Prepare to elevate your dinner experience with these truly luxurious Velvet Tide: Indulgent Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells. This Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe is decadent, offering a symphony of textures and flavors that will transport you to a culinary paradise. Each jumbo pasta shell is generously filled with a rich, velvety blend of succulent shrimp, delicate bay scallops, creamy ricotta, and a medley of cheeses, all nestled in a vibrant marinara sauce. Baked to golden perfection, this dish offers comfort and elegance in every single, glorious bite. Perfect for a special occasion, an impressive family meal, or simply when you crave a taste of the ocean, these shells are surprisingly straightforward to prepare and guaranteed to impress even the most discerning palates.
Why You’ll Adore Velvet Tide: Indulgent Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
The Velvet Tide Stuffed Shells aren’t just a meal; they’re an experience. Here’s why this recipe deserves a place in your culinary repertoire:
- Unforgettable Flavor Profile: The delicate sweetness of shrimp and scallops harmonizes perfectly with the rich, tangy marinara and the creamy, savory cheese filling. Fresh dill and parsley add a bright, herbaceous lift, while a touch of lemon zest cuts through the richness beautifully.
- Luxurious Texture: Al dente pasta shells cradle a velvety, cheesy seafood filling that melts in your mouth, all under a blanket of bubbly, golden cheese and a vibrant sauce. It’s a delightful contrast of tender, creamy, and slightly chewy.
- Elegance Made Easy: While this dish looks incredibly impressive, the steps are simple and straightforward, making it accessible even for those who might be new to seafood or pasta bakes.
- Versatile & Customizable: Easily adapt the seafood, cheese, or herbs to suit your preferences, making it a dish you can return to again and again.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Crafting these indulgent shells begins with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some helpful substitution notes:
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: About 30-35 shells are typically found in a 12-ounce box. Ensure you cook them al dente to hold their shape during baking.
- Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing the aromatics and seafood.
- Shrimp & Bay Scallops: The stars of the show! Use raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp. Finely chopping both ensures an even distribution in the filling. You could substitute with finely chopped lobster, crab meat, or a firm white fish like cod or snapper for variety.
- Yellow Onion & Garlic: The aromatic base that builds depth of flavor.
- Ricotta Cheese (Whole Milk Preferred): Provides the quintessential creamy texture. Whole milk ricotta offers the richest flavor and best texture.
- Cream Cheese (Softened): Adds an extra layer of creaminess and a subtle tang that elevates the filling.
- Parmesan & Mozzarella Cheese: For both the filling and the glorious cheesy topping. Feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like Gruyere or fontina for the topping.
- Fresh Parsley & Dill: These fresh herbs are crucial for brightness and aroma. Do not substitute with dried herbs here if possible, as the fresh flavor is key.
- Lemon Zest: A touch of brightness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and seafood.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a gentle hint of warmth and spice. Adjust to your preference.
- Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Season generously!
- Marinara Sauce (Good Quality): A robust, flavorful marinara sauce is vital as it forms the foundation of the dish. Use your favorite jarred brand or a homemade version.
Crafting the Perfect Decadent Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe
Follow these steps to create your own Velvet Tide masterpiece:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water to prevent sticking, and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the finely chopped shrimp and scallops. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the seafood is opaque and cooked through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan, 1/2 cup mozzarella, chopped parsley, chopped dill, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Once the cooked seafood has cooled slightly, add it to the cheese mixture and mix gently until well combined. This is your creamy seafood filling.
- Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Carefully fill each cooked jumbo shell with a generous amount of the seafood cheese mixture (about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons per shell). Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Success
Ensure your Velvet Tide shells turn out perfectly with these expert tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente shells are crucial. They’ll finish cooking in the oven and need to retain some firmness to hold their shape and filling.
- Cool the Seafood: Allow the cooked shrimp and scallops to cool slightly before adding them to the cheese mixture. This prevents the cheeses from melting prematurely and helps the filling maintain its texture.
