Lobster-Stuffed Shells in Creamy Garlic Sauce is a rich and indulgent dish that brings the flavors of the sea straight to your dining table. This decadent meal features tender jumbo pasta shells generously filled with succulent lobster meat and creamy cheese, all enveloped in a silky garlic sauce. Perfect for special occasions or a comforting family dinner, these stuffed shells provide a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that are sure to impress. Not only do they taste divine, but they also offer nutritional benefits from the high-quality ingredients used, making them a delicious and satisfying choice for any meal.
Why make this Lobster-Stuffed Shells in Creamy Garlic Sauce recipe
- Protein-rich: Packed with tender lobster and cheese, this dish is a great source of protein.
- Quick prep: You can have these delicious lobster-stuffed shells ready in under an hour.
- Meal-prep friendly: Make a bigger batch to have leftovers that can be easily reheated.
- Kid-approved: The creamy sauce and cheesy filling are irresistible to both children and adults.
- Gourmet flair at home: Impress your guests with a restaurant-quality meal that doesn’t require professional chef skills.
"This Lobster-Stuffed Shells in Creamy Garlic Sauce recipe is a game-changer for dinner parties! Everyone loved it!" – A happy customer.
How to make Lobster-Stuffed Shells in Creamy Garlic Sauce
Making Lobster-Stuffed Shells in Creamy Garlic Sauce is a straightforward process that allows you to create a gourmet dish at home. You’ll need basic kitchen tools like a pot for boiling, a skillet for sautéing, and a baking dish for the oven. Your family will love this rich and flavorful meal, and for more recipe ideas, check out our Healthy Meal Prep for Weight Loss guide!
Ingredients
- 18 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 1⁄2 cups cooked lobster meat (chopped)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
This Lobster-Stuffed Shells in Creamy Garlic Sauce recipe can be easily adapted with various substitutions to suit your preferences. For example, if you don’t have lobster, crab meat or shrimp would also work well. You could also opt for a lighter cheese or use a lower-fat cream if you’re watching your calorie intake.
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- In a bowl, combine cooked lobster meat, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and season with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the cooked pasta shells with the lobster mixture.
- In the skillet, add heavy cream and stir to combine with the garlic. Allow to simmer for a few minutes, then pour the sauce into a baking dish.
- Place the stuffed shells on top of the sauce, then garnish with additional mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
For more delicious pasta options, like our Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta, check out our recipes!
How to serve Lobster-Stuffed Shells in Creamy Garlic Sauce
Serve these delightful Lobster-Stuffed Shells in Creamy Garlic Sauce piping hot, garnished with fresh parsley for added color and flavor. Pair them with a side salad or garlic bread to complete your meal. You can also serve a crisp white wine or sparkling water to balance the richness of the dish. This dish not only satisfies the taste buds but also becomes a beautiful centerpiece on your dinner table.
How to store
To store leftovers, let the Lobster-Stuffed Shells in Creamy Garlic Sauce cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave for convenience.
For safe storage timing, see USDA FoodData Central.
Tips to make
- Ensure the pasta shells are fully cooked al dente to hold their shape when stuffing.
- Let the filled shells sit in the creamy garlic sauce for a few minutes before baking for better flavor absorption.
- If you have extra lobster filling, consider serving it on the side or using it in an omelet the next day.
Variations
- Substitute the lobster with crab meat, shrimp, or even a vegetable filling for a more plant-based option.
- Use a different cheese blend, such as using a sharp cheddar or a creamy goat cheese for added flavor.
- For a spicy kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the filling or the sauce.
FAQs
Can I make Lobster-Stuffed Shells in Creamy Garlic Sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Just assemble everything, cover tightly, and bake when you’re ready!
Is this recipe suitable for special diets?
While the traditional recipe is not vegan or gluten-free, you can substitute ingredients to suit dietary restrictions. Use gluten-free pasta and a plant-based cream alternative to make it gluten-free.
What can I serve with Lobster-Stuffed Shells in Creamy Garlic Sauce?
Pair this dish with a crisp side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
After enjoying your culinary creation, don’t forget to check out more healthy insights at Healthline’s nutrition section.
Lobster-Stuffed Shells in Creamy Garlic Sauce is a delightful way to bring a taste of luxury to your home cooking. Whether for a special occasion or just because, this recipe will not disappoint. We would love to hear your thoughts or any variations you try—please comment below or share your experience!
Lobster-Stuffed Shells in Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
For the stuffed shells
- 18 pieces jumbo pasta shells
- 1.5 cups cooked lobster meat (chopped)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- to taste Salt and pepper
- as needed Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cooking
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- In a bowl, combine cooked lobster meat, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and season with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the cooked pasta shells with the lobster mixture.
- In the skillet, add heavy cream and stir to combine with the garlic. Allow to simmer for a few minutes, then pour the sauce into a baking dish.
- Place the stuffed shells on top of the sauce, then garnish with additional mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.