What makes a perfect weeknight dinner? An easy homemade seafood stuffed shells recipe with jumbo pasta, succulent shrimp, and creamy ricotta cheese is a great place to start. Save this idea for a quick family favorite meal that is sure to please everyone. Try it soon and enjoy a delicious homemade meal

two pictures of seafood stuffed shells in a skillet with text overlay that reads seafood stuffed shells recipe

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the ease of pasta, the richness of seafood, and the creativity of a recipe that can be tailored to your taste. This seafood stuffed shells recipe is a masterpiece of flavor and simplicity, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Using everyday ingredients, you can create a culinary experience that will impress your family and friends. The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance of flavors, the accessibility of its ingredients, and the impressive results it yields with minimal effort.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of seafood, cheese, and herbs creates a harmonious balance of flavors that is both satisfying and refreshing. The ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets, making this recipe accessible to anyone.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive presentation, this dish is relatively easy to prepare. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are simple to work with, even for those who are new to cooking.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The end result is a dish that looks and tastes like it was prepared in a professional kitchen, yet it requires minimal effort and time. This makes it perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this seafood stuffed shells recipe include jumbo pasta shells, a mix of seafood (such as shrimp, scallops, and crab), ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, garlic, and olive oil. For the seafood, you can use fresh or frozen, whichever is more convenient or available. The ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese for a lighter version, and the mozzarella can be mixed with other melting cheeses for a unique flavor profile. Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh taste, but dried parsley can be used as a substitute in a pinch.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, then add the mixed seafood. Cook until the seafood is opaque and fully cooked, then set aside to cool.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, cooled seafood mixture, and chopped parsley. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
4. Step 4: Stuff each cooled pasta shell with the seafood and cheese mixture, placing them in a baking dish as you go. Once all the shells are stuffed, cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Handy Tips

• To avoid overcooking the pasta, check on it frequently during the cooking time. Al dente pasta will hold its shape and still have a bit of bite to it.
• When mixing the seafood with the cheese, be gentle to avoid breaking up the lumps of seafood, which can make the filling look less appealing.
• Consider using different types of seafood or adding some diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the garlic for added flavor and texture.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial in this recipe, especially when cooking the seafood and baking the stuffed shells. For the seafood, medium heat is ideal to prevent burning or overcooking. When baking, a moderate oven temperature of 375°F (190°C) ensures that the cheese melts evenly and the pasta does not become too hard or dry. It’s also important to cover the dish with foil for the first part of the baking time to prevent the top from browning too quickly.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the toasted top layer of cheese and possibly some added crunchy elements like breadcrumbs or chopped nuts on top of the shells before baking. To achieve a nice crunch, broil the dish for a couple of minutes after removing the foil, watching carefully to avoid burning. This step adds a satisfying texture contrast to the soft pasta and cheese.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For an extra creamy sauce, you can add a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the cheese mixture before stuffing the shells.
• To make the dish more substantial, consider adding some sautéed spinach or diced tomatoes to the seafood and cheese mixture.
• Using high-quality cheese will significantly impact the flavor of the dish. Look for fresh, flavorful cheeses that will melt well and add depth to the recipe.

Storage Tips

• Leftover stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• For longer storage, the stuffed shells can be frozen before baking. Simply place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe dish, cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and freeze. Frozen shells can be baked directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• When reheating, make sure the shells are heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting this dish, it can be beautifully presented in a disposable aluminum baking dish covered with foil and decorated with a ribbon or a gift card. Alternatively, individual portions can be placed in microwave-safe containers, making it easy for the recipient to reheat and enjoy. Adding a side of garlic bread or a green salad can complement the gift nicely.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes can give the dish a spicy kick, while dried basil or oregano can add a more traditional Italian flavor.
• Creative toppings: Before baking, you can top the stuffed shells with additional grated cheese, chopped fresh herbs, or even a spoonful of marinara sauce for added moisture and flavor.
• Ingredient swaps: Swapping the seafood with cooked sausage or bacon can give the dish a meatier flavor, while using different types of cheese can change the flavor profile entirely.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the cheese mixture is too dry, you can add a bit more ricotta cheese. If it’s too wet, adding some grated mozzarella can help absorb the excess moisture.
• Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find jumbo pasta shells, large cannelloni tubes can be used as a substitute. For the seafood, any combination of shrimp, scallops, and crab will work, or you can use pre-mixed seafood packages for convenience.
• Over/undercooking signs: The pasta should be al dente and not mushy. The cheese should be melted and lightly browned on top. If the top is too brown, it may be a sign that the oven temperature is too high.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the stuffed shells before baking. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe dish, cover, and freeze. Bake frozen shells in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Is it gluten-free? The pasta shells typically contain gluten, but you can find gluten-free alternatives made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Be sure to check the ingredients and labels to ensure all components of the dish are gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe for larger gatherings. Just ensure you have enough baking dishes and adjust the baking time slightly if the dishes are very full.

Conclusion

This seafood stuffed shells recipe is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs. With its ease of preparation, impressive presentation, and delicious taste, it’s perfect for any occasion. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and spices to make it your own, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite, offering a satisfying blend of pasta, seafood, and cheese that will leave everyone wanting more.