Indulge in a rich and flavorful dish with these Seafood Stuffed Shells. Large pasta shells filled with a decadent mixture of shrimp, scallops, and creamy cheese, all baked in a tangy marinara sauce. This dish is a seafood lover’s dream and makes for an impressive dinner that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether for a family dinner or a special gathering, these stuffed shells are guaranteed to be a hit!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Deliciously Indulgent – Creamy, cheesy, and packed with seafood goodness.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for prepping in advance, saving time later.
Restaurant-Worthy – A gourmet meal that feels special but is easy to prepare.
Customizable – You can use your favorite seafood mix and sauce to make it your own.
Impressive Presentation – Filled shells look beautiful when served, making them perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta:
12 jumbo pasta shells
Salted water (for boiling the shells)
For the Seafood Filling:
1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
½ lb scallops, chopped
8 oz ricotta cheese
8 oz mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese as an alternative)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg (helps bind the filling together)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
1 tsp lemon zest
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
For the Marinara Sauce:
3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Tools You’ll Need
Large pot (for boiling pasta)
Large skillet (for seafood mixture)
Large mixing bowl
Baking dish
Spoon or piping bag (to fill shells)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Jumbo Shells
Boil the pasta shells in a large pot of salted water, following package directions until al dente (usually 9-11 minutes).
Drain and set aside to cool. Once cooled, gently separate the shells to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Seafood Filling
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the chopped shrimp and scallops and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the seafood is just cooked through.
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, combine the seafood with the ricotta, mascarpone, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth and well-combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Marinara Sauce
In the same skillet, add the marinara sauce along with oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Let the sauce simmer over low heat for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Stuff the Shells
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spoon the seafood mixture into each cooked pasta shell, filling them generously.
Place the stuffed shells in a lightly greased baking dish.
Step 5: Assemble & Bake
Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.
Top with a little extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a cheesy finish.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serve hot, with extra marinara sauce on the side if desired.
Tips for Perfect Seafood Stuffed Shells
Cook Seafood Just Right – Avoid overcooking the shrimp and scallops; they should be tender and juicy.
Don’t Overstuff – While it’s tempting to add more filling, try not to overcrowd the shells for the best texture.
Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh seafood and quality cheeses will make all the difference in flavor.
Let it Rest – Allow the shells to cool slightly before serving to set the cheese and filling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve With:
Garlic bread – A perfect side to soak up the extra sauce.
Mixed green salad – A light salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
Steamed vegetables – Such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a fresh contrast.
Make It a Meal:
Add a side of roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
Pair with a glass of crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, for the ultimate dining experience.
How to Store & Reheat
Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Microwave individual servings in 30-second intervals until hot.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of marinara sauce to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these 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 when reheating. - Can I use other seafood?
Absolutely! You can substitute the shrimp and scallops with crab meat, lobster, or any seafood you prefer. - Is there a non-dairy alternative?
Yes! Use dairy-free cheeses like cashew-based ricotta and vegan mozzarella, and opt for a plant-based egg replacer. - Can I freeze Seafood Stuffed Shells?
Yes! After assembling the dish, cover it tightly with foil and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it’s fully heated. - How do I make the marinara sauce homemade?
Combine crushed tomatoes, garlic, onions, olive oil, and Italian seasoning, and simmer for 30-40 minutes until thickened.
Final Thoughts
Seafood Stuffed Shells are the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and seafood-packed goodness. This dish is a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to prepare and full of flavor. The rich, melted cheese paired with the tender seafood and tangy marinara makes each bite irresistible.
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it out for yourself and let me know how it turns out! Don’t forget to leave a review or share your pictures online – I can’t wait to see your creations!
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 450 | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 40g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 650mg
Seafood Stuffed Shells
Indulge in a rich and flavorful dish with these Seafood Stuffed Shells. Large pasta shells filled with a decadent mixture of shrimp, scallops, and creamy cheese, all baked in a tangy marinara sauce. This dish is a seafood lover’s dream and makes for an impressive dinner that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether for a family dinner or a special gathering, these stuffed shells are guaranteed to be a hit!
Want more delicious seafood recipes delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now for fresh ideas and mouthwatering creations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
12 jumbo pasta shells
Salted water (for boiling the shells)
For the Seafood Filling:
1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
½ lb scallops, chopped
8 oz ricotta cheese
8 oz mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese as an alternative)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg (helps bind the filling together)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
1 tsp lemon zest
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
For the Marinara Sauce:
3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Jumbo Shells
Boil the pasta shells in a large pot of salted water, following package directions until al dente (usually 9-11 minutes).
Drain and set aside to cool. Once cooled, gently separate the shells to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Seafood Filling
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the chopped shrimp and scallops and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the seafood is just cooked through.
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, combine the seafood with the ricotta, mascarpone, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth and well-combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Marinara Sauce
In the same skillet, add the marinara sauce along with oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Let the sauce simmer over low heat for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Stuff the Shells
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spoon the seafood mixture into each cooked pasta shell, filling them generously.
Place the stuffed shells in a lightly greased baking dish.
Step 5: Assemble & Bake
Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.
Top with a little extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a cheesy finish.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serve hot, with extra marinara sauce on the side if desired.
Notes
Cook Seafood Just Right – Avoid overcooking the shrimp and scallops; they should be tender and juicy.
Don’t Overstuff – While it’s tempting to add more filling, try not to overcrowd the shells for the best texture.
Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh seafood and quality cheeses will make all the difference in flavor.
Let it Rest – Allow the shells to cool slightly before serving to set the cheese and filling.
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