Description
Creamy seafood stuffed shells blend Italian coastal charm with rich, oceanic flavors. Succulent shrimp and crab nestle in pasta pockets, promising a luxurious dining experience you’ll savor to the last delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood Stuffed Shells
Main Seafood Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup lump crab meat
Cheese Ingredients:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additional Ingredients:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Craft a luxurious seafood filling by gently folding chopped shrimp, delicate crab meat, creamy ricotta, and sharp mozzarella together with finely minced green onions, aromatic garlic, fresh parsley, and bright lemon zest. Season with a delicate balance of salt and pepper, ensuring all ingredients are harmoniously integrated.
- Create a velvety white sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour until a golden roux forms. Gradually stream in milk, continuously stirring to prevent any lumpy textures. Simmer until the sauce thickens elegantly, then enhance with grated Parmesan, a whisper of nutmeg, and refined seasoning. Remove from heat and let the sauce rest.
- Preheat the oven to 375F and prepare a baking dish by spreading a thin, protective layer of sauce across the bottom. Meticulously fill each tender pasta shell with the prepared seafood mixture, nestling them closely in the dish. Generously cascade the remaining sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring complete coverage.
- Lavishly sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan across the top of the shells. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. Uncover and continue baking until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
- Once removed from the oven, allow the dish to rest briefly. Garnish with a final flourish of fresh parsley, creating a vibrant visual and aromatic presentation. Serve immediately, revealing the decadent layers of seafood and cheese.
Notes
- Choose fresh seafood at its peak to ensure the most vibrant and delicious flavor in your stuffed shells.
- Mix seafood gently to maintain delicate texture and prevent breaking apart during preparation.
- Consider using a blend of shrimp and crab or substituting with alternative proteins like firm white fish or imitation crab for budget-friendly options.
- Swap dairy ingredients with lactose-free or plant-based alternatives for guests with dietary restrictions without compromising the creamy, rich taste of the dish.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 150mg