Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are like a warm hug from the ocean, each bite bursting with rich flavors that dance on your palate. Imagine sinking your fork into tender pasta shells cradling a luscious seafood filling, smothered in a creamy sauce that whispers sweet nothings to your taste buds. strawberry shortcake cheesecake It’s a dish that promises to take your taste buds on a delightful seaside vacation without ever leaving your kitchen.
This dish isn’t just about flavor; it’s wrapped in nostalgia for those cozy family dinners where laughter and stories filled the air. Picture this: you’ve just pulled out a bubbling casserole from the oven, and the aroma wafts through the house. creamy chicken alfredo casserole Family members gather around, eyes wide with anticipation as they know something delicious is about to unfold. Whether it’s a special occasion or just another Wednesday night, these Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are sure to be the star of the show.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation makes this dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
- Its flavor profile combines savory seafood with creamy goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Visually, it’s stunning with vibrant colors that brighten up any table setting.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with whatever seafood you have on hand or prefer.
Ingredients for Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: Look for large pasta shells that can hold all that creamy goodness; they’re your vessel of flavor!
- Mixed Seafood (Shrimp, Crab, Scallops): Use fresh or frozen options; just make sure they’re cleaned and chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- Cream Cheese: This adds richness and creaminess to your filling; let it soften before mixing for easier incorporation.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides an aromatic punch that elevates the overall flavor of the dish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a savory kick and helps bind everything together in perfect harmony.
- Sour Cream: This ingredient contributes tartness and creaminess to balance out the flavors beautifully.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil and oregano brings Italian flair to your stuffed shells.
- Marinara Sauce: Use store-bought or homemade sauce to add depth and moisture to your dish while baking.
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: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente according to package instructions—usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain carefully and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, mixed seafood, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
Step 3: Stuff the Shells
Using a spoon (or if you’re feeling fancy, a piping bag), fill each cooked pasta shell generously with the seafood mixture. Place them seam-side up in a greased baking dish.
Step 4: Add Sauce
Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells evenly until they’re lovingly coated but not swimming—no one wants pasta soup!
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for about 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes to let things get bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Serve
Once done baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Transfer those beautiful shells onto plates and watch everyone’s eyes light up!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra marinara sauce if desired for the perfect finishing touch! Enjoy every creamy bite of these delightful seafood-stuffed wonders!
You Must Know
- These creamy seafood stuffed shells are not just a meal; they’re an experience!
- They combine flavors of the ocean with a velvety sauce, making them perfect for impressing guests or indulging on a cozy night in.
- Get ready to dive into deliciousness!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling your pasta shells until they are al dente. While they cool, sauté garlic and onions in a pan, then add your seafood and seasonings. Finally, mix everything with ricotta and mozzarella before stuffing the shells and baking them in creamy sauce.
Add Your Touch
Want to jazz things up? Swap out shrimp for crab or even scallops. You can also add some spinach for color and nutrients or sprinkle fresh herbs on top for that gourmet touch. The possibilities are endless!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, adding a splash of cream if you need extra moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always remember to undercook your pasta slightly; it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Fresh herbs elevate the dish—don’t skip them!
- For added creaminess, use mascarpone cheese mixed with ricotta.
When I made these creamy seafood stuffed shells for my family reunion, everyone was asking for seconds! My cousin actually tried to eat straight from the baking dish—now that’s true love for food!
FAQs:
What are Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells?
Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are large pasta shells filled with a rich, creamy mixture of seafood, often including shrimp, crab, and scallops. The filling is typically blended with cheese, herbs, and spices to enhance flavor. Seafood lasagna with lobster These stuffed shells are then baked in a luscious sauce, making them a delightful dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
How do I make the filling for Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells?
To create the filling for Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells, start by cooking your choice of seafood until tender. Mix it with cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and fresh herbs such as parsley or dill. Ensure all ingredients blend well together for a smooth texture. This mixture will provide a flavorful and creamy filling that complements the pasta shells beautifully. For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Garlic Salmon recipe.
Can I prepare Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells in advance. Assemble the filled shells and place them in a baking dish with sauce on top. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to cook them, simply remove the cover and bake until heated through and bubbly. This makes it convenient for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
What side dishes pair well with Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells?
Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells pair wonderfully with light side dishes. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish. Garlic bread is also an excellent choice to soak up any leftover sauce. creamy spinach mushroom lasagna For a refreshing touch, consider serving steamed asparagus or sautéed spinach alongside your stuffed shells to balance the meal.
Conclusion for Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells:
In summary, Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells offer a delicious blend of flavors that are sure to impress your family and friends. With an easy-to-make seafood filling combined with a rich sauce, these pasta shells become a comforting meal option for any occasion. Prepare them ahead of time for convenience or enjoy them fresh from the oven. Whichever way you serve them, they will surely be a hit at your dining table!
Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (3 shells per serving) 1x
Description
Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are a delectable dish that brings the flavors of the ocean right to your dinner table. Each jumbo pasta shell is generously filled with a rich blend of shrimp, crab, and scallops, mixed with creamy cheeses and aromatic herbs, then baked in a savory marinara sauce. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this comforting dish is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup mixed seafood (shrimp, crab, scallops), chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes), then drain.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, garlic, Parmesan cheese, seafood, and Italian seasoning until well blended.
- Generously stuff each pasta shell with the seafood mixture and place them seam-side up in a greased baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells evenly.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shell (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
