Description
Delight in our flavorful shrimp stuffed shells recipe! Learn how to create a delicious seafood dish that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- – 20 uncooked jumbo pasta shells (about 227g)
- – 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil (22ml)
- – 2 large shallots, chopped
- – 4 cloves garlic, minced
- – 4 ounces (113 g) alternative cream cheese
- – 1/2 cup reduced-fat milk (120ml)
- – 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) red pepper flakes
- – 1/3 cup (80 ml) chopped fresh basil
- – 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, and coarsely chopped (454g)
- – 1 tablespoon (15 ml) cornstarch
- – cooking spray
- – 3 cups marinara sauce, store-bought or homemade (720ml)
- – 1/3 cup (80 ml) grated fresh alternative cheese
Instructions
- Set your oven to preheat at 400°F (200°C).
- Fill a large pot with salted water, bring it to a boil, and cook the pasta shells for about 7 minutes or until nearly al dente. Thoroughly drain the shells.
- Warm the olive oil in a medium-sized skillet over a medium flame. Add the chopped shallots and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring from time to time. Incorporate the minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute while stirring continuously. Mix in the cream cheese, reduced-fat milk, and red pepper flakes, cooking and stirring until the cheese melts and the concoction becomes smooth. Take the skillet off the heat and stir the chopped basil into the mixture.
- In a large bowl, toss the chopped shrimp with cornstarch until they are evenly coated. Combine the shrimp with the creamy cheese mixture, ensuring everything is well-mixed.
- Evenly fill each pasta shell with the shrimp mixture. Lightly spray a 13×9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish with cooking spray. Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce across the base of the dish. Arrange the filled shells over the marinara sauce and cover them with the remaining 2 cups of marinara. Sprinkle the top with the grated alternative cheese.
- Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the shrimp is thoroughly cooked.
Notes
- Consider using a blend of different cheeses, like alternative cream cheese and grated alternative cheese, for a richer flavor in the filling.
- Add chopped jalapenos or a dash of cayenne pepper to the shrimp mixture for a bit of heat before filling the pasta shells.
- Experiment with oregano, thyme, or smoked paprika in the creamy cheese mixture to customize the flavor, and top with breadcrumbs mixed with grated alternative cheese for a crispy finish.
