Ingredients
For the Stuffed Shells:
20 jumbo pasta shells
1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
1 cup cooked crab meat (or imitation crab)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
For Topping:
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta Shells:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Seafood Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, crab meat, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined
3. Stuff the Shells:
Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the seafood mixture and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Make the Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
5. Assemble and Bake:
Pour the sauce evenly over the stuffed shells in the baking dish.
Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Seafood Stuffed Shells
Use Fresh Seafood: For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp and crab. However, frozen or imitation crab works well too.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the shells just until al dente, as they will continue to soften in the oven.
Make Ahead: Assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Customize the Sauce: Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
With Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
Side Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
Wine Pairing: Enjoy with a glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the seafood flavors
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