Name: Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: Jumbo Shells:; 20–24 jumbo pasta shells, cooked and cooled; Seafood Filling:; 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped; 1 cup cooked crab meat (or imitation crab); 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; ¼ cup parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 2 green onions, chopped; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp lemon juice; Salt and pepper, to taste; Creamy Sauce:; 2 tbsp butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp flour; 2 cups half & half (or milk); ½ cup parmesan cheese; Salt, pepper, and a pinch of Old Bay seasoning or paprika; For Finishing:; Extra mozzarella or parmesan for topping; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Description

These Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are a decadent, restaurant-worthy dish you can make right at home. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a luxurious blend of shrimp, crab, ricotta, and mozzarella, then baked in a velvety cream sauce for a rich and comforting seafood dinner. Perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in, this easy seafood pasta recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Jumbo Shells:

20–24 jumbo pasta shells, cooked and cooled

Seafood Filling:

1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped

1 cup cooked crab meat (or imitation crab)

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

¼ cup parmesan cheese

1 egg

2 green onions, chopped

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tbsp lemon juice

Salt and pepper, to taste

Creamy Sauce:

2 tbsp butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp flour

2 cups half & half (or milk)

½ cup parmesan cheese

Salt, pepper, and a pinch of Old Bay seasoning or paprika

For Finishing:

Extra mozzarella or parmesan for topping

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare the Filling:
Mix shrimp, crab, ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, egg, green onions, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl until combined.
Make the Sauce:
Melt butter in a saucepan, add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in flour and cook for another minute. Slowly whisk in half & half until thickened. Add parmesan, salt, pepper, and Old Bay.
Stuff the Shells:
Carefully fill each cooled shell with the seafood mixture.
Assemble the Dish:
Pour some sauce into a baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells on top. Pour remaining sauce over shells.
Bake:
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and heated through.
Finish:
Top with extra cheese and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

Add scallops or lobster for an extra-luxurious version.

Use low-fat ricotta and milk for a lighter take.

Add spinach or artichokes to the filling for added flavor.

Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 24 hours or frozen before baking.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner, Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4–6 servings