Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these seafood stuffed shells! They’re like little pockets of sunshine filled with a dreamy mix of succulent shrimp and sweet crab meat. I can’t help but get giddy just thinking about them! This dish has been a family favorite for years, and every time I make it, I’m transported back to cozy dinners with loved ones, laughter filling the air. The creamy ricotta and the rich marinara sauce just bring everything together beautifully. Trust me, once you try these stuffed shells, you’ll want to make them again and again. They’re perfect for any occasion, or just a comforting weeknight meal!
Ingredients for Seafood Stuffed Shells
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful seafood stuffed shells. Each ingredient plays a vital role in bringing out the flavors and textures that make this dish so special!
- 12 jumbo pasta shells: These will be the star of the show! Cook them until al dente for the best results.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: This creamy goodness adds a rich texture that complements the seafood perfectly.
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped: I love using fresh shrimp, but frozen works just as well—just be sure to thaw and chop them before mixing!
- 1 cup crab meat, shredded: The sweetness of the crab pairs beautifully with the shrimp. You can use lump crab for a more luxurious bite!
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: This will melt into gooey perfection, creating that comforting cheesy layer.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a nice salty kick and depth of flavor to the filling.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: A sprinkle of fresh herbs brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color.
- 1 egg: This helps bind the filling together, giving it a great texture.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous! This is the delicious base that brings everything together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always essential for enhancing the flavors in your dish!
Gather these ingredients, and you’re all set to create a seafood stuffed shells masterpiece! Trust me, the combination is simply irresistible.
How to Prepare Seafood Stuffed Shells
Alright, let’s dive into making these delicious seafood stuffed shells! It’s easier than you might think, and I promise the results are totally worth it.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is a key step to ensure your shells bake perfectly.
- Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions. You want them al dente, so they hold their shape when stuffed. Once cooked, drain them and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped shrimp, shredded crab meat, mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, egg, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated and creamy. Trust me, this filling is going to be the star of your dish!
- Now, it’s time to stuff! Carefully take each pasta shell and fill it generously with the seafood mixture. Don’t be shy; you want them packed with flavor!
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. This will keep your shells from sticking and add a beautiful layer of flavor.
- Place the stuffed shells in the dish, then cover them with the remaining marinara sauce. Get every shell nice and saucy!
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Serve hot and enjoy the deliciousness!
And there you have it! Your seafood stuffed shells are ready to impress. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and the taste will have everyone coming back for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in under an hour!
- Rich, comforting flavors: The combination of shrimp, crab, and creamy cheeses creates an irresistible filling that’s full of flavor.
- Versatile: Feel free to mix and match seafood or add extra herbs to suit your taste—there are no wrong choices here!
- Family favorite: This dish is sure to become a hit at your dinner table, bringing everyone together for a cozy meal.
- Make-ahead option: You can stuff the shells in advance and bake them when you’re ready to eat!
Equipment Needed
Before you get started, let’s make sure you have all the essential tools on hand to whip up these delightful seafood stuffed shells!
- Large pot: For boiling the pasta shells.
- Mixing bowl: To combine all your delicious filling ingredients.
- Baking dish: A 9×13 inch dish works perfectly for baking your stuffed shells.
- Aluminum foil: To cover the dish while it bakes.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: To mix and stuff your filling!
Gather these tools, and you’ll be ready to create something truly special!
Tips for Success
To make your seafood stuffed shells shine, here are some of my top tips! First, don’t overcook the pasta shells; they should be firm enough to hold their shape when you stuff them. If you want to mix things up, try adding some sautéed spinach or even a sprinkle of lemon zest to the filling for an extra zing!
Also, if you can’t find fresh crab, canned or frozen works just fine—just make sure to drain it well. Keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different, so start checking a few minutes early to avoid overbaking. Lastly, let the shells sit for a few minutes after they come out of the oven. This helps them set and makes serving easier. Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for these delicious seafood stuffed shells. Each serving, which is typically two stuffed shells, contains about 320 calories, 15g of fat, 18g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Please note that these values are estimates based on standard ingredients used in the recipe. It’s a comforting meal that still keeps things balanced!
FAQ Section
I’ve had quite a few questions about these seafood stuffed shells, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones to help you out!
Can I use different seafood? Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of shrimp or crab, feel free to substitute with other seafood like scallops or even a mix of fish. Just make sure to keep the texture in mind!
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the stuffed shells and assemble them in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese? No worries! You can use cottage cheese or even cream cheese as a substitute. Just blend it a bit to get that creamy consistency. It’ll still taste amazing!
How do I store leftovers? If you have any leftovers (though I doubt it!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can these be made gluten-free? Yes! Just swap the jumbo pasta shells for a gluten-free alternative, and you’re good to go. Enjoy your delicious seafood stuffed shells without the gluten!
Serving Suggestions
These seafood stuffed shells are so satisfying on their own, but pairing them with the right sides can elevate your meal to another level! I love serving them alongside a crisp garden salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette—it adds a refreshing crunch that complements the rich filling. You could also whip up some garlic bread for that perfect dipping companion with the marinara sauce. And if you’re feeling fancy, a simple side of sautéed asparagus or roasted vegetables brings a wonderful color and flavor contrast. Trust me, your dinner table will be a feast for the senses!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with any leftovers of these delicious seafood stuffed shells, don’t worry! Storing them properly is key to keeping that amazing flavor intact. Allow the shells to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish and cover with foil to retain moisture. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but I recommend the oven for that lovely bubbly texture! Enjoy every bite all over again!
Z nadrukami
Seafood Stuffed Shells: 7 Irresistible Comforting Delights
- Całkowity Czas: 55 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Seafood
Opis
A delicious seafood stuffed shells recipe filled with shrimp and crab meat.
Składniki
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup crab meat, shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, shrimp, crab, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each shell with the seafood mixture.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place stuffed shells in the dish and cover with remaining marinara sauce.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Serve hot.
Uwagi
- Feel free to add more seafood to the filling.
- Use fresh herbs for better flavor.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Czas Przygotowania: 20 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 35 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: Italian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 2 stuffed shells
- Kalorie: 320
- Cukier: 6g
- Sód: 750mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 7g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 5g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 18g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Słowa kluczowe: seafood stuffed shells, seafood pasta, stuffed shells recipe
