Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Savor the delightful flavors of the ocean with this Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells recipe. These jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a rich mixture of shrimp, scallops, and a blend of creamy cheeses, then baked to bubbly perfection. This dish is a perfect blend of comfort and elegance, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or special occasions.
An Ocean of Flavor
Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells offer a taste of the ocean in every bite. The combination of succulent shrimp and tender scallops creates a rich filling that's complemented perfectly by a trio of cheeses. Each shell is a delicious surprise that will captivate your taste buds, making this dish an extraordinary experience for seafood lovers. It's a meal that transports you to a seaside restaurant, with flavors that are both comforting and sophisticated.
The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its flavor but also in its versatility. You can customize the seafood filling to your preferences; feel free to add crab or lobster for an even more decadent touch. The creamy cheese blend ensures that every shell is both rich and satisfying, making this an exceptional dish for any occasion, whether casual family dinners or elegant gatherings.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are perfect for impressing guests at your next dinner party. The stunning presentation and mouthwatering flavors will leave a lasting impression. They also make a fantastic main dish for holiday gatherings or special celebrations, adding a touch of luxury to your meal. The colorful shells filled with seafood and topped with creamy sauce create a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Additionally, this recipe is relatively easy to prepare, allowing you to enjoy quality time with your guests rather than spending all your time in the kitchen. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a stunning dish that showcases your culinary skills without stress.
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Shells
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz scallops, cleaned
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Prepare the ingredients before starting the recipe.
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Filling
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add shrimp and scallops, cooking until they turn opaque. In a mixing bowl, combine the seafood with ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Stuff the Shells
Fill each cooked pasta shell with the seafood mixture and place them in a baking dish.
Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add white wine and heavy cream. Simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Bake the Dish
Pour the sauce over the stuffed shells in the baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
To round out your meal, consider pairing these creamy stuffed shells with a crisp green salad or some steamed vegetables. A light, zesty vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. If you're hosting a dinner party, serve a chilled white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the seafood flavors beautifully.
For a fun twist, you could also add some garlic bread to your serving table. The crunchy, garlicky bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, stored properly, these stuffed shells can last up to three days in the refrigerator. Make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy them again, it’s easy to reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This keeps the shells nice and creamy without drying them out.
For long-term storage, you can freeze the unbaked stuffed shells. Simply assemble them in a baking dish, cover tightly, and place in the freezer. When you're ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then proceed with the baking instructions. This makes for a convenient, delicious meal whenever you're in the mood for something special.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it before cooking.
→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the shells and sauce ahead of time and bake just before serving.
Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
Savor the delightful flavors of the ocean with this Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells recipe. These jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a rich mixture of shrimp, scallops, and a blend of creamy cheeses, then baked to bubbly perfection. This dish is a perfect blend of comfort and elegance, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or special occasions.
Created by: Mia Jefferson
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Stuffed Shells
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz scallops, cleaned
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add shrimp and scallops, cooking until they turn opaque. In a mixing bowl, combine the seafood with ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Fill each cooked pasta shell with the seafood mixture and place them in a baking dish.
In the same skillet, add white wine and heavy cream. Simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Pour the sauce over the stuffed shells in the baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 20g