Seafood Stuffed Shells – creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a perfect blend of seafood and pasta, delivering a rich, satisfying flavor in every bite. The combination of shrimp and crab provides a luxurious filling, while the creamy ricotta cheese adds richness and balance. The dish is baked with melted cheese on top, creating a beautifully golden crust. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and makes a great meal for both casual dinners and special occasions. If you love seafood and cheesy comfort food, this recipe is definitely for you!

Ingredients

• 20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• ½ lb lump crab meat
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ½ cups marinara sauce (optional for topping)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or non-stick spray.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and crab meat to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes or until shrimp is opaque and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked shrimp and crab mixture.
5. Carefully stuff the cooked jumbo shells with the seafood mixture, placing them into the prepared baking dish.
6. If desired, spoon marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with additional mozzarella or Parmesan.
7. Cover the 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 bubbly and slightly golden.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute shrimp and crab with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or ricotta and spinach for a meatless alternative.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the seafood mixture or mix in a little hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Different Cheese: Swap out mozzarella and Parmesan for your favorite cheeses, such as gouda or fontina, for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the stuffed shells in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, depending on your microwave’s strength.

FAQs

1. Can I make seafood stuffed shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil until you're ready to bake.

2. Can I freeze the seafood stuffed shells?

Yes, you can freeze the stuffed shells before or after baking. To freeze unbaked shells, assemble the dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

3. How do I prevent the shells from sticking together?

Make sure the shells are cooked al dente, as overcooked pasta will become too soft. After cooking, rinse the shells with cold water to stop the cooking process and keep them from sticking together.

4. Can I use cooked frozen shrimp in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cooked shrimp. Just thaw them completely, remove the tails, and chop them into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the filling mixture.

5. Can I use other seafood besides shrimp and crab?

Definitely! You can swap out the shrimp and crab for scallops, lobster, or even a mix of various seafood for a more luxurious dish.

6. Do I need to cook the seafood before adding it to the shells?

Yes, it’s important to cook the seafood before stuffing the shells, as it allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the seafood is properly cooked.

7. How can I make the dish creamier?

You can add extra ricotta cheese or a little heavy cream to the seafood mixture to make it extra creamy. Another option is to add a bit of cream cheese.

8. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! You can use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells in place of the regular ones for a gluten-free version of the dish.

9. How can I add more flavor to the filling?

Consider adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme to the seafood mixture, or incorporate a touch of garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika for more depth of flavor.

10. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make seafood stuffed shells in a slow cooker. Prepare the stuffed shells as usual, then place them in the slow cooker on low heat for 2-3 hours, or until bubbly and cooked through.

Conclusion

Seafood Stuffed Shells offer a perfect blend of rich seafood flavors and creamy, cheesy goodness that will surely satisfy your cravings. With its versatility for customization, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions. Whether you’re preparing a special meal for loved ones or treating yourself to a delicious dinner, this dish will leave you coming back for more.