Irresistible Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe

There’s something undeniably magical about creamy seafood stuffed shells. Imagine sinking your teeth into tender pasta filled with a luscious blend of seafood, cheeses, and spices that dance on your palate with each bite. The aroma wafting from the oven is enough to make anyone’s stomach rumble in anticipation, and let’s be honest, who can resist that?

I remember the first time I made this dish; it was for my family’s annual seafood feast. The looks on their faces when they took the first bite were priceless. It was as if I had just revealed the secret to happiness. These creamy seafood stuffed shells are perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, making you feel like a gourmet chef without requiring any Michelin stars.

I’ll never forget how my cousin couldn’t stop raving about how delicious these shells were after her first bite. She even tried to convince me to start a food blog right then and there!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Choose large shells for maximum stuffing capacity – trust me, nobody wants half-filled shells.

• Fresh Seafood Mix: A combination of shrimp, crab, and scallops adds an extravagant touch; ensure it’s fresh for optimal flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich and velvety texture that binds everything together beautifully.

• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best; it melts seamlessly into the filling and enhances the overall flavor.

• Fresh Spinach: Adds color and nutrients; wilt it down before mixing with other ingredients for ease of stuffing.

• Garlic Powder: A pinch goes a long way in elevating flavors; feel free to adjust based on preference.

• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings an authentic Italian flair to your stuffed shells.

• Marinara Sauce: This will serve as the perfect base layer in your baking dish; homemade or store-bought works wonders here.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente; this usually takes about 8-10 minutes.

Sauté the Spinach: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and toss in fresh spinach. Sauté until wilted, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

Create Your Filling: In a large bowl, combine cooked spinach with cream cheese, seafood mix, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Fold gently until everything is well incorporated.

Stuff Those Shells!: Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each pasta shell with generous amounts of your creamy mixture. Don’t be shy; these shells love being packed!

Assemble and Bake: Spread some marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a baking dish. Place filled shells upright in the dish and cover them with remaining sauce. Sprinkle with leftover Parmesan cheese.

Bake to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

And there you have it: creamy seafood stuffed shells ready to take center stage at dinner time! The combination of textures—crunchy topping contrasted with soft pasta—will leave everyone clamoring for seconds.

When you pull these beauties from the oven, let them rest for about five minutes before serving so that they hold their shape nicely on plates. Pair them with garlic bread or a simple salad, and you’ve got yourself an unforgettable meal!

Now go ahead and impress your loved ones (and maybe even yourself) with this fantastic dish that combines simplicity with elegance—all while keeping your cooking stress-free! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling your pasta shells until al dente. While they cool, create your creamy filling and sauce to maximize flavor and efficiency, then assemble everything for a warm, delicious outcome.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to mix in your favorite seafood or add fresh herbs to enhance the flavor profile. You can also substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain that creamy texture.

Sharing my first attempt at making Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells was a hilarious disaster! My family lovingly called it “seafood soup” because I overcooked them—turns out patience is key.

FAQ

Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?

Yes, frozen seafood works perfectly! Just thaw it before adding to your filling.

What can I substitute for cream in the sauce?

Try half-and-half or a lactose-free alternative if you want a lighter version.

How do I know when my stuffed shells are done baking?

Bake until the tops are golden and bubbly, usually around 25 to 30 minutes at 350°F.

Print

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of creamy seafood stuffed shells, where tender jumbo pasta meets a luxurious filling of shrimp, crab, and scallops. Baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese, this dish is a showstopper for any occasion. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, these shells promise to delight your taste buds with every cheesy bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup fresh seafood mix (shrimp, crab, scallops)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach (wilted)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup marinara sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté spinach until wilted (3-4 minutes). Remove from heat.
3. In a bowl, combine cooked spinach, cream cheese, seafood mix, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
4. Stuff each shell generously with the filling using a spoon or piping bag.
5. Spread marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place filled shells upright and cover with remaining sauce and Parmesan cheese.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; then remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: - Feel free to substitute ricotta for cream cheese for a lighter option. - Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor. - For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.