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.
Ingredients
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12 jumbo pasta shells
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1 tbsp olive oil
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½ lb shrimp, peeled and chopped
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½ lb crab meat (lump or imitation)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup ricotta cheese
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½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 egg, beaten
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1 tsp lemon zest
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1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp butter
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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1 ½ cups heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp Old Bay seasoning
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¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta Shells
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente, about 8–9 minutes.
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Drain and set aside on a baking sheet to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Seafood Filling
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add chopped shrimp and minced garlic. Sauté until shrimp is pink and opaque (about 3–4 minutes).
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Combine the cooked shrimp with crab meat in a mixing bowl.
3. Mix the Cheese Filling
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To the seafood mixture, add ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, beaten egg, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper.
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Stir well to combine into a thick, creamy filling.
4. Stuff the Shells
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Carefully fill each shell with the seafood mixture.
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Place them open-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Make the Sauce
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In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
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Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until smooth.
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Stir in Parmesan, garlic powder, Old Bay, and black pepper.
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Simmer for 3–5 minutes, until thickened.
6. Bake the Shells
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Pour the cream sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.
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Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until bubbling and golden around the edges.
7. Garnish and Serve
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Top with extra parsley and serve hot.
Notes
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You can double the recipe for a crowd or holiday gathering.
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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