Creamy Seafood Shells Delight – A Seafood Lover’s Perfect Pasta! ๐๐ฆ
1. Introduction
If you’re someone who craves the rich, indulgent flavors of the sea combined with creamy pasta dishes, then this seafood stuffed shells recipe is perfect for you. The Creamy Seafood Shells Delight brings together tender pasta shells filled with a luxurious seafood mixture, smothered in a velvety sauce, and baked to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, this seafood stuffed pasta recipe offers an impressive presentation with extraordinary flavor. Let’s dive into this delightful seafood pasta recipe!
2. Ingredients needed for seafood stuffed shells
- 20 large pasta shells
- 1 lb. (450g) cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1/2 lb. (225g) crab meat or lobster meat, shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- A splash of white wine (optional)
3. Step-by-step instructions for creamy seafood pasta
Preparing the pasta shells
Cook the large pasta shells in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Making the seafood filling
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and minced garlic, sautรฉ until fragrant. Stir in the cooked shrimp and crab meat, cook for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of white wine if desired, and cook until reduced. Remove from heat and mix in ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and black pepper.
Assembling the seafood stuffed shells
Gently fill each cooked shell with the seafood mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish.
Preparing the creamy sauce
In the same skillet, pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and extra garlic if desired. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Pour the sauce over the stuffed shells evenly.
Baking the seafood stuffed pasta
Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the shells. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
4. Storage tips for seafood stuffed shells
Allow the baked seafood stuffed shells to cool completely before storing. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
5. Serving suggestions for seafood stuffed shells
Serve this creamy seafood pasta with a simple green salad, crusty garlic bread, or grilled vegetables. For an added touch, sprinkle fresh parsley or a drizzle of lemon juice before serving, enhancing the seafood flavors.
6. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – Simplify chopping garlic and shallots to save time and effort in this seafood pasta recipe.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set – Ensures your cookware is non-stick and durable for smooth cooking and cleaning.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker – Perfect for preparing seafood in advance or keeping the sauce warm during your meal prep.
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 – Use it to quickly prepare seafood or vegetables for an added crunch.
7. Frequently Asked Questions about seafood stuffed shells
Can I substitute the seafood in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap shrimp and crab for lobster, scallops, or even lobster meat for your preferred seafood flavor.
Is this dish suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?
While traditional shells are high in carbs, you can substitute with zucchini or eggplant slices for a low-carb version of this seafood stuffed pasta.
How long does it take to prepare this seafood stuffed shells recipe?
The total preparation and cooking time is approximately 40-45 minutes, making it a perfect quick yet elegant meal for seafood lovers.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and assemble the shells ahead of time, store in the refrigerator, and bake when you’re ready to serve for a stress-free dinner.
8. Conclusion
This seafood stuffed shells dish combines the flavors of the sea with creamy, cheesy goodness, creating a memorable pasta experience for any seafood enthusiast. Itโs perfect for special occasions or a comforting weeknight meal. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and professional tips, you can impress your guests or family with this luxurious seafood pasta. Don’t forget to explore the recommended kitchen tools to make your cooking even more enjoyable!
9. Try this delicious seafood stuffed shells today!
Indulge in this decadent seafood stuffed pasta and enjoy the flavors of the ocean in every bite. Whether youโre celebrating a special event or just craving something new and tasty, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. For more seafood recipes and kitchen inspiration, visit our Creamy Seafood Shells Delight.
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Creamy Seafood Shells Delight – A Seafood Lover’s Perfect Pasta! ๐๐ฆ
Deliciously creamy seafood stuffed shells are baked to perfection, packed with tender seafood, cheese, and herbs, creating a hearty yet elegant dish.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 large jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, crab, scallops), chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Cook pasta shells according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sautรฉ garlic until fragrant, then add chopped seafood. Cook until just done. Remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, sautรฉed seafood, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each shell with the seafood mixture and place in a greased baking dish.
- Pour heavy cream over the shells, sprinkle with extra cheese if desired, and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh seafood for best flavor.
- You can substitute spinach with kale or other greens.
- For a lighter version, use half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Method: Baking, Sautรฉing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shell
- Calories: 450 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
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