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Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells – Snack On Meat

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells - Snack On Meat

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells combine tender shrimp, crab, and scallops with a luscious blend of cream cheese, ricotta, and parmesan, enhanced by fresh herbs and a hint of lemon. This comforting yet indulgent baked pasta dish is perfect for seafood lovers seeking an easy yet impressive meal, ideal for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 large pasta shells

Seafood Medley

  • 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup crab meat
  • 1/2 cup scallops, chopped

Cheese Mixture

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping

Aromatics and Herbs

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill or chives, chopped

Liquids and Fats

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or 1/4 cup white wine

Seasoning

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta Shells: Start by boiling large pasta shells in salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking, then set aside to cool for stuffing.
  2. Prepare the Seafood Filling: In a skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Add shrimp, crab, and scallops, cooking gently until just done, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
  3. Make the Creamy Cheese Mix: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ricotta, parmesan, chopped fresh herbs, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended.
  4. Combine Seafood and Cheese Filling: Fold the sautéed seafood gently into the cheese mixture to maintain texture and blend flavors evenly.
  5. Stuff the Shells: Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell generously with the seafood and cheese mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells neatly in a greased baking dish.
  6. Bake Until Golden and Bubbling: Sprinkle extra parmesan or breadcrumbs over the shells. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 20 minutes or until heated through and the top is lightly golden and bubbling.

Notes

  • Pause pasta cooking slightly early to avoid overcooking while baking.
  • Do not overmix the filling to keep seafood tender and avoid mushiness.
  • Use fresh herbs for better brightness and freshness compared to dried.
  • Reserve a bit of pasta water to add to the cheese filling if it seems too thick.
  • Cover the baking dish with foil while baking to retain moisture and creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: seafood stuffed shells, creamy seafood pasta, baked stuffed shells, shrimp crab scallops recipe, gluten-free seafood casserole