Ingredients
Pasta
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
Seafood
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup cooked scallops, chopped
Cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Herbs & Seasonings
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the shells carefully and set aside to cool enough for handling.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped shrimp, chopped scallops, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and Italian seasoning. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, then stir thoroughly until well combined and creamy.
- Stuff the Shells: Gently spoon the seafood and cheese filling into each cooked pasta shell, filling them generously but without overstuffing to avoid bursting during baking.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Assemble the Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the cream sauce on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking. Arrange the stuffed shells seam-side up in the dish, then pour the remaining cream sauce evenly over the top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Serve the shells warm for a rich and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use cooked shrimp and scallops for ease and to prevent overcooking seafood during baking.
- Allow stuffed shells to cool slightly before stuffing to avoid breaking.
- You can substitute fresh herbs or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for added flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream but expect a less rich sauce.
- Prepare the dish ahead and refrigerate before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American