Seafood Stuffed Shells
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Seafood stuffed shells are a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of shrimp and crab with a creamy, cheesy filling. This recipe is perfect for seafood lovers and is an excellent choice for family dinners or special occasions. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this dish will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
How to Make Seafood Stuffed Shells
Ingredients:
- 20 large pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup crab meat
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, shrimp, crab, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each pasta shell with the seafood mixture.
- Spread some marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place the stuffed shells in the dish and cover with the remaining marinara sauce.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
How to Serve Seafood Stuffed Shells
Serve these delicious seafood stuffed shells hot from the oven. They pair wonderfully with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also sprinkle some fresh parsley or extra cheese on top before serving for a nice touch.
How to Store Seafood Stuffed Shells
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also freeze the shells before baking. Just wrap them tightly in foil, and they can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
Tips to Make Seafood Stuffed Shells
- Be sure to chop the shrimp and crab meat into small pieces for easy stuffing.
- Feel free to get creative with the filling by adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
Variations
You can switch up the seafood by using scallops or adding your favorite fish. For a vegetarian version, replace the seafood with sautéed mushrooms or spinach, and add roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I prepare these stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the shells a day in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them.
2. What can I serve with seafood stuffed shells?
These shells go great with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use jumbo pasta shells, tortellini, or even cannelloni for a different twist on this dish. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
Seafood Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
Pasta and filling
- 20 large large pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup crab meat
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, shrimp, crab, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each pasta shell with the seafood mixture.
- Spread some marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place the stuffed shells in the dish and cover with the remaining marinara sauce.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
