How to Make Italian-Style Seafood and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta

If you’re craving a delightful and satisfying dish, Italian-style seafood and ricotta stuffed pasta is a perfect choice. Bursting with flavors and textures, this recipe combines the freshness of seafood with the creamy richness of ricotta cheese. Follow this easy-to-make guide to learn how to prepare this gourmet dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients

To make Italian-style seafood and ricotta stuffed pasta, gather the following ingredients:

  • 300g of fresh pasta sheets (or store-bought stuffed pasta like cannelloni)
  • 200g of ricotta cheese
  • 150g of shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 150g of scallops, cleaned
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Parmesan cheese, for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Seafood Filling

Begin by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Next, add the shrimp and scallops. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the seafood is just cooked through. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked seafood, ricotta cheese, fresh parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. This savory filling will create a delicious burst of flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Assemble the Pasta

If you are using fresh pasta sheets, cut them into rectangles about 10x15 cm (4x6 inches). Place a generous tablespoon of the seafood and ricotta filling in the center of each rectangle. Fold the pasta over to create a pocket and seal the edges with your fingers or a fork, ensuring no filling escapes during cooking.

If using cannelloni, simply fill each tube with the mixture using a piping bag or teaspoon.

Step 3: Cook the Stuffed Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop the stuffed pasta into the boiling water and cook for approximately 3-5 minutes, until they float to the top and are tender. Fresh pasta cooks quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Once cooked, carefully remove the pasta with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

In the same skillet used for the seafood, add a bit more olive oil if needed and cook the remaining cherry tomatoes until softened. You can also add a splash of white wine for extra flavor. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes, then season with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

To serve, ladle the tomato sauce onto each plate, then arrange the seafood and ricotta stuffed pasta delicately on top. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and an extra dash of fresh parsley for garnish. Enjoy this exquisite dish with a side of crusty bread and a glass of white wine.

Conclusion

This Italian-style seafood and ricotta stuffed pasta is not only delicious but also an impressive dish that’s sure to wow family and friends. With its combination of fresh seafood, creamy ricotta, and vibrant sauce, it's a meal perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and bring a taste of Italy to your dining table!