Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these seafood stuffed shells! They’re like little pockets of joy, filled with a savory seafood medley that just makes your taste buds dance. The combination of shrimp and crab, all nestled in tender pasta shells and smothered in marinara sauce, is simply divine. What I love most is how easy they are to whip up—perfect for a cozy dinner or when you’re entertaining guests. Trust me, they’ll make you feel like a gourmet chef without all the fuss. These stuffed shells are not just a meal; they’re an experience!
Ingredients for Seafood Stuffed Shells
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delightful seafood stuffed shells! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 large pasta shells – choose the biggest you can find for maximum stuffing!
- 1 cup ricotta cheese – this creamy base holds everything together.
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped – make sure they’re already cooked for the best flavor.
- 1 cup crab meat – lump crab is my favorite for that sweet seafood taste.
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded – because who doesn’t love ooey-gooey cheese?
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated – adds a nice salty kick!
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped – for a pop of color and freshness.
- 1 egg – this helps bind everything together.
- 2 cups marinara sauce – you can use store-bought or homemade, whichever you prefer!
- Salt and pepper to taste – don’t forget to season for flavor!
With these ingredients, you’re all set to create a dish that’s both comforting and delicious!
How to Prepare Seafood Stuffed Shells
Now that you’ve gathered all those delicious ingredients, let’s get cooking! This process is straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro in no time. First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is super important because you want those stuffed shells to bake evenly and come out bubbly and golden!
While the oven is heating up, cook those large pasta shells according to the package instructions. Once they’re al dente, drain them and set them aside to cool a bit. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped shrimp, crab meat, mozzarella, parmesan, parsley, egg, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix it all up until it’s well combined—trust me, this filling is going to blow your mind!
Now for the fun part! Stuff each shell generously with that seafood mixture. Don’t be shy! In a baking dish, spread half of your marinara sauce on the bottom, then place the stuffed shells on top, seam side up. Pour the rest of the marinara sauce over the shells and pop them in the oven for about 25-30 minutes. They should be heated through and slightly bubbly. Once done, let them cool for a few minutes before diving in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix together ricotta, chopped shrimp, crab meat, mozzarella, parmesan, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Generously stuff each pasta shell with the seafood mixture.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce in a baking dish, then arrange the filled shells on top, seam side up.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until heated through and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with these seafood stuffed shells! Here are just a few:
- Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
- Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of shrimp and crab brings a burst of ocean flavor that’s simply irresistible!
- Versatile: Feel free to mix in your favorite seafood or swap marinara for a creamy sauce for a different twist.
- Impressive Presentation: These shells look stunning when served, making them ideal for dinner parties or special occasions.
- Comfort Food: They’re warm, cheesy, and satisfying—just what you need for a cozy meal!
Tips for Success
Ready to make these seafood stuffed shells even better? Here are some tips to ensure you nail it every time! First, don’t skimp on seasoning—taste your filling before stuffing the shells to make sure it’s flavorful. If you want to switch things up, try adding scallops or even some sautéed spinach for an extra veggie boost. And if you’re a cheese lover like me, go ahead and sprinkle more mozzarella on top before baking for that extra cheesy goodness!
Also, remember that oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your shells as they bake. You want them bubbly and golden, but not overcooked. Lastly, let them cool for a few minutes before serving—it’ll make them easier to handle and oh-so-delicious!
Nutritional Information
It’s always good to know what you’re fueling your body with, right? Just a heads up, the nutritional values can vary a bit depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. But typically, each seafood stuffed shell clocks in at around 320 calories. They contain about 15 grams of fat, with 7 grams being saturated fat. You’ll also get around 20 grams of protein per shell, which is fantastic! Plus, they have about 30 grams of carbohydrates and 4 grams of sugar. So, you can enjoy these delicious pockets of seafood goodness without too much guilt!
FAQ About Seafood Stuffed Shells
Got questions about these delightful seafood stuffed shells? No worries, I’ve got you covered! One common query is about ingredient substitutions. If you don’t have crab meat, you can easily use more shrimp or even diced scallops for a different flavor. And if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can swap out ricotta for cottage cheese—it’ll still be creamy and delicious!
As for storage, you can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some sautéed spinach or artichokes to the filling for an extra flavor twist! And don’t forget, you can play around with sauces, too! A creamy Alfredo or a lemon butter sauce would elevate these shells to a whole new level.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving these seafood stuffed shells, the possibilities are endless! I love pairing them with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette—it adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the dish. You could also serve some garlic bread on the side to soak up that delicious marinara sauce; it’s simply irresistible!
If you’re looking to elevate the meal, consider a side of roasted vegetables or a zesty lemon asparagus for a pop of color and flavor. And don’t forget a nice glass of white wine, like a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the seafood beautifully. Enjoy your meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious seafood stuffed shells is super simple! Just place any leftovers in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them before baking! Just wrap each shell tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for about two months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, there’s no need to thaw! Just bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-35 minutes, or until they’re heated through. Enjoy those tasty bites again!
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Seafood Stuffed Shells: 5 Steps to a Delicious Dinner
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Seafood
Description
Seafood stuffed shells are pasta shells filled with a savory seafood mixture.
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup crab meat
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, shrimp, crab meat, mozzarella, parmesan, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the seafood mixture.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce in a baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed shells on top of the sauce.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through.
- Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use cooked seafood for best results.
- Feel free to add other seafood options like scallops or clams.
- Top with extra cheese for a cheesy finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: seafood stuffed shells, pasta, seafood, dinner
