There’s something magical about the aroma of Easy Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells wafting through the kitchen. Picture this: large pasta shells filled with a luscious blend of creamy cheese and succulent seafood, all bubbling away in a rich, savory sauce. Each bite is like a warm hug from the ocean—comforting, delightful, and just plain fabulous.
Now, let’s get real for a moment. This dish isn’t just about filling your belly; it’s about impressing your family or guests without slaving away for hours. Trust me, they will think you’ve spent all day crafting this masterpiece when you whip it up in no time at all! Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a fancy gathering, these stuffed shells will steal the spotlight and leave everyone clamoring for seconds. For more inspiration, check out this more dinner recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Easy Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells recipe brings together incredible flavors and textures in a simple yet elegant way
- With minimal prep time and effortless assembly, you can have dinner on the table in under an hour
- The visual appeal is stunning, with colorful seafood nestled in creamy goodness that looks as good as it tastes
- Perfect for any special occasion or just a weeknight treat!
Everyone raved about how delicious these Easy Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells were at our last family gathering—definitely a crowd-pleaser! For more inspiration, check out this delicious dinner options recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Large Pasta Shells: Look for sturdy shells that can hold plenty of filling without falling apart during cooking.
- Ricotta Cheese: Choose whole milk ricotta for creaminess; it makes all the difference in flavor.
- Crab Meat: Fresh or canned crab meat works well; ensure it’s lump crab for better texture.
- Fresh Shrimp: Use peeled and deveined shrimp to save time; they add sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan for maximum flavor; it’s worth the extra effort compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Cream Sauce: A blend of heavy cream and garlic creates a rich sauce that perfectly complements the seafood.
- Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or dill brightens the dish with freshness; feel free to use what you love!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures even cooking and gooey perfection later on.
Cook the Pasta Shells: Boil water in a large pot and cook pasta shells until al dente according to package instructions. Drain them carefully, so they don’t stick together.
Create the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, crab meat, chopped shrimp, half of the Parmesan cheese, and herbs. Stir until well combined—this filling should make your taste buds dance!
Prepare the Cream Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer gently while stirring constantly—watch for those heavenly aromas!
Stuff Those Shells!: Take each pasta shell and generously fill it with your creamy seafood mixture. Place them snugly in a greased baking dish, creating layers of deliciousness.
Add Sauce & Bake!: Pour your luscious cream sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top—your kitchen will smell amazing!
Enjoy every bite of these Easy Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells that are perfect for any occasion. They are not just food; they’re an experience bursting with flavor that transports you straight to culinary heaven!
You Must Know
- Easy Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are not just a dish; they’re an experience
- The melty cheese, fresh seafood, and rich cream create a delightful flavor explosion
- The aroma will have everyone gathering in the kitchen, eagerly awaiting dinner time
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfect results, start by cooking the pasta shells al dente before preparing your creamy filling and sauce. This ensures everything comes together harmoniously.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your Easy Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells! Consider adding spinach for color or swapping shrimp for crab if you prefer.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain that creamy texture without drying it out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh seafood for the best flavor and texture
- A sprinkle of lemon zest brightens the filling beautifully
- Always taste your sauce before mixing it with the shells; seasoning is key!
Cooking these Easy Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells takes me back to family gatherings where laughter filled the air, and everyone raced to grab seconds.
FAQ
Can I use frozen seafood for my stuffed shells?
Yes, frozen seafood works well if properly thawed and drained before use.
What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
A blend of ricotta and mozzarella creates a creamy and delicious filling.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling for an extra kick!
Easy Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Easy Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are a delightful culinary experience, perfect for impressing family and friends. These large pasta shells are generously filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, crab, and shrimp, all enveloped in a rich cream sauce. In under an hour, you can serve this elegant dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup lump crab meat (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil water in a large pot and cook the pasta shells until al dente; drain carefully.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, crab meat, shrimp, half the Parmesan, herbs, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and simmer while stirring.
- Stuff each shell with the seafood mixture and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Pour the cream sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 130mg