Seafood Stuffed Shells

If you’re looking for a comforting, restaurant-quality seafood pasta dish that’s easy to make at home, these Seafood Stuffed Shells are a dream come true. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a creamy blend of shrimp, crab, and cheese, then baked in a luscious white sauce until bubbly and golden. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Elegant Yet Easy – Impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Loaded with Flavor – A creamy filling packed with seafood and herbs.
Perfectly Baked – Golden, bubbling shells straight from the oven.
Great for Make-Ahead – Prepare in advance and bake when ready.
Comfort Food Upgrade – A luxurious twist on traditional stuffed shells.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Shells:
20 jumbo pasta shells
1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)

For the Seafood Filling:
1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
1 cup lump crab meat (real or imitation)
1 cup ricotta cheese
½ cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Creamy Sauce:
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (whole preferred)
½ cup heavy cream
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp nutmeg
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Topping:
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish

Tools You’ll Need
Large pot for boiling pasta
Large mixing bowl
Medium saucepan
9×13 inch baking dish
Whisk
Spoon or piping bag (for filling shells)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente (about 9–10 minutes).
Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
Set aside on a tray to cool and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Seafood Filling
In a large bowl, combine chopped shrimp, crab meat, ricotta, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg.
Add minced garlic, parsley, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
Slowly add milk and cream, whisking continuously until smooth.
Stir in garlic powder, salt, nutmeg, and Parmesan cheese.
Simmer for 5–7 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of the creamy sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
Stuff each cooked pasta shell with 1–2 tablespoons of seafood filling using a spoon or piping bag.
Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, open side up.
Pour the remaining creamy sauce evenly over the shells.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.
Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Tips for the Best Seafood Stuffed Shells
Use Fresh or Frozen Seafood – Thaw and drain well if using frozen shrimp or crab.
Don’t Overcook Pasta – Slightly undercook the shells so they hold their shape when baked.
Room-Temperature Filling – Let cheeses soften before mixing to make filling easier.
Make It Ahead – Assemble the dish and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Freeze for Later – Freeze unbaked shells in a covered dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake as instructed.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the extra creamy sauce.
Green Salad – A crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.
Roasted Vegetables – Try asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini for a healthy touch.
Sparkling Water with Lemon – Light and refreshing with a rich seafood pasta dish.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze stuffed shells in a covered baking dish or freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Microwave: Heat individual portions in 1-minute intervals, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use only shrimp or only crab?
   Yes! You can use just shrimp or just crab depending on your preference or availability.
2. What’s a good substitute for ricotta?
   Cottage cheese works well and offers a lighter texture.
3. Is this dish kid-friendly?
   Absolutely! The creamy cheese and mild seafood flavors are often a hit with kids.
4. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Use plant-based cream cheese, milk, and cheese alternatives. Keep in mind the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
5. How do I make it spicier?
   Increase the crushed red pepper or add a bit of hot sauce to the filling or sauce.

Final Thoughts
These Seafood Stuffed Shells are a comforting and indulgent meal that brings the flavors of the sea to your dinner table. Creamy, cheesy, and full of seafood goodness, this dish is sure to impress your family or dinner guests. Make it for holidays, date nights, or simply when you want something cozy and satisfying.

Try it, share your thoughts below, and don’t forget to snap a photo and tag us—we’d love to see your delicious creation!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 460 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 26g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 720mg

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