Pioneer Woman Shrimp Stuffed Shells Recipe

This Pioneer Woman Shrimp Stuffed Shells Recipe is a creamy and cheesy recipe, which is made with tender shrimp and a basil-infused cream cheese sauce. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, ready in about 50 minutes.

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Pioneer Woman Shrimp Stuffed Shells Recipe Ingredients

• 18 uncooked jumbo pasta shells (about 8 oz)
• 1 ½ Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ cup chopped shallots
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup (4 oz) ⅓-less-fat cream cheese
• ¼ cup 2% reduced-fat milk
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper
• ⅓ cup chopped fresh basil
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and coarsely chopped
• 1 Tbsp potato starch
• Cooking spray
• 3 cups lower-sodium marinara sauce, divided
• ⅓ cup (1½ oz) grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

How To Make Pioneer Woman Shrimp Stuffed Shells

1. Cook the Pasta Shells: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook for about 7 minutes, until they are almost firm but still have a noticeable bite (al dente). Drain the shells well and set them aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4 minutes until they have softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
3. Create the Cream Sauce: Add the cream cheese, milk, and crushed red pepper to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil.
4. Prepare the Shrimp Filling: In a medium bowl, toss the coarsely chopped shrimp with the potato starch until evenly coated. Pour the warm cream cheese mixture over the shrimp and toss well to combine.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread 1 cup of the marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the dish. Carefully spoon the shrimp mixture into each of the cooked pasta shells.
6. Arrange and Top: Arrange the filled shells in a single layer in the baking dish. Pour the remaining 2 cups of marinara sauce over the top of the shells. Sprinkle the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese evenly over the sauce.
7. Bake and Serve: Bake for 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the shrimp is cooked through and opaque. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving hot.

Recipe Tips

• How to prevent mushy pasta shells? The key is to undercook the pasta shells slightly during the boiling step. They will continue to cook in the oven, so pulling them when they are al dente ensures they have the perfect texture after baking.
• How do I get a smooth cream cheese filling? For the smoothest sauce, make sure your cream cheese is softened. Add it to the warm skillet and stir in the milk gradually. Constant stirring will help it melt evenly without any clumps.
• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking it from cold.
• How do I know when the shrimp is cooked? The shrimp in the filling will turn from translucent to a pink and opaque color when they are fully cooked.

What To Serve With Shrimp Stuffed Shells

This hearty pasta dish is a wonderful meal on its own, but it also pairs perfectly with:

• Warm, crusty garlic bread for soaking up the sauce.
• A simple Caesar salad or a mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Steamed or roasted asparagus or broccoli.
• A glass of crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

How To Store Shrimp Stuffed Shells

Store: Cover the baking dish with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat: For best results, reheat the stuffed shells in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Shrimp Stuffed Shells Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 317 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugar: 8g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Coconut Shrimp Salad Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Shrimp Dip Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Seafood Casserole Recipe