Clams Casino Stuffed Pasta Shells: A Decadent Seafood Delight

Clams Casino is a beloved appetizer, known for its briny clams, crispy bacon, and buttery breadcrumbs. Imagine taking all those incredible flavors and stuffing them into jumbo pasta shells, creating a truly unforgettable and satisfying meal. This Clams Casino Stuffed Pasta Shells recipe is a creative twist on a classic, perfect for impressing guests or simply indulging in a special weeknight dinner. It combines the comforting nature of pasta with the sophisticated taste of Clams Casino, resulting in a dish that is both elegant and hearty. Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more!

## Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works so well because it takes the core elements of Clams Casino – the clams, bacon, breadcrumbs, and seasonings – and reinterprets them in a pasta format. The jumbo shells act as individual vessels for the flavorful filling, ensuring that each bite is packed with deliciousness. Baking the shells in a creamy sauce helps to meld the flavors together and create a moist and tender dish. The combination of textures, from the chewy pasta to the crispy bacon and breadcrumbs, adds another layer of enjoyment.

Moreover, using canned clams makes this recipe surprisingly easy to prepare. While fresh clams are certainly an option, canned clams offer convenience and consistency. Just be sure to drain them well to avoid a watery filling.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a detailed list of ingredients you will need to make this mouthwatering Clams Casino Stuffed Pasta Shells:

* **Jumbo Pasta Shells:** 1 box (about 24-30 shells). Choose a high-quality brand that holds its shape well when cooked.
* **Canned Clams:** 2 (6.5 ounce) cans, drained well. Make sure to check for any shell fragments.
* **Bacon:** 8 slices, cooked until crispy and crumbled. Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, finely chopped. Yellow or white onion works well.
* **Green Bell Pepper:** 1/2, finely chopped. Adds a touch of sweetness and color.
* **Red Bell Pepper:** 1/2, finely chopped. Adds visual appeal and a slightly different flavor than green bell pepper.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Essential for that classic Clams Casino flavor.
* **Breadcrumbs:** 1 cup, preferably Panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness. Italian seasoned or plain breadcrumbs will work.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup, grated. Adds a salty and nutty flavor.
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons, divided. Used for sautéing the vegetables and creating the sauce.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 2 tablespoons. To thicken the sauce.
* **Milk:** 2 cups. Used as the liquid base for the sauce.
* **Dry White Wine:** 1/4 cup (optional). Adds depth of flavor to the sauce. Chicken broth can be substituted.
* **Fresh Parsley:** 1/4 cup, chopped. Adds freshness and color.
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon. Brightens the flavors.
* **Hot Sauce:** A few dashes, to taste (optional). Adds a touch of heat.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Season generously.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon. For cooking the pasta.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large pot for boiling pasta
* Large skillet
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Mixing bowls
* Cheese grater
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Colander

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create your own delicious Clams Casino Stuffed Pasta Shells:

**1. Cook the Pasta:**

* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the olive oil to prevent sticking.
* Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package directions, but cook them al dente – slightly firm to the bite. This will prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
* Drain the pasta shells in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

**2. Prepare the Filling:**

* In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
* Add the drained canned clams to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool slightly.
* In a large mixing bowl, combine the clam mixture, crumbled bacon, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, lemon juice, and hot sauce (if using).
* Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

**3. Make the Sauce:**

* In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
* Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
* Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
* Add the dry white wine (if using) and continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth and thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
* Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasonings as necessary.

**4. Stuff the Pasta Shells:**

* Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Lightly grease the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
* Spoon a generous amount of the clam filling into each cooked pasta shell.
* Arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish, side by side.

**5. Bake the Stuffed Shells:**

* Pour the sauce evenly over the stuffed pasta shells in the baking dish, ensuring that all shells are coated.
* Sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs over the top for added flavor and texture.
* Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
* Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

**6. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
* Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
* Serve the Clams Casino Stuffed Pasta Shells hot and enjoy!

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t overcook the pasta:** Cooking the pasta al dente is crucial to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking. Aim for slightly firm shells that will hold their shape well.
* **Drain the clams thoroughly:** Excess moisture from the canned clams can make the filling watery. Drain them well to ensure a flavorful and well-textured filling.
* **Crisp the bacon:** Crispy bacon adds a wonderful crunch and smoky flavor to the filling. Cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy before crumbling it.
* **Don’t skip the breadcrumbs:** The breadcrumbs add texture and help to bind the filling together. Use Panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
* **Taste and adjust seasonings:** Before stuffing the shells, taste the filling and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, hot sauce, or lemon juice to suit your taste.
* **Use fresh parsley:** Fresh parsley adds brightness and a pop of color to the dish. Don’t skip this step!
* **Cover with foil:** Covering the baking dish with foil during the first 20 minutes of baking helps to prevent the pasta shells from drying out. Removing the foil for the last 10-15 minutes allows the top to brown and the sauce to bubble.
* **Let it rest:** Allowing the baked dish to rest for a few minutes before serving allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Fresh Clams:** If you prefer, you can use fresh clams instead of canned clams. Steam the clams until they open, remove the meat, and chop it before adding it to the filling. Be sure to thoroughly clean the clams before steaming.
* **Seafood Medley:** Add other seafood to the filling, such as shrimp, crabmeat, or scallops. Cook the seafood before adding it to the filling.
* **Spicy Kick:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling for a spicier kick.
* **Cheese Variety:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or Asiago.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Substitute the clams with finely chopped mushrooms and add vegetable broth to the sauce instead of white wine. Use vegetarian bacon bits for a vegetarian version.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free pasta shells and gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
* **Herb Variations:** Add other herbs to the filling, such as oregano, thyme, or basil. Fresh herbs will provide the best flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

Clams Casino Stuffed Pasta Shells is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to enhance the dining experience:

* **Side Salad:** Serve with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
* **Garlic Bread:** Warm garlic bread is a perfect accompaniment for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Serve with steamed asparagus, broccoli, or green beans for a healthy side dish.
* **Crusty Bread:** Offer a crusty loaf of bread for dipping into the sauce.
* **Lemon Wedges:** Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the pasta to brighten the flavors.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This dish can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining or busy weeknights.

* **Assemble Ahead:** You can stuff the pasta shells and arrange them in the baking dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
* **Sauce Ahead:** The sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Baking:** When ready to bake, bring the dish to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed in the recipe. If the sauce has thickened too much during refrigeration, add a splash of milk to thin it out.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Leftover Clams Casino Stuffed Pasta Shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals until warmed. Add a splash of milk or water to the sauce if it has thickened too much during storage.
* **Freeze:** While freezing is not recommended due to the potential for changes in texture, you can freeze leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 550-650 per serving
* Fat: 30-40g
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g
* Cholesterol: 150-200mg
* Sodium: 800-1000mg
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
* Fiber: 3-5g
* Protein: 25-30g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion

This Clams Casino Stuffed Pasta Shells recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a sophisticated and flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. The combination of briny clams, crispy bacon, and buttery breadcrumbs, all nestled within jumbo pasta shells and bathed in a creamy sauce, is simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a special occasion meal or a unique weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to experience the deliciousness of Clams Casino in a whole new way! Enjoy!