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Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells: A Family Comfort Food Delight

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are a comforting dish blending tender pasta with a rich seafood filling, perfect for impressing guests or family.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 12 pieces jumbo pasta shells or shell pasta
  • 1 cup crab meat fresh seafood
  • 1 cup chopped shrimp fresh seafood
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese for a lighter option
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup cream sauce from the sauce preparation
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream or a milk and flour mix
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for topping
  • to taste Italian herbs basil, oregano, etc.
  • to taste lemon zest
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
For Garnishing
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • medium saucepan
  • Baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • spoon or ice cream scooper

Method
 

Step by Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 9–11 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in cream cheese until melted, then blend in heavy cream. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then mix in Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to taste.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine crab meat and chopped shrimp. Add ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of the creamy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir until well incorporated.
  4. Using a spoon or small ice cream scooper, fill each cooled pasta shell with seafood mixture, placing filled shells on a plate or baking dish.
  5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil. Pour a thin layer of creamy sauce on the dish bottom, arrange stuffed shells, then pour remaining sauce over them. Top with extra Parmesan. Cover with aluminum foil.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes covered. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
  7. Allow shells to cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, use fresh seafood and avoid overcooking the pasta. Reheat leftovers in the oven with a splash of cream to maintain texture.

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