Seafood Stuffed Shells

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Looking for a gourmet dinner that’s surprisingly simple to make? These Seafood Stuffed Shells combine tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, and rich cheeses, all baked under a creamy, seasoned white sauce. Perfect for date nights, holiday meals, or family gatherings, this dish brings coastal flavor straight to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Packed with rich, creamy flavor

• Uses both shrimp and crab for a luxurious seafood combo

• Ideal for special occasions or Sunday dinner

• Deliciously cheesy and satisfying

• Pairs perfectly with garlic bread or a light salad

Ingredients Breakdown:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells (12): The perfect vessel to hold the flavorful seafood filling.

• Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Used for sautéing the shrimp and garlic to bring out their flavors.

• Shrimp (½ lb): Offers a tender, slightly sweet seafood flavor.

• Crab Meat (½ lb): Adds a delicate, savory flavor and pairs perfectly with the shrimp.

• Garlic (2 cloves): Adds a savory, aromatic base to the seafood mixture.

• Ricotta Cheese (½ cup): Provides creaminess and a mild flavor.

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (½ cup): Adds meltiness and a mild, stretchy texture.

• Grated Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup for stuffing + ½ cup for sauce): Adds a sharp, savory flavor to both the filling and sauce.

• Egg (1, beaten): Helps bind the filling together and adds structure.

• Lemon Zest (1 tsp): Brightens up the dish with a fresh citrus flavor.

• Chopped Parsley (1 tbsp for stuffing + garnish): Adds color and a fresh, herbal note.

• Salt & Pepper (to taste): Balances the flavors and enhances the taste of the dish.

• Butter (2 tbsp): Used for the creamy sauce base.

• All-Purpose Flour (2 tbsp): Thickens the sauce to a creamy consistency.

• Heavy Cream (1 ½ cups): Creates a rich, velvety sauce.

• Garlic Powder (½ tsp): Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the sauce.

• Old Bay Seasoning (½ tsp): A classic seafood seasoning that enhances the dish with a savory, slightly spicy kick.

• Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Adds a touch of heat and depth to the sauce.

Tips and Tricks:

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melt.

• Don’t overstuff the shells—they may burst while baking.

• You can prep the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge.

Variations and Customizations:

• Substitute scallops for shrimp for an upscale twist.

• Add sautéed spinach or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor.

• Use Alfredo sauce instead of making the cream sauce from scratch in a pinch.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks

• Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette

• A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay

Storage Instructions:

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

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

• To freeze: Assemble the dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15–20 extra minutes.

Popular Questions:

Can I use canned crab meat?

Yes! Just make sure to drain it well and pick out any shells.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely. The creamy sauce and cheesy filling make it a hit with picky eaters.

Can I use a different pasta?

Manicotti or cannelloni tubes work well as substitutes.

Seafood Stuffed Shells

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

These Seafood Stuffed Shells are a luxurious dish filled with a creamy seafood mixture and topped with a rich, flavorful sauce. Shrimp, crab, and cheeses come together in perfectly stuffed jumbo pasta shells, making this a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for special occasions or a comforting dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 jumbo pasta shells

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ lb shrimp, peeled and chopped

• ½ lb crab meat (lump or imitation)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup ricotta cheese

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning

• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta Shells

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

• Cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente, about 8–9 minutes.

• Drain and set aside on a baking sheet to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Seafood Filling

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Add chopped shrimp and minced garlic. Sauté until shrimp is pink and opaque (about 3–4 minutes).

• Combine the cooked shrimp with crab meat in a mixing bowl.

3. Mix the Cheese Filling

• To the seafood mixture, add ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, beaten egg, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper.

• Stir well to combine into a thick, creamy filling.

4. Stuff the Shells

• Carefully fill each shell with the seafood mixture.

• Place them open-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

5. Make the Sauce

• In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.

• Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until smooth.

• Stir in Parmesan, garlic powder, Old Bay, and black pepper.

• Simmer for 3–5 minutes, until thickened.

6. Bake the Shells

• Pour the cream sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.

• Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until bubbling and golden around the edges.

7. Garnish and Serve

• Top with extra parsley and serve hot.

Notes

• You can double the recipe for a crowd or holiday gathering.

• This dish is great for meal prep—make ahead and bake just before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

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