Seaside Shells Shrimp Crab Stuffed Pasta Perfection
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever find yourself craving seafood but wanting something comforting? This Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Pasta recipe hits the spot. The flavor profile? Imagine creamy, briny, and utterly indulgent.
Brief Overview
These seafood Stuffed Shells With White Sauce are a dish with Italian American roots. It elevates the humble pasta into a real treat.
It's medium difficulty, taking about 1 hour 20 minutes total. This recipe yields 6 servings of pasta bliss.
Main Benefits
Packed with protein from the Shrimp Shells and crab, this is a surprisingly satisfying and nutritious dish. Perfect for a special occasion, like a birthday dinner, or a cozy night in.
Honestly? What makes this recipe special is that it feels fancy. but it's totally doable at home.
Craving the Sea: Why Seafood Recipes Pasta Wins
Do you ever get that longing for the coast? This baked Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Pasta is like a mini vacation for your taste buds.
The creamy filling combined with the rich tomato sauce? Absolute perfection.
Easy Peasy Prep for Amazing Jumbo Shells Seafood
This isn't some stuffy, complicated recipe. It's all about those simple, fresh flavors coming together to create magic. The aroma alone is enough to get your tummy rumbling.
It's one of my go to Shrimp Dish Recipes .
The Star of the Show: Crab Stuffed Shells Recipe
Let's be real, the filling is where it's at! The combination of sweet crabmeat and succulent shrimp is just divine. With Seafood Stuffed Pasta Shells being this good, who need a restaurant?
Baking Bliss: Baked Stuffed Pasta Shells with Style
Pop these bad boys in the oven, and let the magic happen. The cheese gets all melty and bubbly, the sauce thickens, and the flavors meld together beautifully.
This Creamy Seafood Pasta Bake is a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Pasta Ever!
Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this amazing Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Pasta. Honestly, getting the right ingredients makes all the difference.
It's how we elevate this Shrimp Dish Recipes into something super special.
Main Ingredients for Seaside Shells
- Jumbo Shells: You'll need 1 (12 ounce/340g) box of these bad boys. These are vital for the Jumbo Shells Seafood dish.
- Shrimp: Get 1 pound (450g) of cooked, peeled, and chopped shrimp.
- Crabmeat: Aim for 8 ounces (225g) of cooked crabmeat, and make sure you pick out any shell bits. Nobody wants to bite into that!
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces (115g) , softened. Makes the filling so creamy!
- Parmesan: Grab 1/4 cup (30g) of grated Parmesan for that cheesy flavor.
- Mayonnaise: You need 1/4 cup (60ml) .
- Olive Oil: A tablespoon, plus more for drizzling, and 1 small yellow onion , finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic , minced
- Heavy Cream: The secret is 1/2 cup (120ml) for the creamy tomato sauce
- Dry White Wine: You're going to need 1/4 cup (60ml) , I love the taste it gives to seafood, but is ok if you are not keen to the idea!
Quality Check : For the shrimp and crab, fresh is always best! If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry.
Avoid anything that smells too fishy. We want this Seafood Stuffed Pasta Shells to be top-notch, after all.
Seasoning Notes to elevate Stuffed Shrimp Shells
Old Bay seasoning is my secret weapon for this recipe. It adds that perfect seafood flavour. A teaspoon of it, along with salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of lemon juice, is what you need.
Also, don't forget the 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley! For that fresh herby flavour! You can always sub Old Bay with other seafood blends or even just a pinch of cayenne if you want some heat, for your Seafood Recipes Pasta .
Equipment Needed for Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Pasta
You really don't need a ton of fancy gear. A large pot for the pasta, a colander to drain it, and a large mixing bowl for the filling are the essentials.
A 9x13 inch baking dish for the Baked Stuffed Pasta Shells is vital. A saucepan is for that tasty sauce.
If you haven't got a baking dish, a roasting tin will do in a pinch. I like to call it Stuffed Shells With White Sauce , or Crab Stuffed Shells Recipe .
But seriously, a casserole will also work!
Making Shrimp Shells is super easy, you could have the best Creamy Seafood Pasta Bake ready at any time!
Seaside Shells: Let's Talk Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Pasta Perfection
Honestly, are you ready for some serious comfort food? This Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Pasta is like a hug in a bowl.
Seriously, it’s so good, it's almost criminal. I call them Seaside Shells because every bite reminds me of the ocean.
Plus, it is a dish that is super fun to make. This isn’t just another one of those boring seafood recipes pasta .
Prep Like a Pro
Before we dive in, mise en place is your best mate. Chop your shrimp , measure everything out. Soften that cream cheese, yeah? If the recipe calls for it and that ingredient is necessary, then have it on hand! This is how restaurants do it! This saves loads of time.
And, for safety, always wash your hands before touching any food, alright? Chilling the filling for 15 minutes before stuffing the shells will make your life way easier.
This is going to be the perfect Creamy Seafood Pasta Bake , mate!
Seaside Shells in Simple Steps
Here's how we nail this recipe for Baked Stuffed Pasta Shells :
- Get those jumbo shells cooking. Follow the box instructions. You want them al dente , think firm, like a good handshake. Drain and drizzle with olive oil.
