There’s something utterly irresistible about Easy Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells that makes my taste buds sing like an opera diva. Picture this: plump pasta shells filled to the brim with a creamy seafood mixture, topped with a golden layer of melted cheese. chicken alfredo puffs The aroma wafts through the kitchen, promising a culinary experience that’s nothing short of magical. slow cooker chicken recipe These shells are not just food; they’re comfort wrapped in deliciousness, perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing unexpected guests.
I remember the first time I made these Easy Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and my kitchen transformed into a bustling seafood market as I rummaged through my fridge. My family gathered around, curious about what delightful dish would emerge. creamy cucumber salad As the shells bubbled away in the oven, anticipation filled the air, and let me tell you, those smiles at dinner were priceless!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Easy Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells offer an effortless cooking experience while tantalizing your palate
- The rich flavors blend beautifully with a visually stunning presentation on any dinner table
- They are versatile enough for weeknight meals or special occasions, making them a family favorite
My cousin once said these stuffed shells were so good they could win a Grammy!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Large Pasta Shells: Use around 20-25 shells to ensure everyone gets their fill of this delightful dish.
- Fresh Shrimp: Opt for large shrimp; they add a succulent flavor and nice texture to your filling.
- Crab Meat: I recommend using lump crab meat for its sweet taste and chunky texture.
- Cream Cheese: This provides that luscious creaminess we all crave; let it soften before mixing.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for flavor; it adds a savory depth to the dish.
- Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder elevates the flavor without overpowering the seafood.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements seafood beautifully; don’t skip this essential ingredient!
- Marinara Sauce: Use store-bought or homemade; it’s perfect for coating your stuffed shells before baking.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Top your shells with mozzarella for that gooey, melty finish we all adore.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Pasta Shells: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Create Your Seafood Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped shrimp, crab meat, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and half of your Parmesan cheese. Stir until well mixed and creamy. For more inspiration, check out this shrimp and avocado bowls recipe.
Stuff Those Shells!: Carefully fill each shell with about two tablespoons of your seafood mixture. Place them seam side up in a greased baking dish. This part can get messy but is oh-so-fun!
Add Marinara Sauce and Cheese : Pour marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are generously coated. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella on top for that cheesy goodness. For more inspiration, check out this buffalo chicken stuffed peppers recipe.
Bake Until Golden Brown : Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Enjoying these Easy Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells is more than just satisfying your hunger it’s about creating memories around the dinner table!
You Must Know
- Easy Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are not just delicious; they can impress even the toughest food critics in your family
- The balance of flavors and textures makes this dish a true culinary delight
- Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some seafood!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the shells while sautéing your seafood filling. Once the filling is ready, stuff those shells and bake until bubbly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap shrimp for crab or add spinach for extra nutrition. You can also sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top for an added crunch.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use large pasta shells to hold more filling and create a satisfying bite
- Don’t overcook the shells; they should be al dente before baking
- A splash of lemon juice brightens up the creamy sauce beautifully!
I once served these Easy Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells at a dinner party, and my friends raved about them for weeks! It felt amazing to impress everyone with such an easy recipe. creamy beef and shells recipe.
FAQ
Can I make Easy Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and bake when ready.
What seafood works best for this recipe?
Shrimp and crab meat are excellent choices that enhance flavor.
Can I freeze leftovers of Easy Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells?
Absolutely! Just ensure they’re stored in an airtight container before freezing.
Easy Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (8 stuffed shells per serving) 1x
Description
Easy Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are a delightful dish that combines plump pasta shells with a rich, creamy seafood filling, topped with gooey melted cheese. Perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. Each bite is a comforting blend of flavors that will have your taste buds singing!
Ingredients
- 20 large pasta shells
- 1 cup fresh shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup lump crab meat
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil salted water and cook pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine shrimp, crab meat, cream cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and half of the Parmesan cheese until creamy.
- Fill each shell with about 2 tablespoons of the seafood mixture and place seam side up in a greased baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes; remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (200g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
