Dive into Delight: Irresistible Seafood Stuffed Shells You Need to Try

Introduction

Hey there! I’m Jenny, your friendly neighborhood food lover. Today, we’re diving into a dish that brings joy to my family and makes my 6-year-old son beam with pride—Seafood Stuffed Shells! These beauties are not just a feast for the eyes but also a delightful combination of flavors that will make your taste buds dance.

Living in New Jersey, I draw inspiration from the fresh seafood available around me. Combining traditional flavors with a modern twist is my jam. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!

Ingredients

Before we start, let’s gather our ingredients. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and fun. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
• 1 cup crab meat, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Timing

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s talk about timing. Here’s what you can expect:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Not too shabby, right? You’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get into the fun part—cooking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a plate of Seafood Stuffed Shells that will impress everyone.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add your jumbo pasta shells.

Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, until they are al dente. We don’t want them too soft, or they’ll fall apart later!

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While the pasta is cooking, let’s whip up our filling. In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, chopped shrimp, crab meat, half of the mozzarella, grated Parmesan, parsley, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Mix until well combined. It should look creamy and delicious!

Step 3: Stuff the Shells

Once the pasta is ready, drain and rinse the shells under cold water. This will stop the cooking process and make them easier to handle.

Now, take a generous spoonful of the filling and stuff each shell. Place them in a greased baking dish, open side up.

Step 4: Add the Sauce

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure they’re well coated.

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. This is where the magic happens—the cheese gets all melty and bubbly!

Step 5: Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about what’s in these tasty shells:

• Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 2g

With a nice balance of protein and carbs, these seafood stuffed shells can be a satisfying meal option!

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking to lighten things up, here are a few swaps you can try:

• Use whole wheat pasta shells for extra fiber.
• Swap ricotta for cottage cheese for a lower-fat option.
• Opt for low-fat mozzarella cheese.
• Add spinach or other veggies to the filling for more nutrients.

Remember, cooking is all about experimenting, so feel free to mix and match!

Serving Suggestions

Seafood Stuffed Shells are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

• Serve with a fresh side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
• Add garlic bread for a classic touch.
• Pair with a glass of white wine, like Pinot Grigio, for a delightful experience.

These shells are versatile, so get creative!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best of us have a cooking mishap now and then. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Seafood Stuffed Shells:

• Overcooking the pasta shells. Remember, al dente is your friend!
• Not seasoning the filling well. A little salt and pepper go a long way.
• Skipping the marinara sauce. It adds so much flavor and moisture!

Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to stuffed shell perfection!

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house), here’s how to store them:

• Allow the shells to cool completely.
• Cover with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat, simply bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Easy peasy!

Conclusion

And there you have it—delicious, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying Seafood Stuffed Shells that will become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Cooking these shells is more than just making a meal; it’s about creating memories with family and friends. So grab your loved ones and get cooking!

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FAQs

Can I use different seafood?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix different types of seafood, like scallops or lobster. Just make sure everything is cooked before mixing it into the filling.

Can I make these shells ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the stuffed shells and refrigerate them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold from the fridge.

What can I serve with Seafood Stuffed Shells?

These shells pair wonderfully with a side salad, garlic bread, or even steamed vegetables. Pick your favorites!

Final Thoughts

Thanks for joining me in making these delightful Seafood Stuffed Shells! Remember, cooking is an adventure, so don’t be afraid to customize the dish to your liking. I hope you enjoy every bite and make wonderful memories in your kitchen. Happy cooking!