Seafood Stuffed Shells

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

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain and rinse the shells with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Seafood

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Remove from heat and mix in the lump crab meat. Let cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
  2. Stir in the beaten egg, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Fold in the cooked shrimp and crab mixture until well combined.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a greased baking dish.
  3. 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

  1. Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.
  2. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake

  1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  3. 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.
Print
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Seafood Stuffed Shells

Seafood Stuffed Shells


  • Author: Freya Allen
  • 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

Scale
  • 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

  1. Cook pasta shells al dente and set aside.
  2. Sauté shrimp with garlic, then mix with crab.
  3. Combine seafood with ricotta, cream cheese, and seasonings.
  4. Fill each shell with the seafood-cheese mixture.
  5. Arrange in a baking dish with Alfredo sauce.
  6. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
  7. 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!

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