Seafood & Cream Cheese Stuffed Shells: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Seafood & Cream Cheese Stuffed Shells is a delicious seafood delight that promises to tantalize your taste buds. This recipe combines the rich, creamy texture of cream cheese with succulent seafood, all encased in pasta shells. If you’ve ever craved a dish that brings the ocean’s flavors to your table, this dish is it! Packed with flavors and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for special occasions or simple family dinners.
With its delightful filling and satisfying texture, these stuffed shells are a crowd-pleaser. Each bite unveils a marriage of flavors that emphasizes the freshness of the seafood. Imagine al dente pasta, creamy filling, and a drizzle of sauce – it’s nothing short of amazing. In this article, we will explore why this recipe stands out, how to prepare it, and tips for serving it to perfection. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to try something new, seafood and cream cheese stuffed shells are sure to impress everyone at your table.
Let’s dive into what makes this dish a must-try and how you can easily replicate it in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Seafood & Cream Cheese Stuffed Shells brings together flavors and textures that create an incredible dining experience. Here are several reasons you’ll be eager to try this recipe:
1. Mouthwatering Flavor Combination: The blend of seafood and cream cheese is truly delightful. The richness of the cream cheese complements the delicate seafood perfectly.
2. Simple Ingredients: You don’t need extravagant items to create this dish. Many of the ingredients can be found in your pantry or local grocery store.
3. Versatile: You can tailor this recipe based on your seafood preferences. Shrimp, crab, or scallops can all create their unique twist on the dish.
4. Impressive Presentation: Stuffed pasta shells are visually appealing and make for a stunning centerpiece at any meal.
5. Perfect for Gatherings: This recipe serves well at parties or family gatherings, allowing you to feed a crowd easily.
6. Quick to Prepare: While it feels gourmet, you can prepare it in about an hour, making it a great option even on busy nights.
These attributes are just scratching the surface! The wonderful combination of flavors and textures makes these stuffed shells a recipe you’ll want to keep on hand.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Creating Seafood & Cream Cheese Stuffed Shells is not only rewarding but also quick to execute. Here’s how the timing breaks down for this dish:
– Preparation Time: 20-30 minutes
– Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
– Total Time: Approximately 55-60 minutes
This timeframe may vary slightly based on your cooking experience and the specific tools you use, but it should give you a solid estimate to work with.

Ingredients

– 12 large pasta shells
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped (or any seafood of your choice)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups marinara sauce (for topping)
– Additional mozzarella cheese for sprinkling on top

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Seafood & Cream Cheese Stuffed Shells is straightforward if you follow these steps:
1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chopped cooked shrimp, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, parsley, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
4. Stuff Pasta Shells: Use a spoon to fill each cooked pasta shell with the seafood cream cheese mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish.
5. Add Marinara Sauce: Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.
These steps will guide you to create a delicious seafood delight that everyone will enjoy!

How to Serve

To elevate your dining experience with Seafood & Cream Cheese Stuffed Shells, consider these serving tips:
1. Presentation: Place the stuffed shells on a large serving platter. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds color and a touch of elegance.
2. Accompaniments: Serve with a side salad or garlic bread to round out the meal. A fresh, crisp side salad complements the richness of the stuffed shells well.
3. Wine Pairing: Consider pairing with a chilled white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, which will enhance the flavors of the seafood.
4. Leftover Storage: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
By taking these suggestions into account, you can create an unforgettable meal that will surely impress your family and friends. Enjoying Seafood & Cream Cheese Stuffed Shells will not just be a meal, but a delightful culinary experience!

Additional Tips

– Enhance Flavor: Add a splash of white wine or sherry to the seafood filling for depth.
– Fresh Herbs: Experiment with herbs like dill or chives for added freshness and flavor.
– Bake with a Lid: Cover the baking dish with a lid during the first baking phase to keep the shells moist.

Recipe Variation

You can customize Seafood & Cream Cheese Stuffed Shells with these variations:
1. Mixed Seafood: Combine shrimp, crab, and scallops for an ultimate seafood medley.
2. Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling for a hint of heat.
3. Veggie Lovers: Swap some seafood for chopped vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

Freezing and Storage

– Refrigeration: Store your stuffed shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
– Freezing: For longer storage, place the unbaked stuffed shells in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra cooking time.

Special Equipment

Preparing Seafood & Cream Cheese Stuffed Shells requires a few essential tools:
– Large pot for boiling pasta
– Baking dish (9×13 inch recommended)
– Mixing bowls for combining ingredients
– Spoon or spatula for filling shells
– Aluminum foil to cover the baking dish during cooking

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of seafood?
Yes! This recipe is versatile, so feel free to use your favorites.
What if I can’t find large pasta shells?
You can use smaller shells but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the shells and filling ahead of time. Just cover and store them in the fridge until ready to bake.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta shells to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
What can I use instead of marinara sauce?
Alfredo sauce or a light garlic butter sauce would also pair wonderfully with these stuffed shells.

Conclusion

Seafood & Cream Cheese Stuffed Shells: A Delicious Seafood Delight is not only scrumptious but also a versatile dish that’s sure to impress. Rich, creamy, and bursting with seafood flavors, this recipe might just become your new favorite. The combination of al dente pasta and a luscious filling creates an unforgettable dining experience. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a celebration, these stuffed shells are bound to be a hit!

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