Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells

My culinary adventures have led me down many delicious paths, but few have been as rewarding – and as unexpectedly hilarious – as mastering the art of Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells. Picture this: a symphony of creamy cheese, succulent seafood, and perfectly cooked pasta shells, all nestled together in a comforting hug of cheesy goodness.

Imagine biting into a warm, cheesy shell, the rich seafood flavors exploding on your tongue, a culinary fireworks display in your mouth. This recipe isn’t just food; it’s a story waiting to be told, a taste of happiness, a comfort food elevated to an art form.

These Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are a revelation. They’re unbelievably easy to make, boasting a flavor profile that’ll leave you speechless. The visual appeal is stunning, transforming a simple weeknight meal into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece. And finally, they’re incredibly versatile; feel free to customize them with your favorite seafood and veggies.

Ingredients for Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Jumbo Pasta Shells Choose large shells that can easily hold the creamy seafood filling. Look for a brand known for its sturdy pasta.

Shrimp Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined shrimp work well. Thaw frozen shrimp completely before using.

Scallops Opt for fresh, dry-packed scallops for the best texture and flavor. Look for plump and firm scallops.

Crab Meat Canned or fresh lump crab meat adds a luxurious touch. Drain well if using canned crab.

Ricotta Cheese Use whole milk ricotta for a richer, creamier texture. Full-fat is your friend here.

Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides the best flavor and texture. Don’t be shy with the cheese.

Mozzarella Cheese Shredded mozzarella adds a wonderful melt-in-your-mouth quality. Use low-moisture mozzarella for best results.

Vegetable Broth Low-sodium vegetable broth adds flavor and moisture to the filling. Chicken broth works well too.

Garlic Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent and savory depth of flavor. Don’t be afraid to add more.

Onion Finely chopped onion adds sweetness and subtle flavor to the filling. White or yellow onions work best.

Lemon Juice A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the seafood flavors. This adds a zing.

Italian Seasoning A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme adds aromatic complexity. You can also use fresh herbs.

Agar-Agar Powder A plant-based gelling agent that adds a slight thickening to the creamy filling.

Salt and Black Pepper To taste, of course. Seasoning is key to a flavorful dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preparing the Pasta Shells

Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Sautéing Aromatics

In a large skillet, sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic in a little olive oil until softened but not browned. About 5 minutes over medium heat.

Step 3: Cooking the Seafood

Add the shrimp and scallops to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes. Add the crab meat during the last minute of cooking. Stir gently to combine and avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Creating the Creamy Filling

In a large bowl, combine the cooked seafood mixture with the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, vegetable broth, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, agar-agar powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined. The agar-agar will help to thicken the filling slightly.

Step 5: Stuffing the Shells

Gently stuff each cooked pasta shell with the creamy seafood mixture. Don’t overfill; you want them to hold their shape during baking.

Step 6: Baking the Stuffed Shells

Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a side salad. Enjoy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

First, cook your pasta according to package directions. While that simmers, saute your seafood until it’s just cooked through. Then, prepare the creamy sauce, combining all ingredients until smooth and luscious. Finally, stuff the cooked shells, bake, and enjoy your Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells masterpiece.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the seafood for your favorites! Experiment with different cheeses in the creamy sauce, or add some sauteed spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. A sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving adds a beautiful finishing touch.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until heated through, avoiding overcooking which can dry them out.

Pre-cooking the seafood ensures it doesn’t overcook in the oven.

Don’t overfill the shells; leave a little room for expansion during baking.

Use high-quality cheese for the richest, most flavorful creamy sauce.

My Aunt Millie, a culinary queen herself, raved about these Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells, calling them “the best she’d ever had!” It was the ultimate compliment.

The Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe

This recipe will guide you through making delicious Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells. It’s easier than you think, and the results are incredibly satisfying. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more!

Ingredients

:

For the Seafood Filling:

One pound of your favorite seafood (shrimp, scallops, or a mix), cut into bite-sized pieces

One tablespoon of olive oil

One clove of garlic, minced

One-quarter cup of chopped fresh parsley

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Sauce:

Two tablespoons of butter

Two tablespoons of all-purpose flour

Two cups of chicken broth

One cup of heavy cream

One cup of shredded mozzarella cheese

One-half cup of grated Parmesan cheese

One-fourth cup of chopped fresh basil

Salt and pepper to taste

Other Ingredients:

One pound jumbo pasta shells

One cup of marinara sauce

Instructions

:

Preparing the Seafood

:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and saute for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the seafood and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the parsley, salt, and pepper. Set aside to cool slightly.

Making the Creamy Sauce

:

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, forming a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low, stir in the heavy cream, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir in the fresh basil, salt, and pepper.

Assembling and Baking

:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This prevents them from becoming mushy.

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Fill each cooked pasta shell with the seafood mixture and place them in the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown. Let the Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells cool slightly before serving. They are best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored and reheated as noted above.

Serving Suggestions

:

Garnish your Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells with extra fresh parsley or basil. A side salad and some crusty bread make a delicious accompaniment. For a heartier meal, serve with a side of roasted vegetables.

This Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells recipe is a winner for dinner parties, family meals, or a special treat for yourself. The combination of creamy sauce, succulent seafood, and perfectly cooked pasta is pure comfort food bliss! Remember, feel free to customize it to your taste—the culinary possibilities are endless. Enjoy!

Conclusion for Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells

This Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells recipe is a delightful culinary adventure. We’ve combined a rich and creamy sauce with succulent seafood and perfectly cooked jumbo pasta shells. It’s easy to customize to your taste preferences, whether you’re a seafood aficionado or just looking for a tasty, satisfying meal. Remember the key to success lies in using fresh, high-quality ingredients. So, gather your culinary courage, get cooking, and enjoy this truly impressive dish! Remember to adjust baking times according to your oven. Happy cooking!

Print

FAQs

Can I make this Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is its make-ahead-ability. You can prepare the creamy seafood filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Stuff the shells when you’re ready to bake them. This is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining. Just remember to bring the filling to room temperature before baking for the best results. No one wants a cold, creamy center!

What kind of seafood works best in Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells?

We’ve used a delightful mix of shrimp and scallops in this recipe, but feel free to get creative! Lobster, crab, or even a combination of different kinds of fish would work wonderfully. Just ensure your seafood is cooked through before adding it to the creamy sauce. Overcooked seafood can be dry and rubbery, so we want that perfect delicate texture!

Are there any substitutions for the cheese in this Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells recipe?

While the recipe calls for a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella, feel free to experiment! Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or even a sharp cheddar could add a unique twist to the creamy seafood filling. If you’re avoiding dairy altogether, you can explore vegan cheese alternatives. Keep in mind that different cheeses will melt differently, so adjust baking time accordingly.

What can I do if my Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are overcooked?

Don’t despair! Slightly overcooked Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells aren’t the end of the world. If they’re a little dry, you can try adding a splash of broth or cream to the pan while they’re still warm. A sprinkle of extra cheese can also help to add moisture and richness. Next time, keep a closer eye on the baking time and remember that every oven is different!