Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary culinary journey with these Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells! This recipe brings together the delicate flavors of the ocean with rich, comforting Italian-inspired pasta. Jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a delectable mixture of succulent shrimp, sweet crab, and a trio of creamy cheeses, all bathed in a luxurious, savory sauce, then baked to golden, bubbly perfection. It’s a dish that feels incredibly gourmet but is surprisingly accessible for any home cook looking to create something truly special.
Imagine a chilly evening, a gathering of loved ones, and the centerpiece: a steaming casserole dish, fresh from the oven, brimming with these exquisite shells. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, from the tender pasta to the rich, cheesy seafood filling and the velvety sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food with an elegant twist, perfect for holidays, celebrations, or simply when you desire an indulgent and memorable dinner.
Why This Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe Shines
- Gourmet Appeal, Home Kitchen Ease: Don't let the sophisticated presentation intimidate you. This recipe is straightforward, designed for delicious results without culinary acrobatics.
- Flavor Harmony: The combination of sweet shrimp, tender crab, and a creamy cheese blend creates a symphony of flavors that are perfectly balanced by the savory béchamel-style sauce.
- Ultimate Comfort: Rich, cheesy, and deeply satisfying, this dish delivers warmth and comfort in every forkful, making it ideal for cozy nights in.
- Perfect for Entertaining: It’s a show-stopper that's sure to impress guests, yet much of the prep can be done ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy your company.
Essential Ingredients for Success
The magic of these seafood stuffed shells lies in a few key components. Choosing good quality ingredients will elevate your dish from good to unforgettable:
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: These are the ideal vessels for our generous filling. Cook them just al dente to ensure they hold their shape during baking and stuffing.
- Shrimp and Crab: The stars of the show! Use good quality, cooked shrimp and fresh lump crab meat. Ensure both are well-drained and chopped into small pieces for easy stuffing.
- Creamy Cheese Blend: A combination of ricotta, Parmesan, and cream cheese provides a rich, tangy, and utterly irresistible base for the filling.
- Rich Cream Sauce: A homemade béchamel forms the foundation, enriched with garlic, a hint of nutmeg, and Gruyere cheese for a truly luxurious finish. You might be familiar with building such a base if you've ever made our The Ultimate Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Copycat (Clara's Recipes).
Tips for Crafting Flawless Stuffed Shells
Achieving perfection with this dish is all about the details:
- Al Dente Shells are Key: Overcooked shells can tear easily. Aim for firm but flexible pasta to make stuffing easier and ensure they don't fall apart during baking.
- Thoroughly Drain Seafood: Excess moisture from shrimp or crab can make your filling watery. Gently pat them dry with paper towels after chopping.
- Seasoning is Crucial: Seafood loves bold flavors. Don't be shy with salt and pepper in both the filling and the sauce. Taste and adjust before assembling.
- Consider Your Tools: A Quality Chef's Knife will make quick work of chopping your seafood and other ingredients, ensuring even pieces and faster prep time.
Serving Suggestions for Your Indulgent Meal
These creamy seafood stuffed shells are substantial enough to be a complete meal on their own. However, pairing them with a few simple sides can create a truly memorable dining experience. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast, while some warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible sauce. For another hearty and comforting meal idea, consider making our Slow Cooker Beef Curry: An Easy, Flavorful & Comforting Recipe.
Ready to create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds? Let's get cooking and bring this indulgent dinner to your table!
FAQs
What kind of seafood is best for stuffed shells?
For creamy seafood stuffed shells, a blend of cooked shrimp and flaky lump crab meat offers the best texture and flavor. You can also incorporate small bay scallops or finely diced, cooked white fish for variety.
Can I make creamy seafood stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is great for meal prep! Assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the total bake time.
How do I prevent pasta shells from breaking when stuffing them?
Cook the jumbo pasta shells until they are al dente u2013 firm but still pliable. Overcooking makes them mushy and prone to tearing. Drain them gently and rinse with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Handle them with care during stuffing.
What are good side dishes to serve with seafood stuffed shells?
Complement the richness of these shells with a simple, light side. A fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette, steamed asparagus, or crusty garlic bread are excellent choices that balance the meal beautifully.
Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Jumbo pasta shells bursting with a rich, creamy filling of shrimp, crab, and cheeses, baked in a luscious homemade sauce.
Ingredients
24 jumbo pasta shells
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, chopped
8 oz lump crab meat, picked clean
15 oz ricotta cheese
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (or mozzarella)
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
Step 1: Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool slightly to prevent sticking and tearing.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked shrimp, lump crab meat, ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season generously with salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Prepare the cream sauce: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
Step 4: Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, a little at a time, until smooth. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the Gruyere cheese and nutmeg until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread about 1 cup of the cream sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 6: Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with a generous amount of the seafood and cheese mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
Step 7: Pour the remaining cream sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese.
Step 8: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown. If desired, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes for a deeper golden crust (watch carefully!).
Step 9: Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
For an extra boost of flavor, you can briefly sauté the raw shrimp with a pinch of old bay seasoning before chopping and adding to the filling. If you don't have Gruyere, white cheddar or provolone can be used in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 shells
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
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