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Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells: A Cozy Dinner to Impress

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells offer a luxurious, comforting dish that transforms ordinary evenings into culinary delights.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 12 pieces Jumbo Pasta Shells Provides the structure to hold the creamy filling.
  • 1 cup Lobster Meat Adds a luxurious, tender flavor; fresh is preferred for the best taste.
  • 1 cup Crab Meat Enhances richness; using fresh is optimal for a more decadent dish.
  • 1 cup Shrimp Contributes a mild seafood flavor; can be replaced with other seafood as per preference.
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese Adds a creamy texture; may substitute with light cream cheese for a lighter option.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Delivers a melty consistency; freshly shredded offers the best results.
For the Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons Butter Serves as the base fat for both the filling and sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons Flour Thickens the sauce; gluten-free options also work well.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Provides creaminess in the sauce; half-and-half can serve as a lighter alternative.
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese Adds a savory note to the sauce and enhances flavor.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Enhances flavor; fresh minced garlic is recommended for the best aroma and taste.
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning; adjust these to your taste preferences.
  • to taste Pepper Essential for seasoning; adjust these to your taste preferences.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • large pot
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
  1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté 2 minced garlic cloves until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add 1 cup of lobster and 1 cup of crab meat, cooking for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat, allowing the seafood to cool while you prepare the filling.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed seafood mixture with 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use a spatula to blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy. Set aside, giving the flavors a moment to meld while you cook the pasta.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically around 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, drain the shells and let them cool slightly, as you'll be stuffing them soon.
  4. In the same skillet used for the seafood, melt another 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour to create a roux, cooking for 1 minute. Gradually stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce is creamy and smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the creamy sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Take the cooled pasta shells and generously stuff them with the seafood filling, placing them in the dish. Cover the shells with the remaining sauce, ensuring they’re well coated.
  6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown. The aroma of the Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells will fill your kitchen, signaling that dinner is almost ready.
  7. Once finished baking, let the dish cool for a few minutes to set. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs, if desired. Serve the Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells warm and watch everyone enjoy this luxurious comfort food delight!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Feel free to embrace the versatility of this Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells recipe by mixing up your fillings and sauces to suit your family’s favorites! For easy meal prep, assemble the shells up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate until you're ready to bake!

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