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Homemade Seafood Stuffed Shells recipe photo

Seafood Stuffed Shells

These Seafood Stuffed Shells are a creamy, cheesy, and indulgent seafood pasta bake perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a comforting family dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

  • 20 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup chopped cooked shrimp
  • 1 cup chopped cooked scallops
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Jumbo Shells

  • Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 9-11 minutes. Be careful not to overcook as they'll continue cooking in the oven. Drain the shells and rinse them briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Drizzle with the olive oil and gently toss to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Seafood Filling

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chopped cooked shrimp and scallops, then fold in the fresh parsley. Mix everything gently but thoroughly to ensure the seafood is evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.

Step 3: Assemble the Shells

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the seafood and cheese mixture, filling them generously. Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, open side up, arranging them neatly in rows.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese

  • Pour the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure each shell gets some sauce. Sprinkle a little extra mozzarella and Parmesan on top if you like a bubbly, cheesy crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

  • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden on top. Let the shells cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use pre-cooked shrimp and scallops to ensure the filling is fully cooked and safe.
  • Do not overcook the pasta shells to prevent them from becoming mushy and tearing during stuffing.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze unbaked for up to 2 months.
Keyword Baked, Comfort Food, Easy, Pasta, Seafood