Ingredients
Scale
Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this dish a family favorite. Remember, flexibility is key, so feel free to make substitutions where needed.
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup cooked crab meat, shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Substitution suggestions: If crab meat is hard to find, consider using canned or imitation crab. For a lighter option, you can substitute half of the ricotta with cottage cheese.
Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to create a dish that’s sure to become a family classic.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the chopped shrimp and crab meat to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix in the seafood mixture.
- Fill each pasta shell with the seafood mixture and place them in a baking dish.
- Pour the heavy cream evenly over the shells and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tip from Emma: Don’t be afraid to add your own twist—maybe a touch of spice or a different cheese blend. Cooking is all about creating your own story!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International