Description
Succulent Seafood Delight Stuffed Shells bring coastal Italian charm to dinner tables with rich, creamy textures and oceanic flavors. Delicate pasta shells cradle a luxurious blend of tender shrimp, crab, and ricotta, promising Mediterranean-inspired comfort in each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz lump crab meat
- 1 lb fresh jumbo shells
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 4 garlic cloves
- 3 scallion stalks
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay Garlic Herb seasoning
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
Binding and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup spinach
- ½ cup Panko crumbs (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups microplaned Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Ignite the oven to a warm 350°F, preparing the stage for a delectable seafood ensemble.
- Submerge a generous pot of salted water, coaxing it to a rolling boil for the delicate pasta shells.
- Finely mince garlic cloves and slice scallions into delicate rings, releasing their aromatic potential.
- Gently lower the jumbo shells into the bubbling water, allowing them to soften for precisely five minutes.
- Carefully drain the shells and cascade cool water over them to halt the cooking process, preserving their tender texture.
- In a sizzling skillet, dance the minced garlic and scallions in a shimmering pool of olive oil, awakening their vibrant flavors.
- Craft a luxurious filling by marrying chopped shrimp, vibrant spinach, fragrant sautéed aromatics, succulent crab meat, a binding egg, zesty Old Bay seasoning, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and crisp Panko crumbs in a harmonious bowl.
- Tenderly nestle the seafood mixture into each shell, arranging them lovingly in a welcoming baking pan.
- Transform heavy cream in a skillet, whisking in the remaining Parmesan and a whisper of black pepper to create a velvety Alfredo sauce.
- Cascade the creamy sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring each morsel is embraced by its rich coating.
- Dust the surface with an additional layer of Panko crumbs, promising a golden, crispy crown.
- Slide the pan into the waiting oven, allowing the shells to bake for 20-25 minutes until they emerge golden, bubbly, and irresistibly tempting.
Notes
- Prep shells al dente to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect texture for stuffing.
- Select fresh seafood for maximum flavor and ensure shrimp and crab are cleaned and deveined thoroughly.
- Gently fold ingredients to keep seafood tender and prevent breaking delicate meat during mixing.
- Create uniform shell stuffing by using a small spoon or piping bag for consistent portioning.
- Alfredo sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated to save time during final preparation.
- Allow dish to rest 5-10 minutes after baking to help filling set and make serving easier.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg