Welcome to Comfort Food Heaven!
Hey there, seafood lovers! If you’re looking for an easy yet impressive dish to serve, these Easy Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are perfect for you. These pasta shells are generously filled with a creamy seafood mixture, baked to perfection, and topped with a delicious sauce. Ideal for a cozy family dinner or special occasions, let’s get cooking!
Nutritional Benefits
These creamy stuffed shells not only taste indulgent but also provide a variety of nutritional benefits. Seafood, such as shrimp and crab, are excellent sources of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. Coupled with the fiber from pasta and vitamins from any added vegetables, this dish makes for a satisfying and balanced meal!
Customization Options
The versatility of this recipe allows you to get creative! Here are some ideas to customize your stuffed shells:
- Seafood Variations: Feel free to use a mix of shrimp, crab, scallops, or even tuna for different flavors!
- Vegetable Additions: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the filling for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Cheese Choices: Mix in different cheeses like ricotta or mozzarella for extra creaminess!
Easy Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe
Ingredients
- 12-15 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup crab meat (or imitation crab)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 jar (about 24 oz) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, crab meat, ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese, heavy cream, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Using a spoon, carefully fill each cooked shell with the seafood mixture and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the filled shells, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired, and enjoy your delicious Seafood Stuffed Shells!
Tips for Success
- For added flavor, consider seasoning the seafood filling with Old Bay seasoning or Cajun spices.
- Leftover stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—just reheat in the oven or microwave!
- If you prefer a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce!
Let’s Dive Into Comfort Food!
Have you tried making these Easy Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells? I’d love to hear how they turned out and any creative touches you added! Share your experiences and connect with me for more comforting recipes. Enjoy your culinary adventure!