Ultimate Seafood Stuffed Shells are one of those comforting dishes that can instantly bring a smile to your face. They’re perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or any time you crave a little taste of the ocean mixed with creamy deliciousness. This recipe celebrates seafood by combining succulent shrimp and crab meat with cheesy goodness, all stuffed into tender pasta shells. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll see why this dish deserves a spot on your table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The beauty of Ultimate Seafood Stuffed Shells lies not just in their deliciousness but also in their versatility and ease! They make for a quick and satisfying meal that will impress guests and please kids alike. Plus, the process of making these shells is straightforward, so you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen. They also lend themselves well to customization, allowing you to use whatever seafood or cheese you have on hand.
“These stuffed shells were a hit at our family dinner! The flavors blended so well together, and everyone went for seconds!”
How to Make Ultimate Seafood Stuffed Shells
Creating Ultimate Seafood Stuffed Shells is simple and involves just a few steps. You’ll cook the pasta shells, combine the seafood with creamy cheeses, stuff the shells, and then bake them in marinara sauce. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures that makes this dish a favorite. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients
20 large pasta shells
1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
1 cup cooked crab meat
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups marinara sauce
For some variations, feel free to swap out the seafood for your favorites like scallops or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Cream cheese or cottage cheese can replace ricotta, while store-bought marinara works fine if you’re short on time!
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells per the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix together the shrimp, crab meat, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Take each shell and carefully stuff it with the seafood mixture.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish and pour the rest of the marinara sauce over the top.
- If you’d like, sprinkle a little extra mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Ultimate Seafood Stuffed Shells are delicious on their own, but pairing them with a crisp green salad or garlic bread elevates the meal. A side of steamed vegetables or a light coleslaw can also provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the stuffed shells. Don’t hesitate to sprinkle some extra fresh parsley or basil on top for added color and flavor!
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed shells can easily be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container. If you’d like to keep them for longer, they can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until piping hot. If refrigerated, a quick spin in the microwave should do the trick!
Pro Tips
When stuffing the shells, you can use a piping bag for cleaner, faster filling. If you find the shells are breaking, consider undercooking them slightly to allow for more flexibility. For an added crunch on top, you could mix some breadcrumbs into the cheese before baking.
Variations
Don’t hesitate to get creative! You could swap the shrimp and crab with canned tuna or salmon for a budget-friendly alternative. For more heat, add some crushed red pepper to the filling. If you want a twist on the cheese, try using goat cheese or feta for a tangy flavor!
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed shells and store them in the fridge before baking. Just cover them tightly, and you can bake them the next day—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of seafood?
For a vegetarian option, try using sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even a blend of your favorite vegetables mixed with the cheeses.
How do I know when the stuffed shells are done?
The dish is ready when the cheese is bubbly, and if you stick a knife in the center, it should come out hot. Enjoy your time in the kitchen, and let the flavors shine!
[Delicious Pasta Recipes]
[Easy Seafood Dishes]
Ultimate Seafood Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Seafood
Description
Delicious pasta shells stuffed with shrimp, crab meat, and creamy cheeses, baked in marinara sauce.
Ingredients
- 20 large pasta shells
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup cooked crab meat
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells per the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix together the shrimp, crab meat, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Take each shell and carefully stuff it with the seafood mixture.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish and pour the rest of the marinara sauce over the top.
- If you’d like, sprinkle a little extra mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg