Seafood Stuffed Shells
Seafood stuffed shells are a delightful treat that combines the best of ocean flavors with the comforting taste of pasta. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, preparing a cozy family dinner, or simply wanting to impress your guests with something unique, this dish definitely hits the spot. With tender jumbo shells filled with a creamy seafood mix, it’s not just a meal; it’s an experience. Having made these multiple times, I can honestly say the joy of presenting a bubbling, golden dish fresh from the oven is hard to beat!
Reasons to Try It
Imagine serving a culinary masterpiece that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning. This recipe for seafood stuffed shells is a winner on all fronts. It embraces the luxury of lobster, crab, and shrimp while remaining surprisingly simple to prepare. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a festive gathering, this dish is sure to please seafood lovers and pasta aficionados alike.
"I made these for my family’s holiday gathering, and they were a total hit! The creamy filling perfectly balanced the savory seashell) flavors—definitely a recipe I’ll be making again!"
Step-by-Step Overview
Ready to dive into this delightful dish? The process is straightforward and can be broken down into a few simple stages. First, you’ll cook the pasta shells, then prepare a rich filling loaded with seafood and cheeses. After stuffing the shells, they bake to perfection in the oven, resulting in a comforting dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
What You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather these key ingredients to bring your seafood stuffed shells to life:
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup cooked lobster meat, chopped
- 1 cup cooked crab meat
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
You can also mix it up a bit—using different types of seafood or cheese based on your preference!
Directions to Follow
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells as per package instructions; once cooked, drain them and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped lobster, crab, shrimp, ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until blended.
- Generously stuff each pasta shell with the seafood mixture and arrange them in a baking dish.
- Pour any leftover sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and allow them to bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melty and lightly golden.
- Finally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These seafood stuffed shells can be served straight from the oven for a cozy family meal or plated elegantly for a dinner party. A fresh green salad pairs beautifully with the richness of the dish, and a glass of white wine complements the seafood perfectly. For an added touch, consider a sprinkle of lemon zest over the top, enhancing those fresh flavors.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
After enjoying your scrumptious seafood stuffed shells, you might have some leftovers. To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last for about 2-3 days. If you need to keep them longer, consider freezing them before baking—just remember to add extra baking time if you go that route!
Helpful Cooking Tips
- For an extra depth of flavor, try adding some chopped spinach or herbs to the seafood filling.
- If you lack lobster or crab, shrimp works great as the main ingredient for stuffing.
- Don’t rush the cooking of the garlic; sautéing it in a little olive oil can elevate the flavor immensely.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Consider experimenting with different cheeses, like adding feta for a tangy kick. You might also try a creamy spinach filling, or even incorporate other seafood like scallops! The possibilities are endless.
Your Questions Answered
- How long does this take to prepare? The entire process takes about 1 hour, including prep and baking time.
- Can I use fresh seafood instead of cooked? Yes, but ensure that everything is cooked thoroughly before stuffing the shells.
- What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to keep the pasta moist.
Whether it’s special occasions or casual weeknight dinners, these seafood stuffed shells never disappoint. Dive into this recipe, and you’ll see just how worthwhile it is to make it at home!
Seafood Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
Pasta and Seafood Filling
- 12 pieces jumbo pasta shells Should be cooked as per package instructions.
- 1 cup cooked lobster meat, chopped
- 1 cup cooked crab meat
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded Divide into two halves for mixing and topping.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- to taste Salt and pepper
- for garnish Fresh parsley
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells as per package instructions; once cooked, drain them and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped lobster, crab, shrimp, ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until blended.
Assembly and Baking
- Generously stuff each pasta shell with the seafood mixture and arrange them in a baking dish.
- Pour any leftover sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and allow them to bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melty and lightly golden.
- Finally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
