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Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells

Indulge in Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells for a warm, comforting Italian dish perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 20 Jumbo Pasta Shells Can substitute with manicotti if needed.
For the Filling
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Adds flavor and aids in sautéing vegetables.
  • 1 medium Onion Enhances overall flavor; shallots can be used for a milder taste.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Crucial for depth and aromatic flavor.
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach Can substitute with kale or Swiss chard.
  • 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese Cottage cheese or mascarpone can be used as alternatives.
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese Imparts richness and helps achieve a creamy texture.
  • 1 cup Cooked Shrimp Can replace with chicken or sautéed mushrooms.
  • 8 ounces Cooked Crab Meat Can replace with more shrimp or any seafood mix.
  • 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese For the gooey and melty top layer.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Essential seasoning; adjust to your taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper Essential seasoning; adjust to your taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Optional for adding heat; adjust according to spice preference.
For the Base
  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce Consider using Alfredo sauce for a creamier alternative.
  • 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Finishing touch that adds flavor and crunchy texture.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  3. Add fresh spinach and wilt for about 2 minutes, then remove from heat to cool slightly.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, cream cheese, shrimp, crab meat, half the mozzarella, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Fold in the cooled spinach mixture.
  5. Spread half the marinara sauce in a baking dish and stuff each shell with the filling before arranging them beside each other.
  6. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells and top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  8. Let cool slightly before serving to allow everything to set beautifully.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Thaw seafood properly, prep ahead, and consider adding breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping. Check cheese quality and don't overfill shells while stuffing.

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