Seafood Stuffed Shells – Creamy, Cheesy, and Packed with Flavor!
If you love seafood and cheesy pasta dishes, this Seafood Stuffed Shells recipe is the perfect meal for you! These jumbo pasta shells are stuffed with a flavorful combination of shrimp, crab, and a rich blend of cheeses, all smothered in creamy Alfredo sauce. Whether you’re preparing a special dinner or just craving a satisfying seafood dish, this recipe will impress your taste buds and your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy – A luscious filling made with ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella.
- Flavor-packed – The combination of shrimp, crab, and Old Bay seasoning brings incredible taste.
- Easy to make – Simple steps to create an elegant and restaurant-quality dish at home.
- Perfect for special occasions – A great choice for date nights, holiday dinners, or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Seafood
- 20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- ½ lb lump crab meat
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese Filling
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Sauce and Toppings
- 1½ cups Alfredo sauce
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Shells
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse the shells with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Seafood
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Remove from heat and mix in the lump crab meat. Let cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Stir in the beaten egg, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Fold in the cooked shrimp and crab mixture until well combined.
Step 4: Stuff the Shells
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- Fill each pasta shell with about 2 tablespoons of the seafood mixture and arrange them in the dish.
Step 5: Add the Sauce and Cheese
- Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish with fresh parsley – Adds a fresh touch and color contrast.
- Serve with garlic bread – Perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.
- Pair with a crisp white wine – A glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the seafood flavors.
- Add a side salad – A light Caesar or garden salad balances the richness of the dish.
Cooking Tips
- Use fresh seafood – Fresh shrimp and crab provide the best flavor.
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp – They should be just cooked before mixing into the filling.
- Make ahead option – Prepare and refrigerate the stuffed shells a day before baking.
- Try different cheeses – Add Gouda or Fontina for an extra cheesy twist.
Seafood Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
These creamy seafood stuffed shells are filled with shrimp, crab, and a rich cheese blend, then baked in a luscious Alfredo sauce. A perfect meal for seafood lovers!
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- ½ lb shrimp, peeled and chopped
- ½ lb lump crab meat
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta shells al dente and set aside.
- Sauté shrimp with garlic, then mix with crab.
- Combine seafood with ricotta, cream cheese, and seasonings.
- Fill each shell with the seafood-cheese mixture.
- Arrange in a baking dish with Alfredo sauce.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake until bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- Use fresh seafood for the best flavor.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid breaking.
- Make ahead and refrigerate overnight before baking.
- Freeze unbaked shells for up to 2 months.
- Serve with garlic bread and a crisp salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 stuffed shells
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
Keywords: seafood stuffed shells, shrimp and crab pasta, creamy seafood recipe, baked stuffed shells, seafood Alfredo pasta, cheesy pasta dish
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Can I substitute the crab?
If you don’t have crab meat, try using cooked lobster or imitation crab.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Can I freeze seafood stuffed shells?
Yes! Freeze the unbaked shells in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Final Thoughts
These Seafood Stuffed Shells are a creamy, indulgent dish that’s perfect for seafood lovers. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it out and let us know what you think!
What’s Your Favorite Seafood Dish?
Drop a comment below and share your favorite seafood recipes or any twists you’d add to this dish!