crab meat brings a sweet, delicate taste to the filling.
- Ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese gives the filling a rich texture and helps bind everything together.
- Shredded mozzarella: Melty and gooey, mozzarella adds that cheesy goodness we all love.
- Grated Parmesan: A sprinkle of this sharp cheese elevates the flavor profile of the dish.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh taste to the filling.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Egg: This helps to bind the filling, ensuring it stays together when you stuff the shells.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in your filling.
For the Garlic Cream Sauce, you’ll need:
- Butter: This forms the base of your sauce, adding richness.
- Flour: A little flour helps thicken the sauce, giving it that creamy consistency.
- Heavy cream: The star of the sauce, heavy cream makes it luxuriously smooth.
- More garlic: Because you can never have too much garlic, right?
- More Parmesan: A second dose of Parmesan in the sauce adds depth and flavor.
- Crushed red pepper: Optional, but it gives a nice kick if you’re feeling adventurous!
Don’t worry about exact measurements just yet; you can find them at the bottom of the article for easy printing. Now, let’s get cooking!
How to Make Seafood Stuffed Shells
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making these Seafood Stuffed Shells! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Combine the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Then, add in the chopped shrimp and crab meat. Don’t forget the minced garlic and chopped parsley! These ingredients will create a flavorful filling.
Next, crack in the egg and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. The filling should be creamy and packed with seafood goodness. Set it aside while we whip up the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, stir in the minced garlic and flour. This will create a roux, which thickens our sauce.
Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper if you like a little heat. Finally, add the Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. This garlic cream sauce is the perfect complement to our stuffed shells!
Step 3: Stuff the Shells
Now comes the fun part! Take your cooked jumbo pasta shells and gently stuff each one with the seafood filling. I like to use a spoon for this, but you can also use a piping bag if you want to get fancy.
Place the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish, making sure they’re snug but not overcrowded. Once all the shells are filled, it’s time to pour that luscious garlic cream sauce over the top. Make sure every shell is covered; we want all that creamy goodness!
Step 4: Bake the Seafood Stuffed Shells
Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld together. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This will give the tops a beautiful golden color.
When you pull them out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. The aroma will be heavenly, and your family will be eagerly waiting to dig in!
Tips for Success
- Make sure to cook the pasta shells al dente; they’ll continue to cook in the oven.
- For extra flavor, sauté the garlic in the butter before adding the flour.
- Don’t overstuff the shells; a little filling goes a long way!
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking for easier serving.
- Feel free to customize the seafood based on your family’s preferences.
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl: A standard bowl works, but a glass one lets you see the filling as you mix.
- Medium saucepan: Any saucepan will do, just ensure it has a heavy bottom for even heating.
- Baking dish: A 9×13 inch dish is perfect, but any oven-safe dish will suffice.
- Spoon or piping bag: Use a spoon for stuffing, or a piping bag for a neat finish.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the seafood for sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and artichokes for a delicious meatless version.
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling for a kick that’ll wake up your taste buds.
- Cheesy Delight: Mix in some cream cheese or goat cheese with the ricotta for an extra creamy filling.
- Whole Wheat Shells: Use whole wheat pasta shells for a healthier, fiber-rich alternative.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like dill or basil to give your filling a unique flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread for a delightful side that complements the creamy seafood.
- Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
- Wine Pairing: Pair with a crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio, to enhance the seafood flavors.
- Garnish: Top with extra parsley or a sprinkle of lemon zest for a pop of color and brightness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make these Seafood Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and stuff the shells a day in advance. Just cover them tightly and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, pour the garlic cream sauce over them and follow the baking instructions.
Q: What can I substitute for the seafood in this recipe?
A: If seafood isn’t your thing, you can easily swap it out for sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. This will give you a delicious vegetarian option that’s just as creamy and satisfying!
Q: How do I store leftovers of this cheesy seafood casserole?
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The flavors will still be delightful!
Q: Can I freeze the baked seafood shells?
A: Yes, you can freeze them! Just assemble the dish without baking, cover it tightly, and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Q: What’s a good side dish to serve with Italian seafood dinner?
A: A light salad or some garlic bread pairs perfectly with these stuffed shells. The freshness of the salad balances the richness of the creamy seafood pasta!
Final Thoughts
Cooking these Seafood Stuffed Shells is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about creating a moment of joy for your family. The creamy seafood pasta brings everyone together, filling the kitchen with delightful aromas and laughter. Each bite is a reminder of the love and care you put into your cooking. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the culinary adventure, and enjoy the smiles that come with every delicious shell. Happy cooking!