Description
Plump jumbo pasta shells brimming with garlicky shrimp, a trio of cheeses, and your choice of velvety marinara or Alfredo sauce. Baked to golden, bubbly perfection, this dish combines elegance and comfort in every bite—perfect for a family dinner or an impressive dinner party centerpiece.
Ingredients
1. Jumbo pasta shells (16–20 pieces)
2. 2 tablespoons olive oil
3. 4 cloves garlic, minced
4. 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, and diced
5. 8 oz garlic cream cheese, softened
6. 4 oz regular cream cheese, softened
7. 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
8. ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
9. 2 cups marinara or Alfredo sauce
10. Salt and pepper to taste
11. 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
12. Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
13. Optional: ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
Instructions
1. Prep the Pasta
Boil jumbo shells in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
2. Sauté the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (30 seconds). Toss in the diced shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until opaque (2–3 minutes). Set aside to cool.
3. Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine garlic cream cheese, regular cream cheese, mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Gently fold in the shrimp mixture.
4. Stuff the Shells
Fill each pasta shell with the shrimp-cheese mixture. Use a spoon or piping bag for precision.
5. Assemble the Dish
Spread a thin layer of sauce in a baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells seam-side up. Top with the remaining sauce, sprinkle with the rest of the Parmesan, and panko breadcrumbs if desired.
6. Bake to Perfection
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly. For extra crunch, broil for 2 minutes.
7. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot. Pair with garlic bread and a crisp salad for the ultimate feast.
Notes
– For a seafood twist, add diced crab or lobster to the filling.
– Want to go vegetarian? Replace shrimp with sautéed spinach or mushrooms.
– Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake straight from the fridge, adding 5–10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American