Indulge in Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Delight

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are like a warm hug from the ocean, inviting you to dive into their rich, velvety goodness. Imagine sinking your teeth into a tender pasta shell cradling a luscious blend of shrimp, crab, and creamy cheese that dances on your palate. The aroma wafting from the oven is enough to make anyone forget their worries and get excited about dinner.

This dish has a way of bringing people together, much like those family gatherings where everyone fights over the last scoop. I remember the first time I made these shells, thinking I could impress my friends with my culinary prowess—only to realize they were more interested in devouring the entire tray than complimenting my skills. Perfect for dinner parties or cozy nights in, Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are sure to make your taste buds sing and your heart happy.

Ingredients for Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells

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

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Opt for large shells that can hold a generous amount of filling; they should be sturdy enough to withstand baking.
• Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works; just make sure they’re peeled and deveined for easy stuffing.
• Crab Meat: Use lump crab meat for its sweet flavor and texture; canned works in a pinch but fresh is best.
• Cream Cheese: This adds richness and creaminess; let it soften at room temperature before mixing.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is ideal; it adds depth and enhances the flavor profile of the stuffing.
• Garlic: Use minced garlic for an aromatic kick; it brings everything together beautifully.
• Dried Herbs: A mix of parsley, dill, and oregano will give your filling that aromatic coastal flair.

For the Sauce:

• Heavy Cream: This is crucial for creating a rich and silky sauce that coats every shell perfectly.
• Butter: Unsalted butter will add flavor without overwhelming the dish; it also helps in making the sauce luxurious.

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

How to Make Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by boiling water in a large pot with salt. Once bubbling like your favorite hot spring, add the jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente according to package instructions (about 10-12 minutes). Drain them carefully—no one wants broken shells!

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine cooked shrimp (chopped), crab meat, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, dried herbs, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well blended—this mixture should resemble a dreamy seafood cloud.

Step 3: Stuff Those Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you stuff each shell with about one tablespoon of filling. Place them in a greased baking dish—snug but not suffocating—creating rows of seafood delight.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Pour in heavy cream and stir gently while adding remaining Parmesan cheese. Allow it to simmer softly until slightly thickened—this should take about five minutes.

Step 5: Assemble

Pour half of the creamy sauce over the stuffed shells like you’re giving them a luxurious bath. Then drizzle any remaining sauce on top before sprinkling extra Parmesan for good measure.

Step 6: Bake

Cover with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional five minutes or until lightly golden on top—this crispy layer will have you salivating.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every creamy bite as if you’ve just discovered buried treasure!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve creamy perfection in your Seafood Stuffed Shells, start by boiling the pasta shells while sautéing your seafood mix in a pan. Once everything’s prepped, combine your ingredients and fill each shell with love. Bake until bubbly for the ultimate indulgence.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out shrimp for crab or add some spinach for extra nutrition. Experiment with different cheeses or herbs to make this recipe uniquely yours. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine through!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F until heated through, ensuring they stay creamy and delicious.

I remember the first time I made these Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells for my family. They devoured them like they hadn’t eaten in days and raved about them for weeks afterward!

FAQs:

What ingredients are needed for Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells?

To make Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells, gather the following ingredients: large pasta shells, a mix of seafood like shrimp and crab, ricotta cheese, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic, fresh herbs such as parsley or dill, and seasoning. Additionally, you will need marinara sauce to enhance the flavor. These ingredients come together to create a rich and flavorful filling that perfectly complements the pasta shells.

How long does it take to prepare Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells?

Preparing Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells typically takes about 30 minutes. Cooking the pasta shells requires around 10-15 minutes, while making the filling and assembling the dish can take an additional 20 minutes. After assembly, baking the stuffed shells takes about 25-30 minutes until they are bubbling and golden. In total, you can expect to spend approximately one hour from start to finish.

Can I make Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells ahead of time. Prepare the dish up to the baking stage and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply bake as instructed but add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.

What can I serve with Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells?

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells pair beautifully with a light salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A simple mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish without overwhelming it. You might also consider serving roasted vegetables or steamed asparagus for an added nutritional boost and vibrant color on your plate.

Conclusion for Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells:

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures that elevate any meal. By using fresh seafood combined with creamy cheeses and herbs, this dish provides a satisfying dining experience. Whether enjoyed on special occasions or as a comforting weeknight dinner, these stuffed shells are sure to impress family and friends alike. With easy preparation steps and versatile serving options, this recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers!

Print

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are a delicious and comforting dish featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of shrimp, crab, and rich cream cheese. Baked in a velvety sauce, this recipe is perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, delivering a taste of the ocean right to your table. With easy preparation and an explosion of flavors, these stuffed shells will surely impress your guests and have them coming back for seconds.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
• 1 cup lump crab meat
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp dried dill
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cook jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente (10-12 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. In a bowl, mix shrimp, crab meat, cream cheese, half of the Parmesan, garlic, and herbs until well combined.
3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Stuff each shell with about one tablespoon of the seafood filling.
4. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add heavy cream. Stir in remaining Parmesan and simmer until slightly thickened (about 5 minutes).
5. Arrange stuffed shells in a greased baking dish. Pour half of the sauce over them and drizzle with remaining sauce before sprinkling extra Parmesan on top.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Seafood

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 stuffed shells (210g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 120mg