Ingredients
Scale
For the Jumbo Pasta Shells:
- 24 Jumbo Pasta Shells: Choose a good quality brand of jumbo shells. You’ll need about 24 shells, but it’s always wise to cook a few extra in case some break during boiling.
For the Creamy Seafood Stuffing:
- 1 pound Seafood Mix: Use a mix of your favorite seafood. Good options include:
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp, about ½ pound. Small to medium size works best.
- Scallops: Bay or sea scallops, about ½ pound. If using sea scallops, cut them into smaller pieces.
- Crab Meat: Imitation crab meat (flake style) or real crab meat (lump or claw meat), about ½ cup.
- Lobster Meat: Cooked lobster meat (optional, for a more luxurious touch), about ½ cup.
- Calamari: Cooked calamari rings (optional, for added texture), about ½ cup.
- Mussels or Clams (cooked and chopped): (Optional, for deeper seafood flavor), about ½ cup.
- Choose a combination that you enjoy and is readily available. Frozen seafood mix is also a convenient option, just ensure it’s fully thawed and drained.
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor and health benefits.
- 1 small Onion: Finely diced, about ½ cup. Yellow or white onion works well.
- 2 cloves Garlic: Minced or finely grated. Fresh garlic is essential for the best flavor.
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature for easy mixing. Full-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese will work.
- ½ cup Ricotta Cheese: Whole milk ricotta cheese provides the best texture and flavor.
- ¼ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended for its superior taste.
- ¼ cup Chopped Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley adds brightness and freshness to the stuffing.
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest: Zest from one lemon. Adds a subtle citrusy note that complements the seafood.
- ½ teaspoon Dried Oregano: Adds a touch of Italian herb flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes: (Optional) Adds a subtle hint of heat. Adjust to your spice preference.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Season generously to enhance the flavors.
For the Creamy White Wine Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended to control the salt level.
- 4 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour: Used to create a roux to thicken the sauce.
- 3 cups Milk: Whole milk or 2% milk will create a richer sauce.
- 1 cup Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is preferred to control the salt level. Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option (if using imitation seafood).
- ½ cup Dry White Wine: A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay adds depth of flavor. If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with additional chicken broth and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- ½ cup Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds cheesy flavor and helps to thicken the sauce.
- Salt and White Pepper: To taste. White pepper is traditionally used in white sauces for its milder flavor and to avoid black specks.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Jumbo Pasta Shells:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become too soft and may break when stuffing.
- Drain the shells in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Gently set the cooked shells aside on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel to dry slightly.
2. Prepare the Creamy Seafood Stuffing:
- If using raw seafood (shrimp, scallops), cook it first. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and scallops and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook seafood, as it will become rubbery. Remove from skillet and let cool slightly. Chop into smaller pieces. If using pre-cooked seafood mix, ensure it is thawed and drained if necessary.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, lemon zest, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Add the cooked and chopped seafood to the cheese mixture and gently fold to combine everything evenly. Taste the stuffing and adjust seasoning as needed. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or lemon zest.
3. Make the Creamy White Wine Sauce:
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a smooth roux. This step is important for thickening the sauce and preventing a floury taste.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, a little at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated and smooth before adding more. Whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Stir in the dry white wine (or additional chicken broth and lemon juice).
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the sauce with salt and white pepper to taste. Be mindful of the salt content of the chicken broth and Parmesan cheese when seasoning.
4. Stuff the Pasta Shells and Assemble the Dish:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Spoon the seafood stuffing into each cooked jumbo pasta shell, using a spoon or your fingers. Don’t overstuff the shells, as the filling may spill out during baking.
- Pour about half of the creamy white wine sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer over the sauce in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining creamy white wine sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are mostly covered.
- Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese over the top, if desired.
5. Bake the Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells:
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly, the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown, and the shells are heated through. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
- Let the stuffed shells rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 550-700