Seafood Stuffed Shells with Creamy Garlic Sauce
This luxurious dish features jumbo pasta shells filled with a rich seafood mixture, all smothered in a velvety creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this recipe balances the sweetness of seafood with the depth of Parmesan and garlic
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Shells:
20 jumbo pasta shells
1 lb seafood mix (shrimp, crab, scallops, or lobster), finely chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp Old Bay seasoning (optional)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
3 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1½ cups heavy cream
½ cup whole milk
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Seafood Filling
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped seafood, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning.
2. Stir until well combined.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat
2. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Whisk in the flour and cook for another minute to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and milk. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce thicken for about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Assemble & Bake
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of the creamy garlic sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 -inch baking dish.
3. Fill each shell with the seafood mixture and arrange them in the dish.
4. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the shells.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
6. Remove the foil, sprinkle extra Parmesan or mozzarella if desired, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 480
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fats: 25g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 680mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Notes & Tips
Seafood Substitutes: You can use only shrimp, just crab, or a mix of your favorite seafood.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through.
Enjoy your delicious Seafood Stuffed Shells with Creamy Garlic Sauce!