Introduction
Transform simple stuffed shells into a seafood extravaganza! This recipe takes everyday ingredients and elevates them to a restaurant-worthy dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. Get ready for a creamy, decadent comfort food experience the whole family will adore!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it beautifully balances the richness of creamy cheese with the delicate sweetness of seafood. It’s a showstopper, yet surprisingly easy to assemble, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of textures—tender pasta, succulent seafood, and a luscious cheese sauce—is simply irresistible!
Key Ingredients
- 🍝 1 box (16 ounces) jumbo pasta shells
- 🦐 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 🦀 1/2 pound lump crab meat, drained
- 🐟 1/2 pound cooked lobster meat, chopped (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 🧅 1 medium onion, chopped
- 🧄 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 🧀 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 🧀 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🧀 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 🥛 1 cup heavy cream
- 🌿 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 🌿 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 🧈 2 tablespoons butter
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
2️⃣ In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3️⃣ Add the shrimp and crab meat to the skillet and cook until the shrimp is pink and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes. If using lobster, add it during the last minute of cooking. Season with salt and pepper.
4️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, parsley, and basil. Stir in the cooked seafood mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5️⃣ Spoon the seafood mixture into the cooked pasta shells. Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
6️⃣ Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the shells are heated through.
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, sauté the shrimp and crab meat with a little white wine or lemon juice.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs can be substituted – use about 1/3 the amount.
- You can substitute other types of seafood, such as scallops or cod.
Heat Control
Baking at 375°F (190°C) ensures that the cheese melts perfectly and the shells are heated through without drying out the seafood or burning the cheese. Keep an eye on your oven and adjust baking time based on your oven’s heat.
Crunch Factor
While this recipe focuses on creamy, decadent textures, you can add a little crunch by topping the baked stuffed shells with some panko breadcrumbs before baking.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- To save time, you can use pre-cooked shrimp.
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of different cheeses, such as provolone or fontina.
- A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors beautifully.
Storage Tips
Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Gift Packaging Ideas
These stuffed shells make a wonderful gift! Bake them in individual ramekins for easy portioning and presentation. Tie a ribbon around the ramekins for a pretty touch.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Seafood Stuffed Shells: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seafood mixture for a spicy kick.
🌟 Mediterranean Seafood Stuffed Shells: Add sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese to the filling.
🌟 Creamy Tomato Seafood Stuffed Shells: Stir in 1/2 cup of your favorite marinara sauce to the cheese mixture for a richer, tangier flavor.
🌟 Creamy Spinach and Seafood Stuffed Shells: Add 1 cup of chopped fresh spinach to the filling for a boost of nutrients and flavor.
Troubleshooting
- Dry Shells: If your shells are dry, add a little more heavy cream to the filling.
- Overcooked Seafood: If your seafood is overcooked, try reducing the cooking time slightly.
FAQ
- Can I freeze these? Yes, you can freeze the assembled stuffed shells before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Can I use different pasta shapes? While jumbo shells work best, you could experiment with other large pasta shapes.
- What if I don’t have all the seafood options? Feel free to use just shrimp or crab, or any combination you prefer. The recipe is easily adaptable.
- Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the shells just before baking.
Conclusion
We hope you absolutely love this Seafood Stuffed Shells recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any special occasion. Don’t forget to share your delicious creations with us on social media! Enjoy!