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Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells for a Luxurious Dinner Treat

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are a luxurious and comforting dish, perfect for special occasions or a delightful dinner treat.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 shells
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Shells
  • 12 pieces Large Pasta Shells Substitution Note: If unavailable, manicotti or cannelloni may be used with slight adjustment to baking time.
For the Filling
  • 1 cup Prawns Substitution Note: Frozen or fresh prawns can be used; ensure they are thawed and dried.
  • 1 cup Crab Meat Consider using scallops or lobster for a twist in flavor.
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese
  • 3 cloves Garlic Feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 cups Milk Crucial for achieving the right consistency.
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Adds sharpness and indulgent creaminess to the sauce.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • medium saucepan
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by cooking the large pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water for about 9 minutes, just until al dente. Drain and rinse them under cool water to stop the cooking process, preventing them from becoming too soft. Arrange the shells on a clean kitchen towel, ensuring they do not stick together.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt a tablespoon of butter and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Add the prawns and crab meat, cooking until the prawns turn pink and opaque, roughly 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cream cheese, mixing until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste, then set the filling aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of flour, whisking constantly for about 2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk, whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, roughly 5 minutes. Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
  4. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C Fan). Spoon a portion of the creamy cheese sauce into the bottom of a greased baking dish. Carefully fill each pasta shell with the seafood mixture using a spoon, placing them in the dish seam-side up. Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the top.
  5. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and heated through. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the top to become beautifully golden.
  6. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Dish out the creamy seafood stuffed shells, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1shellCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Feel free to mix different seafood proteins and assemble the dish a day ahead to save time.

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