This Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells recipe brings together the best of land and sea in one irresistible dish. Jumbo pasta shells are lovingly filled with a rich mixture of shrimp, crab, creamy ricotta, and savory seasonings, then nestled in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce that bubbles and browns to perfection in the oven. Each bite is loaded with bold seafood flavor balanced by the smooth, cheesy filling and aromatic herbs.
Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or even impressing guests at a weekend gathering, this dish feels both luxurious and comforting. The combination of shrimp and crab ensures a succulent texture and fresh ocean taste, while the creamy sauce binds it all together with just the right amount of indulgence. Serve these shells with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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20 jumbo pasta shells
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1/2 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
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1/2 pound crab meat (fresh or canned)
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1/2 cup ricotta cheese
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 egg, lightly beaten
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Sauce:
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 cups milk
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until soft and fragrant.
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Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
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In a large bowl, combine shrimp, crab meat, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
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For the sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until smooth and thickened.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
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Spoon a thin layer of sauce into the bottom of a baking dish.
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Stuff each shell with seafood mixture and arrange in the dish.
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Pour remaining sauce over the shells and sprinkle with extra Parmesan.
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Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 425 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells: A Luxurious Ocean-Inspired Comfort Dish
When it comes to combining elegance and comfort in a single dish, few recipes can rival the decadence of Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells. This recipe brings together the rich, delicate flavors of the ocean with the warmth and heartiness of Italian-inspired cuisine. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner for two or impressing guests at a festive family gathering, these stuffed shells promise to elevate the dining experience to an entirely new level.
The origins of stuffed pasta shells, or conchiglioni ripieni, trace back to Southern Italy, where oversized pasta shells were designed specifically to be filled with a variety of delicious ingredients. Traditionally, these shells are filled with cheese, vegetables, or meats but the seafood version offers an indulgent twist perfect for seafood lovers. With succulent shrimp and sweet crab meat wrapped in creamy ricotta and coated in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, each bite offers a delightful explosion of flavors and textures.
The Perfect Harmony of Ingredients
The beauty of this dish lies in its carefully selected combination of ingredients, each contributing to the overall richness and complexity of the recipe.
Jumbo Pasta Shells serve as the perfect vessel. Their size allows for generous stuffing, holding the creamy seafood filling beautifully without tearing or breaking apart during cooking. It’s important to cook these shells until just al dente to ensure they hold their structure while baking.
Shrimp and Crab Meat are the stars of this recipe. Shrimp offers a juicy, firm texture while crab meat lends a gentle sweetness that complements the savory cheeses and creamy sauce. For convenience, you can use canned lump crab meat or even imitation crab, but fresh crab meat is always recommended for its authentic taste and texture.
Ricotta Cheese brings creaminess to the filling without being too heavy. This cheese binds the seafood and other elements together smoothly. When combined with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, the result is a rich, cheesy flavor that perfectly balances the seafood’s delicate nature.
Onion and Garlic, gently sautéed in olive oil, provide aromatic depth and complexity to the filling. Garlic, in particular, enhances the flavor of the seafood without overpowering it.
Herbs and Seasonings such as fresh parsley and Old Bay seasoning introduce freshness and a hint of spice. Old Bay, a classic choice for seafood, adds a familiar and comforting coastal flavor profile.
Lastly, the Creamy Parmesan Sauce coats the shells and forms a luscious layer as the dish bakes. Made from butter, flour, milk, heavy cream, and Parmesan, this sauce is smooth, savory, and indulgent, wrapping the shells in creamy goodness that bubbles beautifully in the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home:
This dish tastes like it came straight from a fine-dining restaurant but is simple enough for a home cook to prepare. The blend of creamy cheeses and fresh seafood makes each bite satisfying and indulgent. -
Crowd-Pleasing Presentation:
Stuffed shells are a beautiful dish to serve. When arranged neatly in a baking dish and topped with golden bubbling cheese, they make for an impressive and eye-catching centerpiece at any dinner party or family meal. -
Versatility in Ingredients:
Don’t have crab meat on hand? No problem, you can swap it for lobster, scallops, or even a medley of your favorite seafood. Vegetarians in the family? Substitute the seafood filling with spinach and ricotta or mushrooms for a satisfying meatless version. -
Great for Make-Ahead Meals:
These stuffed shells can easily be assembled a day ahead and baked right before serving. They also freeze wonderfully, making them perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected dinner guests. -
Perfect Comfort Food:
With its creamy filling, melted cheese topping, and hearty pasta, this dish offers the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s warm, savory, and deeply satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
To turn this dish into a complete meal, consider pairing your creamy seafood stuffed shells with the following sides:
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Garlic Bread or Focaccia:
A crispy, buttery garlic bread or soft, herbed focaccia complements the creamy pasta perfectly and helps to soak up every drop of the luscious Parmesan sauce. -
Fresh Green Salad:
A light, crisp salad with a lemon vinaigrette or balsamic dressing balances the richness of the seafood shells and adds freshness to the plate. -
Roasted Vegetables:
Simple roasted asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes make excellent sides, adding color, nutrition, and variety to the meal. -
White Wine:
A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with seafood and creamy pasta, enhancing the flavors without overwhelming the dish.
Tips for the Best Stuffed Shells
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Use Fresh Seafood Whenever Possible:
Fresh shrimp and crab meat offer the best texture and flavor. If using frozen seafood, make sure it is fully thawed and patted dry before adding to the filling. -
Cook Pasta Al Dente:
Slightly undercooked pasta will hold up better during stuffing and baking, preventing the shells from becoming mushy. -
Don’t Overstuff the Shells:
A heaping tablespoon of filling per shell is usually enough. Overstuffing can cause shells to tear or filling to spill out during baking. -
Add a Cheese Topping for Extra Flavor:
For a cheesy crust, sprinkle additional mozzarella or Parmesan on top before baking. This will create a beautiful golden-brown finish. -
Customize the Herbs and Spices:
Feel free to add fresh dill, chives, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to tailor the flavor to your liking.
Nutritional Information
While this dish is delightfully indulgent, it also offers valuable nutrients. Seafood is rich in lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals such as selenium and vitamin B12. Ricotta and mozzarella contribute calcium and protein, while the creamy sauce adds a touch of healthy fats from milk and butter. For those mindful of calories, serving with a large side salad or halving the serving size can make this dish fit into a balanced diet.
Possible Variations
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Lobster-Stuffed Shells: Substitute crab meat with lobster for an even more luxurious take.
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Spicy Cajun Seafood Shells: Add Cajun seasoning and hot sauce to the filling for a bold, spicy version.
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Vegetarian Shells: Omit the seafood and fill the shells with spinach, mushrooms, and ricotta for a delicious meatless alternative.
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Pesto Cream Sauce: Replace the Parmesan cream sauce with a light basil pesto cream for a fresh, herby twist.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. This dish also freezes beautifully, assemble the shells and sauce in a baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 60–70 minutes, removing the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the top to brown.
Conclusion
Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells is the kind of recipe that transforms an ordinary dinner into a special occasion. From its rich, velvety sauce to the succulent seafood filling, every element of this dish is thoughtfully crafted to deliver maximum flavor and satisfaction. Whether you prepare it for a holiday feast, a cozy date night, or a weeknight indulgence, this pasta bake will never fail to impress.
Not only is it versatile and easy to customize, but it also brings the essence of the sea to your table without the need for complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. By following the tips and suggestions above, you can make this dish your own and enjoy the warm, comforting embrace of homemade Italian-American seafood pasta anytime.
Treat yourself and your loved ones to this creamy, cheesy, seafood delight and watch as everyone comes back for seconds.