Irresistible Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe to Savor

There is something divine about seafood stuffed shells, a dish that tantalizes your taste buds and wraps you in a warm embrace of flavors. Imagine tender pasta shells cradling a sumptuous filling of fresh seafood, creamy cheese, and a hint of herbs, all topped with a luscious marinara sauce that bubbles invitingly. The aroma wafts through your kitchen like a siren song, calling everyone to gather around the table for an unforgettable meal.

This recipe isn’t just about satisfying hunger; it’s about creating moments. Picture this: your family gathered around the dinner table, laughter filling the air as they dive into these delectable stuffed shells. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, seafood stuffed shells are here to steal the show and create memories that linger long after the last bite.

Sharing this recipe brings back memories of my first attempt at cooking for friends. I may have ended up with more marinara on my shirt than in the pan, but their delighted faces made it all worth it.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Large Pasta Shells: These are key for holding all that glorious filling; choose a sturdy brand to avoid breakage.

• Seafood Mix: I recommend shrimp, crab meat, or scallops—fresh or frozen works fine; just ensure it’s well-drained.

• Ricotta Cheese: This creamy delight adds richness; opt for whole milk ricotta for best results.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated enhances flavor; sprinkle generously for that cheesy crust.

• Fresh Herbs: Parsley and basil add brightness; don’t skip these little green wonders.

• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce; this will tie our dish together beautifully.

• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses aromatic goodness; always better than powdered when possible.

• Olive Oil: A drizzle helps sauté our garlic and keeps things flavorful.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preparation is half the fun! Let’s dive into each step to create these mouthwatering seafood stuffed shells.

Preheat and Prepare Your Workspace: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, grab a large baking dish and lightly grease it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Sauté Garlic and Seafood: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and minced garlic until fragrant. Toss in your seafood mix, cooking until opaque—about three minutes should do the trick.

Mix Filling Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the parmesan cheese, herbs, and cooked seafood mixture. Stir well until everything is beautifully blended.

Stuff Those Shells: With the mixture ready, take your cooked pasta shells one by one and fill them generously with the seafood blend. Place each stuffed shell seam side down in your baking dish like little soldiers waiting for their big moment.

Add Sauce and Cheese Topping: Pour marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells before sprinkling remaining parmesan cheese on top. Each shell deserves its moment under that cheesy glow!

Bake Away!: Pop your dish into the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. The aroma will be irresistible!

Now you have yourself an incredible plate of seafood stuffed shells that’s sure to impress everyone around your dining table! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the shells until al dente while preparing the seafood filling simultaneously. Then, layer your sauce in the baking dish before stuffing each shell for even cooking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out seafood types—shrimp, crab, or even scallops work wonders! You can also spice up your filling with fresh herbs or a hint of lemon zest.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes to restore that creamy goodness.

Sharing seafood stuffed shells with friends and family brings back memories of laughter and joy around the dinner table, especially when everyone fights over the last one!

FAQ

Can I freeze seafood stuffed shells?

Yes, you can freeze them before baking for up to two months.

What type of sauce works best?

A creamy Alfredo or a rich marinara complements seafood beautifully.

How do I know when they are fully cooked?

The cheese should be bubbly and golden brown on top when done.