It was Thanksgiving weekend, and my in-laws were coming over for dinner. I was determined to wow them with a show-stopping meal, and that’s when I decided to make my Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells. I’d been perfecting this recipe for years, and I just knew it was going to be a hit.
As I started preparing the Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells, the aroma of the garlic, herbs, and seafood filled the kitchen. My mother-in-law wandered in, and her eyes lit up. “Ooh, that smells divine!” she exclaimed. “What are you making?” I couldn’t wait to show her the final product.
When it came time to serve the Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells, I carefully spooned the creamy, cheesy goodness onto plates and garnished them with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. My father-in-law took one bite and his eyes widened. “This is incredible!” he said between mouthfuls. “Where did you learn to cook like this?” I beamed with pride, knowing that my hard work had paid off.
Why This Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
What makes this Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells recipe so special is the attention to detail and the perfect balance of flavors. The key is using high-quality seafood, a rich and creamy sauce, and a flavorful cheese filling. Plus, the technique of stuffing the shells just right ensures that every bite is a delightful explosion of taste and texture.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Jumbo pasta shells: The perfect vessel for the creamy seafood filling.
– Shrimp: Peeled, deveined, and chopped for a delicious seafood flavor.
– Crab meat: Lump crab meat adds a luxurious touch.
– Cream cheese: Gives the filling a rich, creamy texture.
– Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the filling.
– Garlic: Minced garlic enhances the overall savory profile.
– Herbs: Fresh parsley, basil, and chives lend bright, aromatic notes.
– Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Step-by-Step Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Instructions
Preparing Your Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
This Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells recipe is quite straightforward, but it does require a bit of hands-on work. With some simple prep and a little patience, you’ll be rewarded with a truly impressive and delicious dish. The total time from start to finish is about 1 hour, and you’ll need a large pot, a mixing bowl, and a baking dish.
1- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
2- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, lump crab meat, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped parsley, basil, and chives. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Mix everything together until well incorporated.
3- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
4- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with a generous amount of the creamy seafood filling, being careful not to overstuff them.
5- Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish and pour a creamy sauce or marinara over the top.
6- Bake the Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells for 20-25 minutes, until the filling is hot and the sauce is bubbly. Garnish with additional fresh herbs before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
– Don’t overcook the pasta shells – you want them to be al dente so they don’t get mushy when baked.
– Chop the shrimp and crab meat into small, even pieces for the best texture in the filling.
– Be gentle when stuffing the shells to prevent them from tearing.
– Adjust the seasonings to your taste, adding more herbs or a pinch of spice if desired.
Serving and Storing Your Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
Perfect Pairings for Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells make a fantastic main dish for any special occasion, from holiday dinners to intimate gatherings. They pair beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, and a glass of white wine. For a heartier meal, serve the shells with a side of garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the shells in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, just pop them in the oven and enjoy!
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
Creative Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try different variations of this Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells recipe. Swap out the shrimp for scallops or a mix of seafood. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as ricotta or mozzarella, in the filling. For a more Mediterranean flair, add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, or roasted red peppers to the mix.
Making Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe more diet-friendly, you can use low-fat cream cheese and opt for a lighter, tomato-based sauce instead of a creamy one. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta shells. Vegans can enjoy a plant-based version by using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and swapping the seafood for sautéed mushrooms or diced tofu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen pasta shells for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen jumbo pasta shells. Just be sure to thaw them completely before stuffing and baking.
Q: How long can I keep the stuffed shells in the fridge before baking?
A: Unbaked, stuffed Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.
Q: Can I freeze the baked Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells?
A: Absolutely! Baked Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells freeze very well. Let them cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: How many Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells should I serve per person?
A: As a main dish, plan for 2-3 stuffed shells per person. If serving as part of a larger meal, 1-2 shells per person should be sufficient.
Q: What if my Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells come out dry?
A: If your shells come out a bit dry, try adding a bit more of the creamy sauce or marinara before baking. You can also cover the dish with foil during baking to help keep the shells moist.
Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 4
Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of this easy Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells recipe, ready in just 30 minutes for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
– 12 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup shredded crab meat or imitation crab
– 1/2 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 1/2 cups alfredo sauce or creamy white sauce
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. – In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, crab, shrimp, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. – Stuff the cooked pasta shells evenly with the seafood mixture.
4. – Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish and pour the alfredo sauce over the top.
5. – Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the shells are heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
6. – Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
For a richer flavor, you can use a blend of different seafood like crab, shrimp, and lobster. You can also add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs or shredded cheese on top before baking for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian, Seafood
Conclusion
Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are the ultimate indulgent and impressive dish that’s sure to wow your guests. With their luscious filling, creamy sauce, and perfect texture, these shells are a true labor of love that’s well worth the effort. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and experience the same rave reviews I received from my in-laws. Don’t hesitate to share your own Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells creations in the comments below!