- Mix your filling. Combine that chopped shrimp, crab, softened cream cheese, Parmesan, mayo, parsley, lemon juice, Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Don't overmix !
- Make that lush sauce. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Add crushed tomatoes, cream, white wine, oregano, red pepper flakes if you like a kick, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes .
- Stuff those shells! Spoon the mixture into each cooked shell. Be generous!
- Assemble and bake. Spread some sauce in the baking dish. Arrange the shells. Top with the remaining sauce and cheese. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes .
Seafood Secrets & Pro Tips
Here are some pro-tips and secrets for the perfect pasta:
- To avoid having stuffed shells with white sauce you can add white wine.
- Avoid overcooking the pasta, mushy pasta is the actual worst thing ever, like, seriously ever.
- make-ahead option: Assemble the dish ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready. This is a great hack for dinner parties when you have something more than just make the Shrimp dish recipes .
Now you're practically a seafood chef! Enjoy those Jumbo Shells Seafood beauties!
Recipe Notes: Seaside Shells - Your Questions Answered!
Alright, so you're ready to tackle this Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Pasta sensation. Awesome! But before you dive in headfirst, let's chat about a few things that'll make your life easier and your dish even more amazing.
Honestly, these tips are like little cheat codes for cooking.
Plating Like a Pro & Perfect Pairings
Want to make your Seafood Stuffed Pasta Shells look like they came straight from a fancy restaurant? Me too! First, arrange the Baked Stuffed Pasta Shells artfully on a plate.
I love drizzling a bit of extra tomato cream sauce over the top. A sprinkle of fresh basil? Chef's kiss!
For sides, you can't go wrong with classic garlic bread. Perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce. Or, how about a crisp Caesar salad? It’s got that lovely tang to cut through the richness of the Creamy Seafood Pasta Bake .
A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio would also be divine. You know, something that screams sunshine and seaside.
Storage Secrets - Keeping it Fresh
Life happens, doesn't it? So, if you've got leftovers of this epic Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Pasta – and honestly, who does?! here's the lowdown on storage.
Pop any leftover shells in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days . If you need longer, freezing is an option.
Lay the shells on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This will help ensure the shells don’t stick together.
You should aim to consume within 2 months of freezing.
When reheating, I recommend popping them back in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. Microwaving works, but the texture might get a bit…well, you know.
No one wants that!
Playing with the Recipe: Make it Your Own!
Okay, let’s talk variations! Feel like adding a kick? Throw a pinch of cayenne pepper into the filling. Bam! Suddenly, your Seafood Recipes Pasta is a spicy sensation.
Got a gluten-free friend coming over? Easy peasy. Just swap out the regular pasta shells for gluten-free ones. "It's not too difficult," I tell you.
If you fancy something seasonal, consider adding some roasted butternut squash to the filling in autumn. Adds a lovely sweetness that goes really well with the seafood.
Experimenting with these Shrimp Dish Recipes is part of the fun!
Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness Inside
Let's face it, we all like to know what we're putting into our bodies, right? A serving of this Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Pasta packs a good punch of protein, thanks to the shrimp and crab.
It's also got a decent dose of calcium from the cheese. Don't quote me on exact figures, but we’re talking roughly 450-550 calories per serving, with around 35-45g of protein.
And don't stress too much about the numbers. What matters is enjoying your food!
So there you have it. Seaside Shells demystified. Go on, get in that kitchen and create something amazing. You've got this!.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Pasta ahead of time? You know, like a proper batch cook?
Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed pasta shells and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through. It's like prepping your Sunday roast on Saturday saves time and effort!
I'm not a huge fan of crab, what can I substitute in this Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Pasta recipe?
No worries, mate! You can easily substitute the crab with more shrimp, or even try using cooked lobster for an even more luxurious flavour. Flaked white fish like cod or haddock would also work well. Just make sure whatever you use is cooked through and complements the other ingredients.
How do I store leftover Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Pasta? And for how long?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly in the oven or microwave until piping hot. Just like your favourite takeaway, you want to make sure it's properly heated through before tucking in.
Is there a way to make this Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Pasta healthier? Seems a bit of a splurge!
Good thinking! To lighten it up, you could use light cream cheese and mayonnaise. Swap heavy cream for half and-half or even a bit of milk thickened with cornstarch in the sauce. Whole wheat pasta shells will add some fiber, and loading up on the veggies in a side salad will balance out the richness.
Can I freeze Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Pasta? I love making big batches!
You can indeed! Assemble the stuffed shells, but don't bake them. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They'll keep for up to 2 months.
When ready to bake, thaw them in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, adding about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
My tomato sauce is too acidic, how can I adjust it to be more to my liking?
Tomato sauce acidity can easily be fixed by balancing out the sauce, there are a few methods that can be used. You can add about 1 tsp of sugar to the sauce. Another common method would be adding a pinch of baking soda.
Finally, another option would be adding dairy in the form of cream or milk, while the tomato sauce is simmering.
Seaside Shells Shrimp Crab Stuffed Pasta Perfect
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-30g |
| Fiber | 3-4g |
