Indulgent Seafood Stuffed Shells: A Comforting Delight Recipe
Indulgent Seafood Stuffed Shells are a comforting and creamy dish featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with a rich mixture of ricotta, cream cheese, shrimp, and Parmesan, all baked to perfection in Alfredo sauce. This hearty Italian-American classic combines delicate seafood flavors with creamy cheese and a hint of Old Bay seasoning, perfect for a satisfying family dinner or special occasion.
- Author: Ava
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Seafood Filling
- 12 pieces Jumbo Pasta Shells (cooked al dente)
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (creamier option)
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese (can substitute with crème fraîche)
- 1 cup Shrimp (or substitute with crab)
- 2 cloves Garlic (fresh, minced)
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning (adjust according to spice preference)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (for a sharper taste use Pecorino Romano)
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 cups Alfredo Sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup Extra Alfredo Sauce (for drizzling)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (for garnish and color)
- 1 bowl Green Salad (with light vinaigrette)
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly for filling.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, chopped shrimp, minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
- Stuff the Shells: Carefully fill each cooked jumbo pasta shell generously with the prepared seafood mixture, ensuring each shell is well filled but intact.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spread a layer of Alfredo sauce evenly along the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking and add moisture.
- Arrange and Add Sauce: Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish. Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over the tops of the shells, then sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to brown and thicken the sauce slightly.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the baked shells to sit for a few minutes out of the oven before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve with a green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette on the side.
Notes
- For a different seafood flavor, substitute shrimp with crab meat or a mix of seafood.
- Make sure the pasta shells are cooked al dente to avoid them becoming too soft when baked.
- Adjust Old Bay seasoning amount according to personal spice tolerance.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor impact in the filling.
- Homemade Alfredo sauce enhances flavor but store-bought works well for convenience.
- Letting the dish rest after baking helps the filling set and intensifies flavors.
Keywords: seafood stuffed shells, baked pasta shells, creamy ricotta shell recipe, Alfredo stuffed shells, shrimp stuffed shells, comfort food pasta, dinner recipes