When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with creamy seafood stuffed shells. This delightful meal combines the pasta’s heartiness with a rich, gooey filling that warms you from the inside out. It brings together all the flavors of the ocean, creating a dish that feels special yet remains simple to prepare. Perfect for cozy nights with family or friends, these stuffed shells will soon become a beloved favorite in your home.
Why We Love This Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
Creamy seafood stuffed shells capture the essence of comfort and satisfaction. The creamy filling embraces a medley of succulent seafood, which can include shrimp, crab, or scallops, enveloped in large pasta shells. The richness of the sauce used to bind everything together gives each bite an abundance of flavor. These shells offer a delightful contrast of textures: the tenderness of the pasta, the silkiness of the filling, and the slight crunch of a baked topping. Preparing this dish creates an inviting aroma, filling the kitchen with warmth and anticipation.
In addition to their delectable taste, seafood stuffed shells are incredibly versatile. You can customize the filling to include your favorite seafood or even switch it up with seasonal ingredients. This versatility makes it a fantastic option for gatherings, providing an elegant presentation that impresses guests without requiring too much time in the kitchen. When you sit down to enjoy a dish prepared with love and care, you embrace the comfort of home, making it perfect for cozy nights.
Ingredients for Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
- 12-15 large pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup crab meat (or a mix of seafood)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta shells for about 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, mozzarella, chopped seafood, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Carefully fill each pasta shell with the seafood mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine the marinara sauce with a little olive oil and pour it over the stuffed shells, making sure they are thoroughly covered.
- Sprinkle some additional mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce for that cheesy crust.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
Serving creamy seafood stuffed shells is all about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Start by plating the shells with a generous portion of sauce to keep them moist and flavorful. You can pair your dish with a side salad of mixed greens, lightly dressed with a vinaigrette. This adds freshness and a bit of acidity, complementing the richness of the stuffed shells beautifully.
Consider serving crusty garlic bread on the side to mop up any leftover sauce on the plate. It adds a delightful crunch and is perfect for dipping. As you serve, sprinkle some extra parsley on top for a pop of green and a touch of elegance. This dish is just as perfect for a cozy family meal as it is for a gathering with friends. It opens up opportunities for laughter, conversation, and the sharing of warmth around the table.
Expert Tips for Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
To elevate your creamy seafood stuffed shells, try these expert tips. First, ensure your seafood is fresh or cooked properly to enhance flavor and texture. If using frozen seafood, make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in your filling.
When mixing your filling, don’t hesitate to taste and adjust seasoning. Depending on the seafood and cheeses you’re using, you might need a bit more salt, garlic powder, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Additionally, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Adding a bit of goat cheese or cream cheese can introduce another layer of creaminess that’s mouthwatering.
Incorporating vegetables such as spinach or artichokes into your filling can add interesting flavors and nutrients without overshadowing the seafood. Lastly, consider letting the dish sit for a few minutes after baking. This resting time allows the filling to firm up slightly, making it easier to serve up those beautiful shells.
How to Store Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
Storing your creamy seafood stuffed shells is straightforward. If you happen to have leftovers, allow them to cool slightly before transferring them to an airtight container. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place them in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
If you want to store them for longer, consider freezing the shells before baking. Assemble your dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and then with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the unbaked shells for up to three months. For cooking, you can bake from frozen, just extend the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes. This way, you can enjoy the comforting taste of creamy seafood stuffed shells anytime you crave a cozy evening.
Variations of Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
Get creative with creamy seafood stuffed shells by trying different variations. Consider a Mediterranean approach by incorporating feta cheese, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes into your filling. This twist not only enhances flavor but also gives a distinct cultural flair to the dish.
If you want something with a bit of a kick, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning to your seafood mixture. This adds a spicy element that pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the dish.
For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a low-fat cream option, and use whole grain or gluten-free pasta shells if preferred. You can also experiment with different kinds of seafood, such as using scallops or even adding some firm white fish to your filling.
Vegetarians can enjoy a stuffed shell variation by replacing seafood with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach, ensuring to balance with creamy cheeses. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability, allowing you to tailor it to your personal taste and dietary needs seamlessly.
FAQ about Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
You may have some questions about making creamy seafood stuffed shells for cozy nights, and I have you covered. One common question is what type of seafood works best. You can mix various seafood like shrimp, scallops, and crab, but make sure to use cooked seafood for the best results.
Another frequently asked question involves making the shells ahead of time. Yes, you can fill the shells and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking, making them a convenient option for busy nights. If you want to freeze them, wait to add the sauce until right before baking to avoid sogginess.
People often wonder if these shells can be adapted to suit different diets. Most definitely! You can substitute the heavy cream with alternatives like coconut milk or cashew cream. Use gluten-free pasta for those with gluten sensitivities, and opt for vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.
Lastly, if you want to add more flavor to your dish, consider topping it with breadcrumbs before baking for an extra crunchy finish. All these little adjustments can help create your perfect version of creamy seafood stuffed shells, making cozy nights even better.
Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
For the pasta and filling
- 12-15 large shells large pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese plus extra for topping
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped use fresh or thawed
- 1 cup crab meat or a mix of seafood can add other seafood like scallops
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste salt and pepper
For the sauce
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for added spice
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta shells for about 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, mozzarella, chopped seafood, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Carefully fill each pasta shell with the seafood mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine the marinara sauce with a little olive oil and pour it over the stuffed shells, making sure they are thoroughly covered.
- Sprinkle some additional mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce for that cheesy crust.
Baking
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
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