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:
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Packed with rich, creamy flavor
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Uses both shrimp and crab for a luxurious seafood combo
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Ideal for special occasions or Sunday dinner
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Deliciously cheesy and satisfying
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Pairs perfectly with garlic bread or a light salad
Ingredients Breakdown:
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Jumbo Pasta Shells (12): The perfect vessel to hold the flavorful seafood filling.
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Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Used for sautéing the shrimp and garlic to bring out their flavors.
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Shrimp (½ lb): Offers a tender, slightly sweet seafood flavor.
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Crab Meat (½ lb): Adds a delicate, savory flavor and pairs perfectly with the shrimp.
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Garlic (2 cloves): Adds a savory, aromatic base to the seafood mixture.
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Ricotta Cheese (½ cup): Provides creaminess and a mild flavor.
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Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (½ cup): Adds meltiness and a mild, stretchy texture.
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Grated Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup for stuffing + ½ cup for sauce): Adds a sharp, savory flavor to both the filling and sauce.
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Egg (1, beaten): Helps bind the filling together and adds structure.
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Lemon Zest (1 tsp): Brightens up the dish with a fresh citrus flavor.
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Chopped Parsley (1 tbsp for stuffing + garnish): Adds color and a fresh, herbal note.
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Salt & Pepper (to taste): Balances the flavors and enhances the taste of the dish.
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Butter (2 tbsp): Used for the creamy sauce base.
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All-Purpose Flour (2 tbsp): Thickens the sauce to a creamy consistency.
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Heavy Cream (1 ½ cups): Creates a rich, velvety sauce.
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Garlic Powder (½ tsp): Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the sauce.
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Old Bay Seasoning (½ tsp): A classic seafood seasoning that enhances the dish with a savory, slightly spicy kick.
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Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Adds a touch of heat and depth to the sauce.
Tips and Tricks:
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Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melt.
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Don’t overstuff the shells—they may burst while baking.
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You can prep the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
Variations and Customizations:
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Substitute scallops for shrimp for an upscale twist.
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Add sautéed spinach or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
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Use Alfredo sauce instead of making the cream sauce from scratch in a pinch.
Pairing Suggestions:
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Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
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Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
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A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay
Storage Instructions:
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
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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.