Stuffed Pasta Shells with Seafood

This delightful dish features pasta shells filled with a savory seafood mixture, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal. The combination of tender mussels, shrimp, and a rich tomato sauce creates an explosion of flavors in every bite. Enhanced with aromatic vegetables like onions, garlic, and red pepper, this recipe offers a layered taste that is both fresh and comforting. Finished with soy sauce and spices, the stuffing is cooked to perfection, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors. Topped with melted cheese, the shells are baked to a golden brown, adding a touch of indulgence to the dish. Quick and easy to prepare, stuffed pasta shells are ideal for a weeknight dinner or a small gathering. Serve with a side of fresh salad and a glass of wine for a complete dining experience. Perfect for seafood lovers, this dish brings a taste of the ocean to your table. Bon appétit!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 10 pieces of conchiglie pasta shells
• 150 g seafood mix (mussels, shrimp)
• 100 g chopped tomatoes in own juice
• 1/5 onion
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1/2 red bell pepper

Spices and Sauces

• Soy sauce
• Sugar
• Oil
• Pepper
• Basil, other spices as desired
• Grated cheese

Preparation Time

30 minutes (includes both preparation and cooking time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Pasta Shells: Boil the pasta shells until they are half-cooked. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a frying pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent.

3. Add Garlic and Pepper: Stir in the minced garlic and the chopped red bell pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

4. Incorporate the Tomatoes: Pour in the chopped tomatoes along with their juice. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for 2 minutes.

5. Season the Sauce: Add a splash of soy sauce, a pinch of sugar, and your preferred amount of pepper and basil. Mix everything thoroughly to create a well-seasoned base.

6. Add the Seafood: Stir in the seafood mix, ensuring that the mussels and shrimp are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.

7. Cook the Filling: Allow the filling to heat through for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the seafood is cooked and flavorful.

8. Stuff the Pasta Shells: Take each pasta shell and carefully fill it with the warm seafood mixture using a spoon.

9. Prepare for Baking: Arrange the filled pasta shells in a baking dish in a single layer.

10. Add Cheese: Sprinkle grated cheese generously over the top of the shells.

11. Bake: Preheat your oven to 150°C (302°F). Bake the pasta shells for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

12. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, let the dish cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil if desired.

13. Enjoy with Sides: Serve your stuffed shells with a side of fresh vegetable salad and a glass of wine for an elevated dining experience.

Tips:

• Substitutions: Use gluten-free pasta shells for a gluten-free version.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• Cheese options: Substitute with mozzarella or parmesan for a different flavor.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
• Protein: 25g
• Fats: 14g
• Carbs: 45g

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace seafood with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
• Vegan: Swap cheese with a plant-based alternative, and use smoked tofu for the filling.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
• Complement with a glass of chilled white wine.

Best Places

• Osteria da Fortunata - Known for traditional pasta dishes. Location: Via del Pellegrino, Rome, Italy.
• La Vecchia Trattoria - Offers delicious baked pasta variations. Location: Calle Mayor, Madrid, Spain.
• Trattoria da Nennella - Famous for its seafood pasta. Location: Via Toledo, Naples, Italy.
• Ristorante Masuelli - A staple for hearty pasta dishes. Location: Viale Umbria, Milan, Italy.
• Spaghetteria Pastai - Specializes in innovative pasta recipes. Location: Via Ricasoli, Florence, Italy.
• Pasta e Basta - Known for creative pasta dishes served with live music. Location: Nieuwe Spiegelstraat, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
• La Pastaia - A culinary experience for pasta enthusiasts. Location: Rua da Mendaça, Lisbon, Portugal.
• Pasta Factory - Modern takes on classic pasta dishes. Location: Burgplatz, Düsseldorf, Germany.
• The Italian Bowl - Offers a wide selection of pasta styles. Location: King Street, Newtown, Australia.
• Little Italy - Renowned for its cozy atmosphere and authentic pasta. Location: Mulberry Street, New York, USA.