What makes a perfect weeknight dinner? For me, it’s a homemade seafood twist on a classic pasta dish, like these easy stuffed shells filled with shrimp and scallops in a garlic butter sauce. Save this idea for a quick and delicious family favorite 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 elegance of stuffed shells with the richness of seafood, all in one delectable skillet. This seafood stuffed shells recipe is not only a feast for the eyes, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for a dish that’s sure to impress. By utilizing everyday ingredients and a few creative twists, you can transform a simple recipe into a culinary masterpiece that’s perfect for both special occasions and cozy weeknight dinners. The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance of flavors and textures, from the tender pasta to the succulent seafood and the creamy sauce, all coming together to create a truly unforgettable dining experience.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe excels at balancing a variety of flavors, from the savory seafood to the slightly sweet and tangy sauce, all while using ingredients that are readily available in most grocery stores.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive presentation, this dish is relatively straightforward to prepare, with steps that are easy to follow and require minimal specialized cooking techniques.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The combination of stuffed shells and seafood creates a dish that looks and tastes like it was prepared by a professional chef, but in reality, it can be made with minimal fuss and effort.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this recipe include jumbo pasta shells, a mix of seafood such as shrimp, scallops, and crab meat, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic, onion, and a blend of herbs and spices. For practical substitutions, you can use different types of cheese or vary the seafood based on what’s available and your personal preferences. The ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese for a lighter texture, and the parmesan can be replaced with other hard cheeses like pecorino or romano. The seafood can be mixed and matched based on freshness and availability, and you can also add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling for added flavor and texture.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente, then set them aside to cool. This step is crucial as it ensures the pasta is not too hard or too soft for stuffing.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant, then add the mixed seafood and cook until it’s lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the seafood from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if necessary, then sauté some chopped onion until it’s translucent. This layering of flavors is key to developing a deep and rich taste in the final dish.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, cooked seafood, sautéed onion and garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until you have a smooth and well-combined filling. Then, stuff each of the cooled pasta shells with the seafood and cheese mixture, placing them in a baking dish as you go. Once all the shells are stuffed, you can top them with some additional parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley for color and freshness.
4. Step 4: Finally, place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve the seafood stuffed shells hot, garnished with some extra parsley and a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

Handy Tips

• One of the most helpful tips for this recipe is to not overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook a bit in the oven. Also, make sure to not overfill the shells, as the filling will expand a bit during baking. For substitutions, consider using different types of seafood or adding some diced vegetables to the filling for added flavor and nutrition.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial in this recipe, both for cooking the pasta and for baking the stuffed shells. For the pasta, aim for a gentle boil to prevent the shells from tearing. When baking, a medium heat (375°F or 190°C) is ideal to melt the cheese and heat the filling through without burning the top or undercooking the inside. The dish is done when the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, and the filling is hot and steaming.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the toasted parmesan cheese on top and the slight crispness of the baked pasta shells. To achieve this, make sure to sprinkle a generous amount of parmesan cheese on top of the stuffed shells before baking, and don’t cover the dish with foil during baking, as this will prevent the top from browning and crisping up. You can also add some crunchy elements like toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts on top of the cheese for extra texture.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To make the dish more impressive, consider adding a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the baking dish before adding the stuffed shells. This will add an extra layer of flavor and moisture to the dish. Also, for easier serving, consider baking the stuffed shells in individual portions, such as in small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets.

Storage Tips

• For leftovers, store the seafood stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the desired number of shells in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also freeze the stuffed shells before baking, then bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting this dish, a thoughtful way to package it would be in a decorative baking dish covered with aluminum foil and tied with a ribbon, accompanied by a side of garlic bread or a green salad. You could also package individual portions in small, decorative containers or jars, perfect for a gift or a potluck.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Consider adding some dried basil or oregano to the filling for an Italian twist, or some paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Creative toppings: In addition to parmesan cheese, you could top the stuffed shells with some chopped fresh parsley, diced tomatoes, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
• Ingredient swaps: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta, or add some cooked sausage or bacon to the filling for added protein.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the filling is too dry, you can add a bit more ricotta cheese. If it’s too wet, you can add some grated parmesan cheese to absorb the excess moisture.
• Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find jumbo pasta shells, you can use large conchiglioni or even manicotti tubes as a substitute.
• Over/undercooking signs: The dish is overcooked if the top is too brown or the pasta is mushy. It’s undercooked if the cheese is not melted and bubbly, or if the filling is not hot and steaming.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the stuffed shells before baking, then bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Is it gluten-free? The pasta shells contain gluten, but you can substitute them with gluten-free pasta shells if necessary. Also, be sure to check the ingredients of the cheese and any added sauces to ensure they are gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe if you’re serving a larger crowd. Just be sure to use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this seafood stuffed shells recipe is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for a variety of occasions. With its rich flavors, impressive presentation, and ease of preparation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to make the dish your own, and enjoy the process of creating a truly special meal. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to delight, and with a few simple tips and tricks, you can make it truly unforgettable.