Looking to impress your family or guests with a seafood twist on classic stuffed shells? This Seafood Stuffed Shells recipe combines jumbo pasta shells filled with a luscious mixture of shrimp, crab, and creamy ricotta cheese, all baked in a savory tomato sauce. The result is an elegant, restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
Perfect for special occasions or a comforting weekend dinner, these stuffed shells deliver a delicious blend of flavors and textures that seafood lovers will adore.
Ingredients
Serves 6
For the Filling
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 8 ounces cooked shrimp, chopped
- 8 ounces lump crab meat, drained and picked over
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in marinara sauce, season with salt and pepper, and simmer on low while preparing the filling.
Step 3: Make the Seafood Filling
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, and parsley.
- Gently fold in chopped shrimp and crab meat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Stuff the Shells
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Fill each pasta shell generously with the seafood mixture and place in the baking dish.
- Spoon remaining sauce over the stuffed shells.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with extra parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a fresh green salad and crusty garlic bread.
- Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- Add steamed asparagus or sautéed spinach on the side for extra greens.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/6 of recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 460 |
| Protein | 38 grams |
| Total Fat | 16 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 7 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 35 grams |
| Fiber | 4 grams |
| Sugars | 6 grams |
| Sodium | 620 milligrams |
Key Benefits:
- Seafood provides high-quality lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Ricotta and mozzarella contribute calcium and creamy texture.
- Tomato sauce adds antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin C.
- Balanced macronutrients make this dish hearty yet nutritious.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh or thawed seafood to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
- Don’t overcook the pasta shells in boiling water; they will continue cooking in the oven.
- Drain crab meat well to prevent sogginess.
- For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes to the filling.
Variations to Try
- Substitute scallops or lobster for crab for a more luxurious version.
- Add spinach or artichoke hearts to the filling for extra veggies.
- Use a creamy Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a richer dish.
- Top with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan for a crunchy topping.
Seafood stuffed shells offer an impressive, flavorful twist on a classic comfort dish. Combining the richness of cheese and the delicate sweetness of seafood, this recipe is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Simple to prepare yet elegant on the plate, it’s a sure way to delight any seafood lover.