Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells blend tender pasta with a rich seafood filling and luscious cream sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for seafood lovers looking for an elegant, easy-to-make meal.

Ingredients

• 12 large pasta shells
• 1 ½ cups mixed seafood (such as shrimp, crab, and scallops)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups cream sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or your choice)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the mixed seafood with ricotta cheese. Mix gently to create a creamy filling.
3. Step 3: Stuff each pasta shell generously with the seafood and ricotta mixture.
4. Step 4: Spread a layer of cream sauce in the bottom of a baking dish, then arrange the stuffed shells on top.
5. Step 5: Cover the shells with the remaining cream sauce and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
6. Step 6: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add sautéed garlic or fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the seafood filling.
• Use a homemade cream sauce or your favorite store-bought Alfredo sauce to save time.
• Try swapping the mixed seafood for crab meat or shrimp alone, depending on your preference.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but baking helps maintain the creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells and refrigerate them before baking. Bake within 24 hours for best results, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

What if I can’t find mixed seafood?

You can use a combination of shrimp, crab, scallops, or even canned seafood like imitation crab. Just make sure to chop larger pieces into bite-sized portions for even filling.

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.9 from 51 reviews

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells is a decadent Italian-inspired baked pasta dish featuring large pasta shells filled with a flavorful blend of seafood and ricotta cheese, topped with a rich cream sauce and melted cheese for a bubbly, comforting meal perfect for seafood lovers.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

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Pasta and Filling

• 20 large pasta shells
• 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, crab, scallops, or your choice, chopped)
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce

• 2 cups creamy white sauce (Alfredo or béchamel cream sauce)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta Shells: Boil large pasta shells in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Seafood Filling: In a skillet, sauté garlic in butter until fragrant. Add mixed seafood and cook until just opaque. In a bowl, combine cooked seafood with ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, and pepper to create the filling.
3. Stuff Shells: Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the seafood and ricotta mixture, ensuring they are evenly stuffed without breaking.
4. Assemble Dish: Spread a layer of creamy white sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells neatly in the dish and cover them with the remaining cream sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
5. Bake Until Bubbly: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled dish for 25-30 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden on top.
6. Serve: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving to enjoy a creamy, seafood-rich pasta bake.

Notes

• You can substitute the seafood mix with just shrimp or crab for a simplified version.
• Using fresh seafood will enhance the flavor, but frozen seafood is acceptable if thawed properly.
• Ricotta can be swapped with cottage cheese for a lighter alternative.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce.
• For an extra creamy sauce, mix in a little heavy cream or cream cheese to the white sauce.

Keywords: seafood stuffed shells, baked pasta, creamy seafood pasta, Italian seafood dish, ricotta stuffed shells