Are you tired of the same old pasta dishes? Looking for a way to elevate your seafood game? We have just the recipe for you! Dive into the world of flavors with our mouthwatering seafood stuffed shells. This delightful twist on traditional Italian-American baked pasta dishes will leave you craving for more. But what makes this dish truly special? Let’s uncover the secrets behind this irresistible recipe.
When it comes to seafood, crab, shrimp, and scallops are kings of the ocean. Now imagine combining these delectable treasures with jumbo pasta shells, creating a glorious union of flavors. The filling for our seafood stuffed shells is a heavenly mixture of succulent crab meat, diced poached shrimp, and tender diced scallops. Seasoned with Dijon mustard, mayo, Old Bay seasoning, minced shallot, and fresh parsley, this filling is bursting with rich and savory goodness.
But that’s not all! Our seafood stuffed shells are baked to perfection in a creamy béchamel sauce that adds a luscious touch to every bite. And to top it all off, we sprinkle crispy panko breadcrumbs over the shells, creating a tantalizing crunch that perfectly complements the creamy filling.
With each bite, you’ll experience the harmonious blend of flavors, the delicate sweetness of the seafood balanced by the richness of the sauce. Our seafood stuffed shells recipe is a true celebration of the ocean’s finest ingredients.
So, are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Stay with us as we guide you through the process of creating this mouthwatering dish. From selecting the freshest seafood to mastering the art of baking, we’ll share all the tips and tricks you need to make the perfect seafood stuffed shells.
How to Make Seafood Stuffed Shells
To make seafood stuffed shells, start by cooking the jumbo pasta shells until slightly undercooked to ensure they stay al dente during baking. Then, prepare the filling by combining crab meat, diced poached shrimp, and diced scallops with Dijon mustard, mayo, Old Bay seasoning, minced shallot, and parsley. Spoon the filling into the par-cooked shells.
The sauce for the dish is a simple béchamel made with butter, flour, milk, and a bay leaf. Ladle some of the sauce into a baking dish, arrange the stuffed shells on top, and spoon the remaining sauce over them.
Finish by sprinkling panko breadcrumbs tossed in melted butter and salt on top. Bake until the shells are heated through and the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy.
This seafood stuffed shells recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, combining the flavors of crab, shrimp, and scallops in a creamy and delicious dish. The stuffed shells are filled with a rich mixture of seafood and seasoning, then baked in a luscious béchamel sauce. The panko breadcrumbs add a satisfying crunch to every bite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting and indulgent meal, these crab shrimp scallops stuffed shells are sure to impress.
Tips for Making the Perfect Seafood Stuffed Shells
When it comes to creating a truly irresistible seafood stuffed shells recipe, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. These pointers will help you achieve perfectly cooked shells bursting with the flavors of crab, shrimp, and scallops.
First and foremost, it’s important to slightly undercook the pasta shells during boiling. This ensures that they maintain their al dente texture even after baking with the filling and sauce. Mushy shells can detract from the overall enjoyment of the dish, so be sure to follow this step carefully.
Another tip is not to worry if the béchamel sauce appears loose when you first combine it with the stuffed shells. As the dish bakes, the sauce will thicken up, creating a creamy and velvety texture that beautifully coats the seafood and pasta.
Poaching the shrimp directly in the pot of pasta water is a clever trick that not only saves time but also simplifies the clean-up process. By cooking the shrimp in the same water used to boil the pasta, you infuse them with subtle flavors that add depth to the overall dish.
Lastly, don’t forget to sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the top of the seafood stuffed shells. These breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch and texture to each bite. To achieve the perfect golden-brown finish, toss the breadcrumbs with melted butter and a pinch of salt before sprinkling them over the shells.
By following these expert tips, you’ll be able to create a seafood stuffed shells recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends. With the flavors of succulent crab, shrimp, and scallops combined with a creamy béchamel sauce, these shells are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.