There’s something truly special about a comforting dish that warms your heart and fills your belly. Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Stuffed Shells remind me of cozy family dinners where everyone gathers around the table, sharing stories and laughter. The best part? This recipe is not only delicious but also super easy to whip up!
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Stuffed Shells 🦐🧀
- Fast
- Easy
- Giftable
- Crowd-pleasing
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells: These are the perfect vessel for our cheesy goodness.
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh shrimp add a delightful flavor and texture.
- 2 cups ricotta cheese: Creamy and rich, this is the heart of our stuffing.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey effect.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that’s irresistible.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Because everything is better with garlic!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing and adding richness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A lovely herbal note that complements the shrimp.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A little kick never hurt!
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Freshness and color to brighten up the dish.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: This ties everything together with its rich flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Stuffed Shells 🦐🧀
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for that perfect bubbly cheese.
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Don’t worry if they stick a bit; we’ll be stuffing them soon!
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Once done, remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Stir in the cooked shrimp. This mixture is going to be your flavor bomb!
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. This not only adds flavor but also prevents the shells from sticking.
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the shrimp and cheese mixture and place them in the baking dish snugly.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Go ahead and be generous with that cheese!
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. This is the hardest part, but trust me, it’s worth it!
Substitutions & Additions
- You can swap shrimp for cooked chicken or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese works too, although the texture will be slightly different.
- Add spinach to the cheese mixture for a pop of color and extra nutrients.
Tips for Success
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.
- If the shells are sticking together, a little drizzle of olive oil can help.
- You can prepare the filling ahead of time and refrigerate it for a day to save time on busy nights.
How to Store Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Stuffed Shells 🦐🧀
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them before baking. Just make sure to cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding a bit more time to the cooking process.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
- Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe? Yes! Simply swap the shrimp for your favorite veggies or mushrooms.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble it a day in advance and bake it when you are ready to serve.
If you enjoyed this recipe and want to see more delicious ideas, be sure to follow me on Pinterest!
Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Stuffed Shells
There’s something truly special about a comforting dish that warms your heart and fills your belly. Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Stuffed Shells remind me of cozy family dinners where everyone gathers around the table, sharing stories and laughter. The best part? This recipe is not only delicious but also super easy to whip up!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for that perfect bubbly cheese.
- Step 2: Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant.
- Step 4: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Once done, remove from heat.
- Step 5: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Stir in the cooked shrimp.
- Step 6: Spread a layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Step 7: Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the shrimp and cheese mixture and place them in the baking dish snugly.
- Step 8: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Step 9: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Step 10: Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them before baking.