Seafood stuffed shells 🤤
So easy, so quick, and so GOOD !
Start out by boiling your noodles to al dente in salted water and setting aside.
Next add a couple teaspoons of butter to a skillet, melt and add your onions then seafood of choice. Season it up with old bay, garlic paste, and a pinch of Tony’s to taste. Only cook for a couple of minutes until shrimp is done, being careful not to overcook.
Remove and add a handful of chopped spinach, 4 tbls of cream cheese, and about 1/2 cup of shredded Mozz. In the same skillet sautee onions, add 2 cups of heavy whipping cream and season it up. I used about 1 teaspoon of lobster bouillon, old bay, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of crab boil all to taste.
Cook for about 5 minutes or so, then add about a half cup of Parm. Stuff your shells, layer with sauce and cheese and bake uncovered on 400 for about 15 minutes or so, or whenever golden brown and bubbly 🤤
Oh my goodness, who doesn't love a comforting dish of stuffed noodles? While those 'Seafood stuffed shells' are an absolute dream, I've had so much fun experimenting with this concept beyond just seafood! If you're like me and always looking for ways to adapt a great recipe or just need some fresh ideas for 'stuffed noodles recipes,' here are some of my favorite twists and tips. First off, don't limit yourself to just seafood, as amazing as it is! The beauty of stuffed shells (or any stuffed pasta, really) is how versatile they are. For meat lovers, imagine a hearty filling of seasoned ground beef or spicy Italian sausage mixed with ricotta, mozzarella, and a touch of parmesan. Just brown your meat, drain the fat, and mix it into your cheese blend before stuffing. Or, for a lighter take, shred some cooked chicken and combine it with a creamy Alfredo sauce base and some spinach for a delightful chicken alfredo stuffed shell. These are fantastic for a cozy family dinner! If you're leaning vegetarian, the possibilities are endless. My go-to is a classic ricotta and spinach blend, but I often add sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even finely chopped zucchini for extra veggies and flavor. Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses here too! While mozzarella and parmesan are staples, I've used provolone, fontina, or even a little smoked gouda to give it a unique kick. A little bit of fresh basil or oregano chopped into your vegetarian filling can really elevate the taste. Beyond the filling, let's talk about sauces. The creamy sauce in the original seafood recipe is divine, but sometimes I crave something different. A simple marinara sauce is always a winner, especially with meat or vegetarian fillings. For a richer flavor, a rosé sauce (marinara mixed with cream) works beautifully, or even a pesto cream sauce for something brighter. Don't forget a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat! One of my favorite hacks for stuffed shells is making them ahead of time. They're perfect for meal prep! You can assemble the shells and arrange them in your baking dish, then cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. For an even easier weeknight meal, you can freeze them! Assemble the uncooked shells in an oven-safe dish, cover well with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, just pop them into the oven from frozen (you might need to add an extra 30-45 minutes to the baking time, covered, then uncover to brown). Finally, don't forget the accompaniments! A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a good idea to balance the richness of the pasta. And, of course, some warm, crusty garlic bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce is non-negotiable in my book! No matter which 'stuffed noodles recipes' you try, especially with these versatile shells, you're in for a truly satisfying and customizable meal that can suit any craving.
