Irresistible Shrimp Scampi Stuffed Shells Recipe to Savor

Imagine this: a tantalizing aroma wafting through your kitchen, the scent of garlic and butter mingling with plump shrimp nestled in savory goodness. That’s the magic of Shrimp Scampi Stuffed Shells, a dish that promises to elevate any weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience. With each bite, your taste buds will dance, celebrating the delightful marriage of creamy cheeses and fresh herbs.

Now picture yourself at a family gathering, where laughter fills the air and plates are overflowing with deliciousness. Everyone’s eyes light up when you unveil your Shrimp Scampi Stuffed Shells masterpiece. This dish isn’t just food; it’s an invitation to share moments and create memories around the table. Get ready for an explosion of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds!

The first time I made these shells, my friends declared me a culinary genius—little did they know it was just an easy recipe!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Large Pasta Shells: Opt for jumbo shells; their size is perfect for stuffing and holding all those tasty ingredients.

• Fresh Shrimp: Use peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience; they cook quickly and add a delightful seafood flavor.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring out the best flavor; avoid pre-minced varieties for optimal taste.

• Butter: A good quality unsalted butter enhances richness without overpowering other flavors; it’s essential for sautéing.

• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds brightness and color; chop finely to distribute throughout the filling evenly.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta provides a luscious texture; choose whole milk ricotta for extra creaminess.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan gives that irresistible umami kick; it melts beautifully into the sauce.

• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the entire dish; always go for fresh over bottled!

• Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs like basil and oregano rounds out the flavor profile beautifully; use dried or fresh as you prefer.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Shrimp Scampi Stuffed Shells

Cook the Pasta Shells: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain carefully and set aside on parchment paper to cool.

Sauté Shrimp and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Add minced garlic and fresh shrimp, cooking until shrimp turns pink and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, lemon juice, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, half of the parmesan cheese, and seasoned shrimp. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Stuff the Shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each pasta shell with the cheesy shrimp mixture until heaping full.

Create the Sauce: In the same skillet used for sautéing shrimp, add more butter if needed along with remaining garlic. Sauté briefly before adding cream and rest of parmesan cheese until melted. Adjust seasoning as desired.

Bake the Dish: Spread half of the sauce on the bottom of a baking dish before placing stuffed shells on top. Pour remaining sauce over shells then cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes until heated through.

Enjoy your flavorful creation while basking in compliments from family or friends!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta shells until al dente. While they cool, sauté garlic and shrimp, then mix with ricotta and herbs before stuffing the shells. This sequence ensures everything is perfectly cooked and full of flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out shrimp for crab or even veggies for a vegetarian version. Adding some crushed red pepper can spice things up, while fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, cover with foil to maintain moisture and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes.

Creating these scrumptious stuffed shells reminds me of family gatherings where everyone eagerly awaited dinner. The smiles on their faces when they took that first bite made all my efforts worth it.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Scampi Stuffed Shells?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

Cream cheese or cottage cheese works well if you want a different texture.

How do I know when my stuffed shells are done baking?

They should be bubbly and golden on top after about 25-30 minutes in the oven.

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📖 Recipe Card

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Shrimp Scampi Stuffed Shells

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6 (12 stuffed shells) 1x

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Description

Shrimp Scampi Stuffed Shells are a delightful fusion of creamy ricotta, succulent shrimp, and aromatic garlic butter, all enveloped in tender pasta shells. This gourmet dish transforms any ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast that will impress family and friends alike. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, it’s perfect for both special occasions and cozy weeknights.

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Ingredients

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• 12 large pasta shells
• 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta shells in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain and cool on parchment paper.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and shrimp, cooking until shrimp turn pink (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, lemon juice, parsley, half of the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and cooked shrimp until combined.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Stuff each shell with the shrimp mixture.
5. In the same skillet, add more butter if needed and sauté remaining garlic briefly before adding cream and rest of Parmesan until melted. Adjust seasoning.
6. Spread half of the sauce in a baking dish, layer stuffed shells on top, pour remaining sauce over them, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (200g)
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 175mg