Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Pasta Shells
There’s something magical about pasta stuffed with succulent seafood that instantly elevates any dinner table. Enter Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Pasta Shells, a dish that embodies creamy richness and savory flavor in every bite. Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly baked shell, brimming with a delightful mix of shrimp, crab, and creamy cheese, topped off with a luscious marinara sauce. Yum! This dish doesn’t just satisfy the stomach; it warms the heart, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home. It’s similar to good old lasagna, but who can resist the charm of stuffed shells? Plus, it’s quick to whip up, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress with this delicious, family-friendly recipe!
What is Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Pasta Shells?
You might be wondering, just what exactly are Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Pasta Shells? Well, they’re a delightful combination of large pasta shells filled to the brim with a mouthwatering mixture of shrimp, crab, and creamy cheese. Think of them as the treasure chests of the pasta world—who wouldn’t want to dive in? Legend has it that these stuffed wonders were crafted as a way to make seafood more appealing to families. Maybe that’s why we say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”! If you’ve ever tried to impress someone with your culinary prowess, this dish might just be your secret weapon. So, grab your aprons and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Pasta Shells
You’re going to fall head over heels for these Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Pasta Shells for several reasons. First off, the star of the show is the delicious seafood filling. Imagine gently sautéed shrimp and sweet crab enveloped in a creamy, cheesy mixture that perfectly complements the soft pasta shell—pure bliss! Another fantastic benefit? Making this at home can save you a pretty penny compared to dining out at a fancy seafood restaurant. Last but not least, the exquisite flavors are a cut above your average pasta. Plus, if you love something like my Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells, this seafood version will surely tickle your taste buds too. So, give yourself a little treat and whip up these shells!
How to Make Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Pasta Shells
Quick Overview
Making Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Pasta Shells is easier than you think! With a prep time of just about 30 minutes and a baking time of around 20 minutes, you’ll be enjoying a scrumptious dinner in no time. This dish features a creamy sauce that envelops the pasta, sealing in all the delicious flavors while baking to golden perfection. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to create this fantastic dish!
Key Ingredients for Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Pasta Shells
- 12-15 large pasta shells
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup crab meat
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, allowing them to cool slightly.
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Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the chopped shrimp and cook for another 2-3 minutes until pink.
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Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, crab meat, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper, mixing gently until well combined.
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Stuff the Shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell with the seafood mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish.
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Add Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they’re well covered.
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Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
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Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
What to Serve Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Pasta Shells With
These stuffed pasta shells pair beautifully with a refreshing mixed green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. For those who love a dash of zest, a side of garlic bread is a match made in heaven. And don’t forget about a nice glass of white wine or a sparkling lemon water for a fantastic finishing touch to a perfect meal.
Top Tips for Perfecting Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Pasta Shells
- Ingredient Swaps: If you can’t find fresh crab, feel free to use canned crab. Just make sure to drain it well!
- Creamy Texture: Want an even creamier filling? Mix in some cream cheese or sour cream for added richness.
- Don’t Overcook: Be cautious when cooking your shells—overcooked pasta can become soggy and difficult to stuff.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed shells a day in advance. Just cover them tightly before baking, and let them rest in the fridge until you’re ready to pop them in the oven!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? No problem! You can store any remaining Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Pasta Shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C), covered with foil to keep them from drying out. Heat for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. Want to save some for later? You can also freeze the stuffed shells before baking. Just make sure to wrap them well, and they’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, bake straight from the freezer for about 45 minutes, covered, then uncover and bake until bubbly.
Dive into this delightful dish, and bring the flavors of the sea right into your kitchen with these Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Pasta Shells! Treat yourself and your loved ones, and watch as they fall in love with this seafood masterpiece. Happy cooking!
Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Pasta Shells
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, allowing them to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the chopped shrimp and cook for another 2-3 minutes until pink.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, crab meat, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper, mixing gently until well combined.
- Stuff the Shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell with the seafood mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish.
- Add Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they’re well covered.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
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