Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are like a big hug for your taste buds. Imagine sinking your fork into those luscious, oversized pasta shells filled with a rich, creamy seafood mixture that practically dances on your palate. The combination of fresh herbs, succulent shrimp, and tender crab meat creates a flavor explosion that makes even the pickiest eaters swoon with delight.
Now, picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and you’re cozied up in your kitchen, the aroma of garlic wafting through the air as you concoct this delightful dish. Memories of family gatherings and laughter swirl around you like the steam rising from the pot. Now is the perfect time to whip up these Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells, whether it’s for a cozy dinner or impressing guests at your next soirée.
Why You'll Love This Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
- This incredible Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells:
- Large Pasta Shells: You’ll need about 20 jumbo shells; they’re perfect for holding all that creamy goodness.
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp work well; just ensure they’re peeled and deveined before cooking.
- Crab Meat: Use lump crab meat for that luxurious touch; it adds a sweet flavor that elevates the dish.
- Cream Cheese: This is the heart of our creamy filling! Choose full-fat for optimal creaminess.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor; sprinkle some on top for an irresistible crust.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves minced finely add depth and aroma to our filling—don’t skip this!
- Chives or Green Onions: Chopped finely to provide a pop of color and freshness to our stuffing.
For the Sauce:
- Cream: Heavy cream is essential here; it brings richness to the sauce and ties everything together beautifully.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens up flavors in both the filling and sauce—think sunshine in every bite!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, get your baking dish ready by greasing it lightly with non-stick spray.
Step 2: Cook Your Pasta
Boil water in a large pot and cook those jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente. When done, drain them carefully so they don’t tear—nobody likes a broken shell!
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chopped shrimp, crab meat, minced garlic, chives or green onions, and grated Parmesan. Mix until everything is beautifully blended together.
Step 4: Stuff Those Shells
Take each shell and generously fill it with your seafood mixture. Place them seam-side up in your prepared baking dish; they should all fit snugly together like old friends reuniting at a family reunion.
Step 5: Make Your Creamy Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream and lemon juice. Allow it to simmer gently until slightly thickened—this sauce will be poured over those stuffed shells like icing on a cake!
Step 6: Bake It Up
Pour that luscious sauce over your stuffed shells. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor! Cover with foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and let it bake an additional ten minutes until golden brown.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch!
And there you have it—your very own plateful of heavenly Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells! Serve them hot with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that divine sauce. Enjoy!
You Must Know About Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
- This showstopping Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while you prepare the filling. Cook the pasta shells al dente, then sauté your seafood filling in a pan. Once everything is ready, assemble the shells in a baking dish and pour on the creamy sauce before baking to perfection.
Flavor Your Way
Feel free to swap out the seafood! Substitute shrimp for crab or add some spinach for extra nutrition. You can also experiment with different cheeses like feta or pepper jack for a kick. The sauce can take on various spices too!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for quick enjoyment.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
- This professional-quality Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
Cooking this dish reminds me of a family gathering where my aunt brought her famous seafood stuffed shells. Everyone was raving about them, and I knew I had to learn how to make them myself!
FAQs
What is Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells?
Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are a delicious pasta dish featuring large pasta shells filled with a rich and flavorful seafood mixture. Typically, this dish includes ingredients like shrimp, crab, and cheese, all enveloped in a creamy sauce. The shells are then baked to perfection, creating a comforting meal that is perfect for seafood lovers. This recipe combines the freshness of the ocean with the creaminess of cheese, making it a delightful choice for dinner parties or family gatherings.
How do you prepare the filling for Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells?
To prepare the filling for Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells, start by cooking your seafood until it’s tender. Combine it with cream cheese, ricotta, and shredded mozzarella in a mixing bowl. Add seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh herbs to enhance the flavor. Once mixed thoroughly, stuff each cooked pasta shell generously with this creamy filling. This step ensures every bite is packed with delicious seafood goodness.
Can I make Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells ahead of time is not only possible but also convenient. Prepare the dish up to the baking stage and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to enjoy this delightful meal, simply bake it straight from the fridge. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to your baking time to ensure everything heats through properly.
What side dishes pair well with Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells?
Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. A fresh green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette complements the richness of the stuffed shells beautifully. Additionally, garlic bread or crusty baguette slices can help soak up any leftover creamy sauce on your plate. Roasted vegetables or steamed asparagus are also excellent choices that add color and nutrition to your meal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures that seafood enthusiasts will love. This dish combines tender pasta shells filled with a rich seafood mixture and topped with creamy sauce, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you choose to make it ahead of time or serve it fresh from the oven, this recipe guarantees satisfaction for everyone at your table. Enjoy this comforting meal as a centerpiece at your next gathering!
Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are a delightful and indulgent dish that features large pasta shells filled with a rich mixture of shrimp, crab meat, and creamy cheeses. Baked to perfection and topped with a velvety sauce, this recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions. Serve these visually stunning shells hot from the oven and watch them disappear as your guests savor every bite.
Ingredients
- 20 large pasta shells
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 oz lump crab meat
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chives or green onions, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Cook the large pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente; drain carefully.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shrimp, crab meat, minced garlic, chives, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- Generously stuff each shell with the seafood mixture and place seam-side up in the prepared baking dish.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream and lemon juice; simmer until slightly thickened.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake for about 25 minutes; then remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell (165g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
