Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe

Have you ever dreamt of a dish so creamy, so decadent, so utterly delicious that it transports you to a culinary paradise? Imagine sinking your fork into perfectly cooked jumbo pasta shells, overflowing with a luscious seafood mixture, all swaddled in a dreamy cheese sauce. That, my friends, is the promise of our Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary adventure! I remember making a similar dish for my sister’s birthday a few years back, and the sheer joy on her face as she took that first bite? Priceless! This Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe is perfect for a special occasion, or, let’s be honest, any Tuesday night you feel deserves a little extra love.

This Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe boasts:

Simple preparation that won’t leave you slaving over the stove all day.

A flavor profile that’s both rich and elegant, balancing seafood sweetness with creamy indulgence.

A visually stunning dish that will impress even the most discerning dinner guests.

Versatility that allows you to easily customize it to your liking, adding your favorite veggies or herbs.

Ingredients for Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe

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

Jumbo Pasta Shells Choose a high-quality brand for the best texture and flavor. Make sure they cook evenly.

Shrimp Look for fresh, firm shrimp. Peeled and deveined are easiest.

Scallops Opt for sea scallops for a sweeter, more tender taste. Again, freshness is key.

Crab Meat Lump crab meat adds a luxurious touch. Look for the best quality you can find.

Onion A yellow onion will do nicely here; finely diced is best.

Garlic Freshly minced garlic adds a burst of flavor. Don’t be shy!

Heavy Cream This is the backbone of our creamy sauce. Use full-fat for the richest texture.

Vegetable Broth Low sodium is preferred so you can control the seasoning.

Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated Parmesan adds a sharp, salty bite. The better the cheese, the better the dish!

Mozzarella Cheese Shredded mozzarella adds a melty, gooey texture. Use low moisture for best results.

Agar-Agar This plant-based gelling agent helps create a wonderfully smooth and creamy texture. It is a perfect alternative to gelatin.

Italian Seasoning This blend of herbs and spices adds a classic Italian flavor profile.

Butter Use unsalted butter for better control of the salt level.

Salt and Pepper To season everything to perfection.

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

How to Make Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe

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 and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cooking the Seafood

Add the shrimp and scallops to the skillet. Cook until pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the crab meat and cook for another minute to heat through.

Step 4: Creating the Creamy Sauce

Stir in the heavy cream, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low, letting it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Whisk in the agar-agar to help give it a beautiful, creamy consistency. Stir in most of the Parmesan cheese and the Mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Stuffing the Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Fill each cooked pasta shell generously with the seafood mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish.

Step 6: Baking and Serving

Pour any remaining sauce over the shells. Sprinkle with the rest of the Parmesan cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the shells are heated through. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy your amazing Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells!

Recipe Card for Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells

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Tips and Variations for Your Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe

This recipe is remarkably versatile! Feel free to experiment with different types of seafood, such as lobster or mussels. You can also add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the filling. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a brighter flavor. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own! And remember, the most important ingredient is love (and maybe a little extra cheese).

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells

Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and store them covered in the refrigerator. Just increase the baking time by about 10 minutes when you’re ready to bake.

Q: What can I do if I don’t have agar-agar?

A: While agar-agar is recommended for its smoothness, you can substitute with cornstarch or a roux if you prefer. Just be sure to temper the cornstarch first so it doesn’t get lumpy in your sauce.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?

A: It’s best to enjoy this dish freshly baked, but you can freeze the unbaked stuffed shells for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

Enjoy your culinary masterpiece! Let me know in the comments how your Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe turned out!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Prepare the creamy seafood sauce first, ensuring it simmers gently to develop rich flavors. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions. Stuff the shells, then bake until bubbly and golden brown, creating a beautiful, comforting dish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap the seafood for your favorites! Experiment with different herbs and spices to personalize the flavor profile. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (optional) adds a delightful salty crunch before serving.

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, ensuring it’s heated through before serving to maintain its delicious creamy texture.

Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. This Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe truly shines with fresh, delicious seafood.

Don’t overcook the pasta shells; they should be al dente before stuffing. Overcooked shells will become mushy and fall apart.

Remember to let the sauce cool slightly before stuffing the shells to prevent them from breaking. Patience is key!

My aunt raved about this Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe after I made it for her birthday. She declared it the best she’d ever tasted.

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Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe

Yields: 6 servings

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

1 pound jumbo pasta shells

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 pound scallops, cleaned

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

3 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

4. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.

5. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.

6. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and parsley. Simmer for another 5 minutes.

7. Add shrimp and scallops to the sauce. Cook until shrimp is pink and scallops are opaque, about 3-5 minutes.

8. Remove from heat.

9. Spoon sauce into the cooked pasta shells, filling each one generously.

10. Arrange stuffed shells in a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.

12. Let cool slightly before serving.

This Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!

Conclusion for Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe

This Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make. The creamy sauce, bursting with the flavor of fresh seafood, is perfectly balanced against the tender pasta shells. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. The make-ahead convenience adds to its appeal. With a little planning, you can enjoy this delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. So go ahead, give it a try and prepare for rave reviews!

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FAQs

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

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals. You can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance and store them, covered, in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time to ensure they’re heated through perfectly. The flavors will actually meld beautifully overnight, so it’s a win-win! Just remember to take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before baking so they aren’t ice cold going into the oven.

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

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility! Shrimp, scallops, and crab all work wonderfully. Feel free to mix and match, depending on your preferences and what’s freshest at the market. If you’re using frozen seafood, make sure it’s completely thawed and patted dry before adding it to the creamy sauce. This will prevent excess moisture from making your filling watery.

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

While the ricotta and mozzarella combination is classic, you can definitely experiment! Part-skim ricotta lightens the dish while still providing creaminess. If you prefer a sharper cheese, consider adding some grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano. For a vegetarian version, feel free to explore using different types of vegan cheese, which will provide a different, yet delicious, flavor profile. Just remember to keep the balance of flavors in mind when substituting.

How do I ensure my Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe doesn’t become watery?

Overly watery stuffed shells are a culinary crime! To prevent this, make sure your seafood is properly drained and patted dry before adding it to the sauce. Also, avoid overcrowding the shells – give them some space in the baking dish so they can cook evenly and not steam excessively. Finally, be sure to use jumbo pasta shells; they hold the filling more effectively than smaller ones. Remember, patience and attention to detail are key!