Heavenly Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe: A Coastal Delight

Creamy seafood stuffed shells bring a touch of coastal elegance to your dinner table.

Tender pasta pockets cradling a luxurious blend of succulent shrimp and delicate crab.

These shells burst with rich, oceanic flavors that dance across your palate.

Mediterranean herbs mingle with smooth ricotta, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Each shell promises a delightful surprise waiting to be savored.

The combination of fresh seafood and velvety cheese feels like a culinary embrace.

Impress your loved ones with this surprisingly simple yet sophisticated dish that transports you straight to the seaside.

Why Seafood Stuffed Shells Feel Like A Fancy Treat

• Savor Rich Seafood Flavors: Each shell bursts with succulent shrimp and delicate crab meat, creating a luxurious oceanic taste experience that elevates traditional pasta dishes.
• Creamy Cheese Comfort: The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses delivers a velvety, indulgent texture that hugs every seafood-filled shell with decadent smoothness.
• Craft a Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: This impressive recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner that looks and tastes like a gourmet restaurant creation, yet remains surprisingly easy to prepare for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Winner: From prep to plate, this seafood dish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families craving a delicious, sophisticated meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Seafood Stuffed Shells

• Shrimp, Crab Meat: Fresh seafood provides a delicate and rich flavor base for the dish. Wild-caught seafood offers the best taste and texture.
• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy cheeses that bind the filling together and add depth of flavor. Choose full-fat varieties for best results.

• Green Onions, Garlic, Parsley: Fresh herbs and aromatics that enhance the seafood's natural taste. Freshly chopped herbs provide the most vibrant flavor.
• Lemon Zest, Salt, Pepper: Bright citrus and classic seasonings that complement the seafood. Freshly ground black pepper works best.

• Butter, Flour, Milk: Classic ingredients for creating a smooth, creamy white sauce. Whole milk provides the richest texture.
• Nutmeg: Subtle spice that adds warmth to the sauce. Use freshly grated for the most intense flavor.
• Pasta Shells: Large shells perfect for stuffing with the seafood mixture. Cook al dente to prevent overcooking during baking.
• Extra Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese: Provides a golden, bubbly topping for the dish. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.

Steps To Make Seafood Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Craft Delicious Seafood Mixture

• Chopped shrimp
• Crab meat
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Green onions
• Minced garlic
• Fresh parsley
• Lemon zest
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend everything together until the mixture looks creamy and well-combined. The seafood should be evenly distributed throughout the cheese blend.

Step 2: Create Creamy White Sauce

In a medium saucepan, start melting butter over medium heat. Sprinkle flour into the melted butter and whisk energetically for one minute. Gradually pour milk while continuously whisking to prevent any lumpy surprises. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese, a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat once the sauce reaches a smooth, velvety consistency.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of white sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the seafood mixture, arranging them neatly in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce generously over the stuffed shells.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the top of the shells. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Bring the hot dish to the table and watch everyone’s eyes light up with anticipation. Serve immediately and savor the rich, oceanic flavors of your homemade seafood stuffed shells.

Tips For Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells

• Seafood Selection Matters: Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp and crab meat for the most flavorful and tender stuffed shells.
• Prevent Soggy Shells: Cook pasta shells al dente to maintain their structure and prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
• Sauce Smoothing Technique: Whisk milk gradually and continuously to create a silky-smooth sauce without any lumps.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make serving easier.
• Dietary Adaptation: Swap seafood with diced chicken or plant-based alternatives for different dietary preferences while maintaining the recipe's creamy essence.

How To Store Seafood Stuffed Shells The Easy Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftover seafood stuffed shells in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze: Carefully wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Place a label with the date to track storage time.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove shells from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave Option: Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Stop when the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Great Pairings With Seafood Stuffed Shells

• Amplify Seafood Flavors with Crisp White Wine: Pair this rich seafood dish with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which will cut through the creamy sauce and complement the delicate seafood flavors with their bright, citrusy notes.
• Create a Fresh Salad Sidekick: Serve alongside a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, which will provide a zesty counterpoint to the creamy shells and add a refreshing crunch to the meal.
• Elevate with Crusty Garlic Bread: Add warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce, creating a perfect textural contrast and enhancing the overall dining experience with its golden, crispy edges.
• Balance with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a simple roasted vegetable side with zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus, which will add color, nutrition, and a slightly charred flavor that complements the seafood's richness.

