If you’re looking for a rich, flavorful dish that combines the delicate taste of shrimp and crab with cheesy goodness, Seafood-Stuffed Shells are a must-try. This indulgent pasta dish is a perfect marriage of savory seafood, creamy cheese, and marinara sauce, all wrapped up in jumbo pasta shells. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for a family-friendly meal, or craving a satisfying seafood entrée, this recipe will surely impress.
In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to prepare these delicious Seafood-Stuffed Shells with tips, tricks, and additional ideas to customize the recipe to your liking. You’ll love how easy it is to make this hearty dish, and your taste buds will be thanking you with every bite.
Why You’ll Love Seafood-Stuffed Shells
Seafood-Stuffed Shells are perfect for seafood lovers who enjoy a rich, flavorful meal that’s not too complicated to prepare. Here’s why this dish should make it to your dinner table:
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Seafood Perfection: The combination of shrimp and crab meat delivers an irresistible seafood flavor that pairs beautifully with ricotta and mozzarella cheese.
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Comforting & Filling: Stuffed pasta shells provide the perfect base for the seafood filling, offering a hearty meal that’s still light and satisfying.
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Versatile: You can customize the stuffing and sauce according to your preferences—add more cheese, spices, or different seafood.
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Quick & Easy: Despite looking like a fancy, restaurant-worthy dish, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make, and it comes together in less than an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Seafood-Stuffed Shells
Before you get started, let’s gather the ingredients for this mouthwatering seafood-filled pasta. Here’s what you’ll need:
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20 jumbo pasta shells: The larger shells are perfect for stuffing with the seafood mixture.
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1 lb cooked shrimp, chopped: Fresh shrimp adds a delicate seafood flavor.
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1 cup crab meat, shredded: Crab meat provides a slightly sweet and tender texture.
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1 ½ cups ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese forms the base of the stuffing.
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella offers a melty, stretchy texture when baked.
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan brings a rich, nutty flavor to the filling.
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1 egg: The egg helps bind the ingredients together and gives the filling structure.
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, herby note to the filling.
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2 tsp garlic powder: Garlic powder elevates the savory flavors.
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1 tsp onion powder: Adds a mild, sweet onion flavor.
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1 tsp dried basil: A fragrant herb that complements the seafood beautifully.
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Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the filling.
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2 cups marinara sauce: A rich, tomato-based sauce that ties the dish together.
How to Make Seafood-Stuffed Shells: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now, let’s walk you through the process of making these delectable Seafood-Stuffed Shells. Follow the steps below to create a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions. Be sure not to overcook the shells, as they will bake further in the oven. Once cooked, drain the shells and set them aside to cool. This gives them time to firm up before stuffing.
Step 2: Prepare the Seafood Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooked shrimp (chopped into bite-sized pieces) and shredded crab meat. Next, add the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese to the bowl. Crack the egg into the mixture and stir everything together until well combined. Season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Finally, stir in the fresh parsley to add a burst of color and flavor.
Step 3: Stuff the Shells
Once the pasta shells have cooled slightly, it’s time to stuff them! Carefully spoon the seafood mixture into each shell, packing it gently to ensure it’s filled all the way. Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish, ensuring they’re nestled close together but not overcrowded.
Step 4: Top with Marinara Sauce
Pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Be sure to cover each shell with the sauce to keep them moist while baking. This will also infuse the shells with additional flavor as they cook.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the Seafood-Stuffed Shells in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. After baking, the sauce should be bubbling, and the shells should be heated through. For an extra golden finish, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to melt and slightly brown.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once your Seafood-Stuffed Shells are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with extra chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve the shells hot, and enjoy a satisfying, seafood-packed dish!
Tips for Perfect Seafood-Stuffed Shells
To ensure that your Seafood-Stuffed Shells turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
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Don’t Overcook the Pasta: When boiling the jumbo shells, it’s essential not to overcook them. They’ll cook further in the oven, and if overcooked, they may become too soft and break apart during the stuffing process.
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Use Fresh Seafood: Fresh shrimp and crab meat give this dish its unique flavor. Avoid using canned seafood if possible, as it can lack the fresh taste and texture.
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Make it Your Own: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to make the dish your own. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add some heat, or you can add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
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Freezing for Later: This dish freezes beautifully! To freeze the stuffed shells, prepare them up until the baking step, then cover and freeze. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Nutritional Information
A serving of Seafood-Stuffed Shells (about four shells) contains roughly:
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Calories: 410
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Protein: 27g
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Fat: 19g
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Carbs: 37g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sodium: 950mg
These Seafood-Stuffed Shells offer a balanced meal with a hearty serving of seafood and cheese. They are filling enough for a main dish but light enough to enjoy without feeling overly stuffed.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you’re a fan of seafood or stuffed pasta, you might also enjoy these related recipes:
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Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake: A hearty, cheesy pasta bake that combines beef, ranch, and corn in a satisfying dish.
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Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells: A meaty, cheesy version of stuffed shells that will satisfy any pasta lover.
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Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta: Savory sausage bites paired with a rich, creamy pasta for a filling meal.
FAQs for Seafood-Stuffed Shells
How long can you keep stuffed shells?
Stuffed shells can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you plan to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Properly stored in an airtight container, they can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.
How do you keep stuffed shells from being watery?
To prevent watery stuffed shells, be sure to drain the pasta well and avoid over-saucing. When making the filling, use a good balance of cheese and seafood to prevent excess moisture. You can also strain any excess liquid from the seafood or vegetables before adding them to the filling.
How long to heat stuffed shells?
When reheating stuffed shells in the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and hot. If reheating from frozen, increase the time by 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
What are stuffed pasta shells called?
Stuffed pasta shells are commonly referred to as “Conchiglioni” in Italian. The term “conchiglioni” comes from the word “conchiglia,” meaning shell, due to the pasta’s shell-like shape.
Conclusion
Seafood-Stuffed Shells are a deliciously indulgent meal that combines the flavors of shrimp, crab, and cheese into one perfect dish. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a memorable seafood dinner that’s both comforting and impressive. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to something decadent, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
With the tips provided and a little creativity, you can customize these stuffed shells to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a plate full of seafood goodness!
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Seafood-Stuffed Shells Recipe: A Delicious Seafood Feast
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Seafood-Stuffed Shells are the ultimate seafood lover’s dream! This dish combines tender jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a rich mixture of shrimp, crab, ricotta, and mozzarella cheeses, all smothered in marinara sauce. It’s a comforting, delicious meal that is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The combination of seafood and cheese makes for a flavorful, satisfying dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
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20 jumbo pasta shells
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1 lb cooked shrimp, chopped
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1 cup crab meat, shredded
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1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 egg
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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2 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp dried basil
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine chopped shrimp, crab meat, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
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Stuff the Shells: Spoon the seafood mixture into each cooked shell. Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish.
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Top with Sauce: Pour marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.
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Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
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Serve: Garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve and enjoy your delicious seafood-stuffed shells!
Notes
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Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare these stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate them before baking. Just bake them when you’re ready for a satisfying dinner.
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Freezing: These stuffed shells freeze well! If you’re looking to make a batch ahead of time, freeze them before baking. Just bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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Customization: Feel free to adjust the seafood according to what’s available, such as using lobster or scallops for an upscale version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 130mg