Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are a delightful and comforting dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of seafood with the creamy goodness of a cheese-filled shell pasta. This dish is perfect for special occasions, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving something indulgent and delicious. The tender jumbo pasta shells are generously stuffed with a mix of seafood—typically shrimp, crab, or scallops—and smothered in a creamy sauce that ties everything together. If you’re looking to impress your guests with a unique and flavorful meal, this dish will definitely do the trick.
1. Why Choose Seafood Stuffed Shells?
Seafood is often associated with sophistication and luxury, making it an excellent choice for meals that need a touch of elegance. Combining it with pasta and a creamy sauce makes for an unbeatable flavor profile. But why exactly should you choose this dish?
Deliciously Indulgent: The richness of the seafood, paired with the creamy cheese and sauce, creates a mouth-watering combination that’s sure to please anyone’s taste buds.
Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a family gathering or a dinner party, seafood stuffed shells are a guaranteed hit.
Customizable: You can choose the type of seafood based on your preferences or what’s available at your local market.
2. Ingredients Needed for Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
Before you dive into cooking, it’s essential to gather all your ingredients. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need:
For the Pasta Shells:
Jumbo pasta shells (about 18-20)
Salt (for boiling)
For the Seafood Stuffing:
Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Crab meat (can use imitation or real, based on your budget)
Scallops (optional, for extra flavor)
Garlic (minced)
Fresh parsley (chopped)
Lemon zest (optional)
For the Creamy Sauce:
Heavy cream
Cream cheese (softened)
Parmesan cheese (grated)
Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Butter
Garlic (minced)
Salt and pepper to taste
3. Preparing the Seafood Stuffed Shells
Preparing this dish may seem like a challenge, but trust me, it’s easier than it looks. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious seafood stuffed shells:
Step 1: Boil the Jumbo Shells
Begin by boiling the jumbo pasta shells in salted water according to the package directions. Be sure to cook them al dente, as they’ll continue cooking once they’re stuffed. Afterward, drain the shells and set them aside to cool.
Step 2: Cook the Seafood
In a large skillet, melt some butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and scallops (if using) and cook until they turn opaque and tender, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Once done, remove the seafood from the skillet and chop it into small pieces. If you’re using crab meat, add it to the skillet and heat it through. Set the seafood mixture aside to cool.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt more butter and add the garlic. Sauté it until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Mix the Seafood and Stuffing
Now, take your cooled seafood mixture and combine it with the creamy sauce. Add chopped parsley, a little lemon zest (if desired), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything until well combined.
4. Stuffing the Shells
Once your pasta shells and seafood mixture are ready, it’s time to start stuffing! Gently spoon the seafood mixture into each shell, making sure to pack it in tightly. Place each stuffed shell into a baking dish that has been lightly greased or lined with parchment paper.
5. Baking the Seafood Stuffed Shells
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the remaining creamy sauce over the stuffed shells in the baking dish. Sprinkle some extra shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top for a cheesy, golden crust. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown.
6. Serving Suggestions
Once the creamy seafood stuffed shells are out of the oven, you can serve them with a variety of accompaniments to make the meal complete. Here are some ideas:
Garlic Bread: A crispy, buttery side that complements the richness of the stuffed shells.
Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the creaminess of the dish.
Wine Pairing: Pair this dish with a glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for a perfectly refined meal.
7. Tips for Making the Best Seafood Stuffed Shells
To make sure your seafood stuffed shells are perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
Use Fresh Seafood: Fresh shrimp, crab, and scallops will make a huge difference in flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds the stuffing better and doesn’t get too mushy when baked.
Balance the Sauce: Be careful not to make the sauce too thick—aim for a creamy consistency that will coat the pasta shells evenly.
8. Customizing the Seafood Stuffed Shells
While the classic seafood filling of shrimp, crab, and scallops is a popular choice, you can customize the stuffing to your liking. Here are some ideas for variations:
Lobster Stuffed Shells: For an even more decadent version, swap out some of the seafood for lobster meat.
Vegetarian Stuffed Shells: If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can stuff the shells with a creamy spinach and ricotta mixture, skipping the seafood altogether.
Spicy Seafood Stuffed Shells: Add a touch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the seafood stuffing for a bit of heat.
9. Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is often the case with this dish), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until they are heated through.
10. Why You’ll Love This Dish
The combination of creamy sauce, tender seafood, and chewy pasta makes every bite of creamy seafood stuffed shells an experience to savor. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special celebration, this dish is guaranteed to impress and satisfy.
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Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are a luxurious dish that combines jumbo pasta shells filled with a rich mixture of shrimp, crab, and scallops, all enveloped in a velvety, cheesy sauce. Baked to perfection, this dish offers an indulgent and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a special meal with your family, these stuffed shells will undoubtedly impress everyone at the table.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Pasta Shells:
18–20 jumbo pasta shells
1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Seafood Filling:
1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1 cup crab meat (can use imitation or real)
1/2 lb scallops (optional)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
For the Creamy Sauce:
2 cups heavy cream
4 oz cream cheese (softened)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic (minced)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Pasta Shells:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions, but keep them slightly al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.Cook the Seafood:
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and scallops (if using) and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until opaque and tender. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and chop the seafood into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the heavy cream, bring to a simmer, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.Combine Seafood with Sauce:
Add the cooked seafood mixture to the creamy sauce. Stir in chopped parsley and lemon zest (if using) for extra freshness and flavor. Mix well and remove from heat.Stuff the Shells:
Carefully spoon the seafood mixture into each cooked pasta shell. Place each stuffed shell in a greased or parchment-lined baking dish.Assemble and Bake:
Pour the remaining creamy sauce over the stuffed shells in the baking dish. Sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown.Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked to a golden perfection, remove from the oven and serve hot. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells per person
Conclusion: A Dish That’s Worth the EffortCreamy seafood stuffed shells are a luxurious and mouthwatering dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy sauce, tender seafood, and pasta creates a flavor explosion that will have you and your guests coming back for more. While the preparation may seem daunting, the end result is more than worth the effort. So why not give this delicious dish a try and elevate your next meal to something extraordinary?
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells and the sauce the day before. Just store them in the refrigerator and bake them when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I use frozen seafood?
Frozen seafood is perfectly fine to use. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking and pat it dry to remove excess moisture.
3. What type of cheese should I use for the creamy sauce?
Mozzarella and Parmesan are the best cheeses for a creamy sauce, as they melt well and provide a delicious, cheesy flavor.
4. Can I use a different type of pasta?
If you can’t find jumbo shells, you can use manicotti or cannelloni tubes instead. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as necessary.
5. How do I make the dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seafood stuffing or mix in some hot sauce to the creamy sauce for an extra kick.