Description
Seafood Stuffed Shells are a creamy, comforting, and elegant dish perfect for any seafood lover. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a rich mixture of shrimp, crab, ricotta, and herbs, then baked in a luscious Alfredo sauce until bubbly and golden. This recipe makes a show-stopping entrée for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
12 jumbo pasta shells
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
½ cup lump crab meat (or imitation crab, chopped)
1 cup ricotta cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
For the sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1½ cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1 Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo shells in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
2 Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until just pink. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3 In a large bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, crab meat, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined and creamy.
4 In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the Parmesan and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat.
5 Spread a layer of the Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6 Stuff each pasta shell with the seafood mixture and arrange them in the dish over the sauce.
7 Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the top of the stuffed shells, then sprinkle with a bit of extra mozzarella or Parmesan if desired.
8 Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9 Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
You can use any combination of seafood you prefer, such as scallops or lobster for a more luxurious version. To save time, the shells can be stuffed in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake. Serve with a green salad or garlic bread to round out the meal.