Easy Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Easy Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells is an amazing dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. This delightful recipe combines large pasta shells filled with a luscious seafood filling, topped with a rich creamy sauce. It’s an indulgent yet simple meal that pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. If you’re looking for a dinner that sings with flavors and presents beautifully, this dish is definitely for you!
With its comforting textures and mouthwatering ingredients, Easy Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells stands out among seafood dishes. Imagine biting into a perfectly cooked pasta shell filled with shrimp, crab meat, and cheese, bathed in a velvety sauce. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together, making every bite memorable. Even if you’re new to cooking, this straightforward recipe will guide you through each step to create a restaurant-quality dish at home.
So, why not treat yourself to this delightful recipe? It offers culinary elegance without overwhelming complexity. With each stuffed shell, you can savor the tastes of the sea, all from the comfort of your kitchen. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how easy it is to prepare!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells provides a unique combination of flavors that will resonate well with seafood lovers. Some reasons why you’ll fall head over heels for this delicious dish include:
1. Simple Ingredients: Most ingredients are easy to find and might already be in your pantry or freezer.
2. Quick Preparation: While the dish may look impressive, it doesn’t take too long to prepare and cook.
3. Versatile Filling: You can customize the seafood to suit your preferences, using shrimp, crab, or a mix of both.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering, these stuffed shells are sure to wow guests.
5. Amazing Creamy Sauce: The rich sauce elevates the dish, making it incredibly indulgent and comforting.
6. Impressive Presentation: The pasta shells filled to the brim create a beautiful plate, sure to impress your dinner guests.
With these enticing features, it’s no wonder that this recipe has become a go-to for many home cooks. You’ll find yourself making it again and again because the flavors are just that wonderful!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Making Easy Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells takes about 1 hour from start to finish, including preparation and baking time. Here’s a breakdown of the time required:
– Preparation Time: 30 minutes
– Cooking Time: 25 minutes
These estimates may vary slightly based on your cooking skills and kitchen efficiency, but they should provide a good guideline.

Ingredients

– 12 large pasta shells
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
– 1 cup crab meat
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating Easy Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells can be enjoyable if you follow these straightforward steps:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook Pasta: In a large pot, boil the pasta shells according to package instructions. Once cooked al dente, drain and set aside.
3. Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, chopped shrimp, crab meat, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until fully combined.
4. Stuff Shells: Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the seafood mixture, being generous with the filling.
5. Prepare Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix marinara sauce with heavy cream and Italian seasoning.
6. Layer in Baking Dish: Spread a thin layer of the cream sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer.
7. Add Sauce: Pour the remaining cream sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are all coated.
8. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top for a golden, bubbly finish.
9. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish: Remove from the oven and garnish with extra parsley if desired. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
These steps will lead you to create this enchanting dish effortlessly!

How to Serve

To make your Easy Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells even more delightful when serving, consider the following tips:
1. Presentation: Use a large skillet or a decorative baking dish to serve the stuffed shells, making them visually appealing.
2. Garnish: Top with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color.
3. Complementary Sides: Serve with a light side salad or garlic bread to balance the richness of the dish.
4. Pairing Recommendations: Pair the meal with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, to enhance the seafood flavors.
By implementing these serving suggestions, you can elevate your dining experience and impress those around you with your culinary skills. Enjoy your homemade Easy Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells!

Additional Tips

– Use Fresh Seafood: For the best flavor, opt for fresh shrimp and crab meat. If using frozen, ensure they are properly thawed and drained.
– Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cooking the pasta shells just until al dente ensures they maintain their shape when stuffed and baked.
– Experiment with Herbs: Add more fresh herbs like dill or chives to the filling for additional flavor.
– Add Vegetables: Consider mixing in sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the seafood filling for a nutritious twist.
– Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling a day in advance, allowing it to sit and blend flavors overnight.

Recipe Variation

Feel free to get creative with this dish! Here are some variations to consider:
1. Lobster Stuffing: Swap shrimp or crab for lobster meat for a luxurious upgrade.
2. Vegetarian Option: Replace seafood with a combination of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and ricotta for a hearty vegetarian option.
3. Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for those who enjoy a spicier flavor profile.
4. Different Cheese: Substitute cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a bolder cheese flavor.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Unbaked or baked stuffed shells can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
– Freezing: These stuffed shells freeze well. To freeze, prepare the dish without baking, cover it with foil or plastic wrap, and store it in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake according to instructions.

Special Equipment

To make the cooking process smoother, consider using the following tools:
– Large Pot: For boiling the pasta shells.
– Mixing Bowl: To mix the seafood filling ingredients.
– Baking Dish: A 9×13 inch dish works perfectly for baking.
– Kitchen Spoon or Spatula: For filling and spreading the sauce.
– Aluminum Foil: To cover the baking dish during the initial baking stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of seafood?
Absolutely! Feel free to use scallops or fish chunks if you prefer.
What if I can’t find large pasta shells?
You can use other pasta shapes like manicotti or even layers of lasagna sheets.
Can I make these stuffed shells gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute regular pasta shells with gluten-free ones.
How do I know when they are done baking?
Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, the dish is ready to serve.
Can I reheat leftovers?
Yes, place the leftovers in a covered baking dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, usually about 15-20 minutes.

Conclusion

Easy Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells is a delightful dish that pairs comfort with culinary elegance. The incredible combination of flavors and textures makes this recipe a winner for any gathering. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a family meal, these stuffed shells will leave everyone craving more. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and treat your loved ones to this fantastic seafood experience tonight!

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