Seafood Stuffed Shells

Discover a quick, delicious recipe for Seafood Stuffed Shells that’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or special occasion meal. This dish combines tender pasta shells with a rich, savory seafood filling that melts in your mouth, all topped with a luscious sauce and melted cheese. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a new family favorite, these Seafood Stuffed Shells bring comfort and elegance together in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless elegance: The recipe is straightforward but looks and tastes like a gourmet meal.
• Flavor-packed: The seafood blend with herbs and creamy cheese delivers incredible depth of taste.
• Family-friendly: A crowd-pleaser, perfect for those who want to introduce more seafood to their meals.
• Make ahead friendly: Great for preparing in advance and baking when ready, saving time on busy days.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with different seafood, sauces, or dietary substitutions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe works harmoniously to create the perfect blend of textures and flavors, from the creamy filling to the baked golden shells. Keeping the ingredient list simple makes it easy to pull together but guarantees a stunning result.

• Jumbo pasta shells: These hold the seafood filling perfectly and provide a tender bite after baking.
• Seafood mix: A combination of shrimp, crab, and scallops brings a variety of flavors and textures.
• Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and balances the seafood with subtle tang.
• Parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, nutty flavor and helps create a golden baked crust.
• Fresh parsley and basil: Brighten the dish with herbal freshness and color.
• Garlic and shallots: Infuse the filling with savory depth without overpowering the seafood.
• Heavy cream or béchamel sauce: Binds the filling and adds luscious richness.
• Marinara sauce: Acts as an acidic, flavorful base that complements the seafood.
• Lemon zest and juice: Add subtle brightness and highlight the freshness of the seafood.
• Olive oil and butter: For sautéing aromatics and enhancing fullness of flavor.

Variations for Seafood Stuffed Shells

Seafood Stuffed Shells are incredibly adaptable, so feel free to make this recipe your own. From swapping ingredients to adjusting flavors, these variations are easy to try and delicious to enjoy.

• Vegetarian version: Replace seafood with chopped spinach, mushrooms, and artichokes for a veggie-packed filling.
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling or sauce for heat lovers.
• Cheese lovers: Mix mozzarella or fontina with the ricotta for extra gooeyness.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta shells and verify sauces for a gluten-free meal.
• Different seafood combos: Try substituting crab with lobster or adding chopped clams for new flavors.

How to Make Seafood Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Cook the pasta shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo shells until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain carefully and set aside on a lightly oiled tray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the seafood filling

In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic and shallots until fragrant and translucent. Add chopped seafood and cook gently until just opaque. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the cheese filling

In a large bowl, combine ricotta, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, basil, lemon zest, and the cooked seafood. Stir in heavy cream or béchamel sauce to create a creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Stuff the shells

Using a spoon, fill each cooked shell generously with the seafood-cheese mixture. Arrange them in a baking dish spread with a layer of marinara sauce to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Bake to perfection

Top the stuffed shells with more marinara sauce, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Pro Tips for Making Seafood Stuffed Shells

• Don’t overcook the shells: They will continue cooking in the oven, so keep them slightly firm after boiling.
• Use fresh seafood when possible: It makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
• Let the filling cool: Prevents it from melting the cheese too quickly when stuffing the shells.
• Layer sauce generously: Keeps shells moist and adds tangy balance to the richness of the filling.
• Cover with foil while baking: To prevent the cheese from browning too quickly, remove foil in the last 5 minutes for a perfect crust.

How to Serve Seafood Stuffed Shells

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley, basil, or a sprinkle of grated lemon zest add vibrant color and a burst of fresh flavor that complements the seafood beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve these shells alongside a crisp mixed green salad, garlic bread, or steamed asparagus for a well-rounded meal that balances richness and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the stuffed shells neatly on a beautiful platter and drizzle with extra sauce for a restaurant-style presentation that’s sure to impress family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring the seafood stays fresh and the shells don’t dry out.

Freezing

Seafood Stuffed Shells freeze beautifully; freeze them in a single layer on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, usually around 15-20 minutes, to keep the shells moist and the cheese creamy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?

Absolutely, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Yes, the creamy texture and mild flavors make it very kid-friendly, but you can omit any spicy add-ins if used.

What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese blended smooth or cream cheese can be good alternatives, though ricotta provides the best texture and mild flavor.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, swap ricotta for a dairy-free cheese alternative and use plant-based cream and cheese to make it vegan-friendly.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe typically serves 4 to 6 people, depending on portion sizes and accompanying sides.

Final Thoughts

This Seafood Stuffed Shells recipe is a delightful dish that brings the taste of the ocean to your dinner table with ease and elegance. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, it’s sure to become a beloved favorite. Dive in and enjoy the satisfying blend of creamy cheese, tender pasta, and succulent seafood that makes every bite special.

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