Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup cooked crab meat
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Feel free to substitute the seafood with your favorites; scallops or even smoked salmon can add a unique twist. When I’m feeling nostalgic, I sometimes add a hint of chili flakes, a nod to the spicy aromas that often wafted through our family kitchen.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the cooked shrimp and crab meat to the skillet, and season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, and the seafood mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the seafood and cheese mixture, and place them snugly in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour heavy cream over the shells, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
This recipe brings back memories of cooking with my abuela, where following your senses often led to the best results. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your palate!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International