New Flavors For Seafood Stuffed Shells

• Mediterranean Ocean Mix: Swap shrimp and crab with calamari and white fish, add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and replace cream sauce with light tomato-based sauce infused with oregano.
• Spicy Cajun Style: Incorporate andouille sausage, cayenne pepper, and Cajun seasoning into seafood mixture. Use a spicier cream sauce with additional red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Low-Carb Ocean Option: Replace pasta shells with roasted zucchini boats, use lighter cheeses like cottage cheese, and add extra herbs like dill and chives for bright flavor profile.
• Creamy Nordic Approach: Include smoked salmon, dill, and cream cheese in filling. Top with a light bechamel sauce and garnish with fresh chives and cracked black pepper for Scandinavian-inspired presentation.

Seafood Stuffed Shells Questions Answered

• What makes this seafood stuffed shells recipe special?

This recipe combines the delicate flavors of shrimp and crab with creamy cheeses and a rich, homemade sauce. The blend of seafood and cheese creates a luxurious and indulgent dish that’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.

• Can I use different types of seafood in this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for shrimp and crab, you can experiment with other seafood like lobster, scallops, or a mix of your favorite seafood. Just ensure the seafood is fresh and properly cooked before mixing into the filling.

• Is this recipe considered difficult to make?

Not at all! While it might look impressive, the recipe is quite straightforward. The key is taking your time with the sauce and carefully stuffing the shells. Even home cooks with moderate experience can successfully create this delicious dish.

• How can I make sure the seafood doesn't become tough during baking?

The creamy cheese mixture and sauce help protect the seafood from overcooking. Be careful not to overcook the shells initially, and follow the baking times closely. This will help maintain the tender texture of the seafood.

Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy seafood stuffed shells blend Italian coastal charm with rich, oceanic flavors. Succulent shrimp and crab nestle in pasta pockets, promising a luxurious dining experience you’ll savor to the last delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Seafood Stuffed Shells

Main Seafood Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
• 1 cup lump crab meat

Cheese Ingredients:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Additional Ingredients:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

1. Craft a luxurious seafood filling by gently folding chopped shrimp, delicate crab meat, creamy ricotta, and sharp mozzarella together with finely minced green onions, aromatic garlic, fresh parsley, and bright lemon zest. Season with a delicate balance of salt and pepper, ensuring all ingredients are harmoniously integrated.
2. Create a velvety white sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour until a golden roux forms. Gradually stream in milk, continuously stirring to prevent any lumpy textures. Simmer until the sauce thickens elegantly, then enhance with grated Parmesan, a whisper of nutmeg, and refined seasoning. Remove from heat and let the sauce rest.
3. Preheat the oven to 375F and prepare a baking dish by spreading a thin, protective layer of sauce across the bottom. Meticulously fill each tender pasta shell with the prepared seafood mixture, nestling them closely in the dish. Generously cascade the remaining sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Lavishly sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan across the top of the shells. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. Uncover and continue baking until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
5. Once removed from the oven, allow the dish to rest briefly. Garnish with a final flourish of fresh parsley, creating a vibrant visual and aromatic presentation. Serve immediately, revealing the decadent layers of seafood and cheese.

Notes

• Choose fresh seafood at its peak to ensure the most vibrant and delicious flavor in your stuffed shells.
• Mix seafood gently to maintain delicate texture and prevent breaking apart during preparation.
• Consider using a blend of shrimp and crab or substituting with alternative proteins like firm white fish or imitation crab for budget-friendly options.
• Swap dairy ingredients with lactose-free or plant-based alternatives for guests with dietary restrictions without compromising the creamy, rich taste of the dish.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 150mg