Creamy seafood stuffed shells bring a delightful twist to a classic dish, blending rich flavors and comforting textures in every bite. You’ll gather fun ingredients and prepare a meal that pleases seafood lovers and pasta fans alike, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or special gatherings. This meal not only ignites the senses but also delivers a satisfying and hearty dinner that everyone will remember.
Why We Love This Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
Creamy seafood stuffed shells stand out due to their luxurious and savory filling. This dish combines various seafood for a harmonious flavor profile that appeals to diverse tastes. The creamy sauce complements the delicate seafood, while the shells themselves offer a wonderful vessel that holds all the goodness inside. Each bite bursts with flavor, introducing a mix of smooth textures and tantalizing tastes that make it hard to resist. Furthermore, this dish playfully marries comfort food with an elevated touch, allowing you to feel like a gourmet chef in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for the family or entertaining guests, these stuffed shells create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Ingredients for Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
- Jumbo pasta shells
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, finely chopped
- Red bell pepper, diced
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Scallops, chopped
- Crab meat, shredded
- Cream cheese, softened
- Heavy cream
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Black pepper
Directions
Begin by cooking the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set them aside to cool. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped onion, and diced red bell pepper, sautéing until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Next, add the shrimp and scallops; cook until the shrimp turns pink and the scallops are opaque. Stir in the crab meat, cream cheese, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything until combined and creamy.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the seafood mixture on the bottom. When the pasta shells have cooled, carefully stuff each shell with the seafood mixture. Place the filled shells in the baking dish, and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake for about 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Garnish with extra parsley if desired before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
Serving creamy seafood stuffed shells can be as delightful as preparing them. Present these shells hot from the oven to allow guests to enjoy the bubbling cheese and rich aromas. Use a large serving spoon to scoop out portions, ensuring each plate has at least a few stuffed shells. Pair the meal with a fresh garden salad topped with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Breadsticks or garlic bread make excellent side dishes, enhancing the dining experience while providing a satisfying crunch. You could also set out additional toppings, such as grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, for guests to customize their plates. For a whimsical touch, consider serving dessert immediately after to create a memorable evening.
Expert Tips for Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
To achieve the best results with your creamy seafood stuffed shells, keep a few expert tips in mind. Firstly, ensure that your seafood is fresh, as this significantly impacts the dish’s flavor. If you’re using frozen seafood, thaw and drain thoroughly before cooking. For an added flavor punch, consider briefly cooking your seafood in a bit of white pepper or Old Bay seasoning.
When preparing your filling, avoid overcooking the seafood to ensure it stays tender and juicy. If you’re short on time, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator, making the stuffing and baking process much quicker. Additionally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of seafood, such as lobster or clams, to tailor the dish to your palate. Lastly, make sure not to skimp on the cheese, as a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan contributes to that iconic gooey texture that makes this dish so inviting.
How to Store Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
Storing creamy seafood stuffed shells properly allows you to enjoy them later without compromising quality. If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing the stuffed shells. To do so, place them in a freezer-safe container and cover them tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen stuffed shells can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Bake them in the oven until heated throughout, ensuring the cheese becomes wonderfully melty again.
Variations of Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
One of the best aspects of creamy seafood stuffed shells is their versatility. You can easily swap out different seafood or add more vegetables to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Try incorporating ingredients like chopped spinach, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes into your filling for an extra flavor kick. If you’re looking for a lighter version, use ricotta or cottage cheese instead of cream cheese and opt for a lighter sauce.
Consider experimenting with various types of cheese, such as goat cheese or feta, to give the filling a unique tang. You could also transform the dish into a baked seafood pasta by layering the stuffed shells with sauce and cheese in a traditional casserole fashion. For a spicy twist, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the seafood filling. These innovative variations allow you to create different versions of the dish, keeping mealtime exciting for everyone.
FAQ about Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
What kind of seafood works best for creamy seafood stuffed shells?
You can use a variety of seafood, including shrimp, scallops, and crab meat. Feel free to mix and match according to your personal preferences or what is available at your local market.
Can I make creamy seafood stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and stuff the shells ahead of time. Simply store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake, ensuring they are covered to maintain freshness.
How do I know when the creamy seafood stuffed shells are done?
Look for a golden-brown top on the cheese and bubbling sauce around the edges to ensure that the stuffed shells are thoroughly cooked.
Can I freeze creamy seafood stuffed shells?
Absolutely! You can freeze them before or after baking. Just make sure they are in a tightly sealed container for the best preservation.
Is there a vegetarian version of creamy seafood stuffed shells?
Yes, you can replace seafood with mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach mixed with a creamy filling to create a delicious vegetarian option that still has that comforting stuffed shell goodness.
Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
For the filling
- 12 large jumbo pasta shells
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound scallops, chopped
- 1 cup crab meat, shredded
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped onion, and diced red bell pepper, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
- Add the shrimp and scallops; cook until the shrimp turns pink and the scallops are opaque.
- Stir in crab meat, cream cheese, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix until combined and creamy.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of the seafood mixture on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Carefully stuff each cooled pasta shell with the seafood mixture and arrange them in the baking dish.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and bake for about 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with extra parsley if desired before serving.
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