Whoa, let me tell you about these Seafood Stuffed Shells! They’re like little pockets of happiness, bursting with a creamy seafood filling that just melts in your mouth. I remember the first time I made them—I was a bit nervous, but the result was pure magic. The combination of shrimp and crab, all mingled together with ricotta and topped with marinara, is simply divine! They bake up beautifully, and the aroma that fills the kitchen is guaranteed to make your mouth water. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your household. They’re perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or just a cozy night in. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!
Ingredients for Seafood Stuffed Shells
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this dish! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 jumbo pasta shells—these are the big ones that hold all that delicious filling!
- 1 cup ricotta cheese—creamy and smooth, it forms the base of our filling.
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped—add that sweet seafood flavor!
- 1 cup cooked crab meat—because who can resist crab?
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded—this brings melty goodness to the dish.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated—for that cheesy, nutty finish.
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce—this is what ties everything together!
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced—adds a punch of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon parsley, chopped—freshness is key!
- Salt and pepper to taste—season to perfection!
How to Prepare Seafood Stuffed Shells
Getting these Seafood Stuffed Shells ready is a breeze! Here’s how to do it step by step:
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). We want it nice and hot for baking!
- While that’s warming up, cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. You want them al dente so they hold the filling well—about 8-10 minutes usually does the trick.
- In a mixing bowl, combine your ricotta cheese, chopped shrimp, crab meat, shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and sprinkle in some salt and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely mixed.
- Once the shells are cooked and cooled a bit, it’s time to stuff them! Spoon the seafood mixture generously into each shell.
- Now, spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish—this will keep our shells moist while they bake!
- Carefully place the stuffed shells in the dish and cover them with the remaining marinara sauce. Don’t be shy with it!
- Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top for that golden, cheesy finish.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until everything is heated through and bubbly. The smell will be absolutely heavenly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Absolutely delicious with a creamy seafood filling that will impress everyone!
- Easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Great for feeding a crowd—just double the recipe if you’re having guests!
- Comfort food at its best; it warms you up on chilly nights.
- Customizable with your favorite seafood or add-ins for a personal touch!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Seafood Stuffed Shells turn out perfectly every time! Here are my top tips:
- Don’t overcook the shells: Remember, they’ll continue cooking in the oven, so a little undercooking them makes for a sturdier shell that won’t break apart when you stuff them!
- Mix it up: If you don’t have shrimp or crab, feel free to use scallops or even a mix of seafood! Just make sure it’s cooked first.
- Don’t skimp on the sauce: A generous layer of marinara keeps everything moist and flavorful. No one likes dry pasta!
- Let them rest: After baking, let the shells sit for a few minutes before digging in. This helps them hold their shape and makes serving easier.
- Experiment: Play around with different herbs or spices in your filling. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to seafood shell perfection! Enjoy the process!
Variations of Seafood Stuffed Shells
Let’s get creative with these Seafood Stuffed Shells! You can switch up the seafood to suit your taste—try using lobster or scallops for a touch of luxury. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some smoked salmon for a unique twist! Want to amp up the flavor? Toss in a handful of spinach or some sun-dried tomatoes into the filling for extra depth. And don’t forget the spices! A dash of Old Bay seasoning or some fresh dill can elevate the dish to new heights. The kitchen is your playground, so have fun experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of these delicious Seafood Stuffed Shells is super easy! Just pop any uneaten shells into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the stuffed shells in a baking dish, adding a splash of marinara sauce to keep them moist. Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but I find the oven method brings back that fresh-baked goodness. Enjoy every bite again!
Nutritional Information
These Seafood Stuffed Shells are not just delicious; they offer a satisfying balance of nutrients! Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, with 15g of fat and 20g of protein, making them a hearty meal. You’ll also get about 35g of carbohydrates and 4g of sugar. Keep in mind these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying. Perfect for a filling dinner!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these Seafood Stuffed Shells? I’ve got you covered!
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the seafood filling and store it in the fridge for up to a day before assembling the shells. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before stuffing the shells.
What if I don’t like shrimp or crab?
No worries at all! You can use any seafood you prefer, like lobster, scallops, or even a mix of your favorites. Just make sure they’re cooked beforehand.
Can these be frozen?
Yes! If you have leftovers or want to prep ahead, just freeze the stuffed shells before baking. Wrap them tightly and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and then follow the baking instructions.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese is bubbly and the shells are heated through. A nice golden top is a good indicator too!
Final Thoughts
I really hope you give these Seafood Stuffed Shells a try! They’re a fantastic way to bring a taste of the ocean to your dinner table. I’d love to hear how yours turn out—feel free to drop a comment with your thoughts or any tips you discover along the way. Cooking is all about sharing and experimenting, so don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or just to chat about your culinary adventures!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
Additionally, if you’re interested in exploring more seafood dishes, consider visiting Seafood Nutrition for valuable information and recipes.
Print
Seafood Stuffed Shells: 7 Secrets to Pure Deliciousness
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Seafood
Description
Seafood stuffed shells are pasta shells filled with a creamy seafood mixture and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup cooked crab meat
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, shrimp, crab meat, mozzarella, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each cooked shell with the seafood mixture.
- Spread marinara sauce in a baking dish.
- Place stuffed shells in the dish and cover with remaining marinara.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through.
Notes
- You can substitute other seafood as desired.
- Try adding spinach for extra flavor.
- Serve with garlic bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Seafood Stuffed Shells