Seafood Stuffed Shells

Name: Seafood Stuffed Shells
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: Pasta & 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; 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 & Topping:; 1½ cups Alfredo sauce; ½ cup shredded mozzarella (for topping); ¼ cup grated Parmesan (for topping)

Isabella

🌟Life, Love, and Gastronomy 🍷

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with seafood goodness, these Seafood Stuffed Shells are a decadent and comforting meal. Whether for a special occasion or just a cozy weeknight treat, this dish delivers rich flavors with shrimp, crab, and a creamy Alfredo topping.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how these seafood stuffed shells bring together the best of Italian and seafood flavors in one dish. The creamy ricotta and cream cheese filling complement the tender shrimp and crab, while the Alfredo sauce and melted cheese create a luxurious, comforting finish. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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

1 cup ricotta cheese

½ cup cream cheese, softened

½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 egg, beaten

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1 tsp Old Bay seasoning

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

1½ cups Alfredo sauce

½ cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)

¼ cup grated Parmesan (for topping)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with olive oil.

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the garlic for 1 minute. Add the chopped shrimp and cook until pink, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, beaten egg, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

Fold in the cooked shrimp and lump crab meat until evenly distributed.

Fill each cooked pasta shell with the seafood mixture and arrange them in the prepared baking dish.

Pour Alfredo sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, then sprinkle with additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories per serving: 420 kcal

Variations

Lobster Upgrade: Swap the shrimp for cooked lobster meat for a luxurious twist.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the seafood mixture for some heat.

Tomato-Based: Use a marinara or vodka sauce instead of Alfredo for a tangier version.

Extra Cheesy: Mix in a bit of Gouda or Fontina for an even richer filling.

Vegetable Boost: Add finely chopped spinach or mushrooms to the filling for extra texture and nutrients.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Place the stuffed shells in a freezer-safe dish before baking. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 40-45 minutes.

Reheating: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions for about 2 minutes.

Related Recipes:

Creamy Beef and Shells

FAQs

How do I prevent the shells from sticking together?

I like to toss the cooked pasta shells with a little olive oil after draining to keep them from sticking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! I prepare the stuffed shells a day in advance, cover them tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

What type of crab meat is best?

Lump crab meat is ideal for this recipe because it has a sweet, delicate flavor and firm texture that holds up well in the filling.

Can I use a different sauce?

Absolutely! Marinara, vodka sauce, or a garlic butter sauce would all work well if Alfredo isn’t your favorite.

What should I serve with seafood stuffed shells?

I love pairing this dish with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted asparagus for a complete meal.

Conclusion

These seafood stuffed shells are rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, making them a fantastic choice for any seafood lover. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. Give it a try, and enjoy a comforting, seafood-filled pasta dish that’s sure to impress.

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