- Season Generously: The filling needs ample seasoning. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper before stuffing the shells.
- Good Quality Marinara: Since the sauce is a prominent component, invest in a good quality jarred marinara or use your favorite homemade recipe for the best flavor.
- Pre-assemble for Convenience: This dish can be assembled up to a day in advance. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate. If baking from cold, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Add a Pinch of Smoked Paprika: For an extra layer of savory depth, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the seafood when cooking.
Serving Suggestions
To complete your indulgent dining experience, pair your Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells with thoughtful accompaniments:
- Crisp Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Crusty Bread: Essential for soaking up every last drop of the delicious marinara sauce. Garlic bread or focaccia would also be excellent choices.
- Steamed Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or green beans lightly steamed and seasoned make a great side.
- Grape juice Pairing: A crisp, dry white grape juice like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would beautifully complement the seafood and creamy notes.
Storage & Reheating
Enjoying leftovers or preparing ahead is easy with Velvet Tide:
- Refrigeration: Leftover stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the assembled dish before baking, or freeze baked leftovers. For best results, cover the unbaked dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, adding extra baking time. Baked leftovers can be frozen in individual portions for convenience.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or place the entire dish (covered with foil) in a 350°F (175°C) oven until bubbly and heated through, about 20-30 minutes for a whole dish.
FAQ
Can I use different types of seafood in this recipe?
Absolutely! While shrimp and bay scallops are delightful, you can substitute with other cooked, finely chopped seafood like lobster, crab meat, or even a firm white fish such as cod or snapper. Just ensure it’s cooked and flaked before adding to the cheese mixture.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Simply use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check labels, especially for marinara sauce.
What if I don’t have fresh dill?
While fresh dill offers the best flavor, you can omit it if absolutely necessary, or substitute with a very small amount of dried dill (use about 1/2 teaspoon as dried herbs are more potent). However, fresh parsley is highly recommended for its bright flavor.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, the seafood and cheese filling can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes assembly on the day of serving much quicker.
What kind of marinara sauce should I use?
A good quality marinara sauce is key. Look for one with robust tomato flavor and minimal added sugar. If you have a favorite homemade marinara recipe, this is the perfect opportunity to use it. You might also enjoy experimenting with a creamy sauce base like this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe adapted for a sauce.
Conclusion
The Velvet Tide: Indulgent Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create a truly memorable meal. With its harmonious blend of succulent seafood, creamy cheeses, and vibrant marinara, this dish promises a dining experience that is both comforting and elegantly sophisticated. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary, these shells deliver unparalleled flavor and satisfaction. Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to impress with this culinary triumph.
Velvet Tide: Indulgent Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
Prepare to elevate your dinner experience with these truly luxurious Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells. Each jumbo pasta shell is generously filled with a rich, velvety blend of succulent shrimp, delicate bay scallops, creamy ricotta, and a medley of cheeses, all nestled in a vibrant marinara sauce. Baked to golden perfection, this dish offers a symphony of textures and flavors that will transport you to a culinary paradise. Perfect for a special occasion, an impressive family meal, or simply when you crave a decadent taste of the ocean, these shells are surprisingly straightforward to prepare and guaranteed to impress even the most discerning palates. This recipe delivers comfort and elegance in every single, glorious bite.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells (about 30-35 shells)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
- 8 ounces bay scallops, finely chopped
- 1 small yellow onion, finely minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese, whole milk preferred
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (good quality)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water to prevent sticking, and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the finely chopped shrimp and scallops. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the seafood is opaque and cooked through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan, 1/2 cup mozzarella, chopped parsley, chopped dill, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Once the cooked seafood has cooled slightly, add it to the cheese mixture and mix gently until well combined. This is your creamy seafood filling.
- Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Carefully fill each cooked jumbo shell with a generous amount of the seafood cheese mixture (about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons per shell). Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the seafood when cooking. This dish can be assembled up to a day in advance; cover tightly and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. Serve with a crisp green salad and crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 5-6 shells)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg