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Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells – Snack On Meat

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells - Snack On Meat

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells combine tender jumbo pasta shells with a rich, velvety filling made from a blend of shrimp, crab, and scallops mixed with cream cheese, ricotta, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. This elegant yet comforting baked dish is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, balancing savory seafood flavors with creamy textures for a delightful meal.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • Jumbo pasta shells (quantity to fit filling, about 20 shells)

Seafood Mix

  • Fresh or frozen shrimp (about 8 ounces, peeled and deveined)
  • Crab meat (about 6 ounces)
  • Scallops (about 6 ounces, chopped if large)

Cheeses

  • Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened)
  • Ricotta cheese (1 cup)
  • Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup grated, plus extra for topping)

Aromatics & Herbs

  • Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
  • Onion (1 small, finely chopped)
  • Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped)
  • Fresh dill (1 tablespoon, chopped)

Liquids & Seasonings

  • White wine (1/4 cup)
  • Heavy cream (1/2 cup)
  • Olive oil (2 tablespoons, for sautéing)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta Shells: Begin by boiling the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until al dente, approximately 10-12 minutes. Drain carefully and rinse under cold water to halt cooking and prevent shells from sticking together.
  2. Cook the Seafood: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion until fragrant and translucent. Add the shrimp, crab meat, and scallops, cooking just until the seafood turns opaque. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness. Remove the seafood from heat and let it cool slightly.
  3. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta, grated Parmesan, sautéed seafood mixture, chopped parsley, dill, white wine, and heavy cream. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Stuff the Shells: Using a spoon, carefully fill each cooked jumbo pasta shell with the prepared creamy seafood filling. Ensure each shell is filled but not overstuffed to prevent spilling during baking.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish. Optionally, drizzle additional cream or sauce over the shells and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Notes

  • Use fresh seafood whenever possible for the best flavor and texture.
  • Do not overfill the pasta shells to avoid filling spilling out during cooking.
  • Cook seafood gently to prevent toughness; cook only until opaque.
  • Add a touch of lemon zest to brighten and enhance seafood flavors.
  • Allow the baked shells to rest for a few minutes before serving so the filling sets well.

Nutrition

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