Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells

Indulge in these rich and creamy seafood stuffed shells filled with shrimp, lobster, and crab, topped with a decadent cheese sauce. This dish is perfect for special occasions or cozy dinners, combining tender pasta shells with a luxurious, flavorful seafood filling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Decadent: A creamy, cheesy sauce enhances the fresh seafood flavors.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: An elegant dish ideal for holidays, date nights, or celebrations.
• Comforting and Satisfying: A warm and hearty meal the whole family will love.
• Customizable: You can swap or mix different seafood options based on preference.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and bake when ready.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 oz lobster meat
• 8 oz lump crab meat
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided into 2 portions of ½ cup each)
• 1 ½ tablespoons butter (divided)
• 8 oz cream cheese
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• ¾ cup Parmesan Reggiano cheese, grated
• Foil (for baking)

Directions

1. Prepare the Seafood: In a pan over medium heat, melt ½ tablespoon of butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add the lobster and crab meat, cooking for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine the cooked seafood with cream cheese, ½ cup shredded mozzarella, and salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Stuff the Shells: Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and let cool slightly before stuffing them with the seafood mixture.
4. Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, melt the remaining butter and whisk in the flour. Cook for about 1 minute, then slowly whisk in the heavy cream. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and remaining mozzarella, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Assemble the Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the cheese sauce in a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish and pour the remaining sauce over them.
6. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
7. Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Add Shrimp: Mix in chopped shrimp for an extra seafood flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
• Herb Infusion: Fresh parsley or basil adds a bright, fresh contrast.
• Cheese Swap: Use Gruyère or fontina for a different cheese profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta shells and substitute flour with cornstarch in the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
• Freezing: Assemble the stuffed shells without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use imitation crab meat instead of lump crab?

Yes, but fresh lump crab has a better texture and flavor.

What pasta shells should I use?

Jumbo pasta shells work best for stuffing.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Can I substitute heavy cream with milk?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. You can thicken it with extra cheese or a small amount of cornstarch.

How do I prevent the pasta shells from breaking?

Cook them al dente and handle them gently when stuffing.

What can I serve with seafood stuffed shells?

A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement this dish well.

Can I add other seafood?

Yes, shrimp or scallops make great additions.

How do I make this dish lighter?

Use light cream cheese and replace heavy cream with half-and-half.

Can I use a different cheese in the sauce?

Yes, Gruyère, white cheddar, or fontina work well.

What wine pairs well with seafood stuffed shells?

A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully.

Conclusion

Creamy seafood stuffed shells are a luxurious yet comforting dish perfect for special occasions or an indulgent family dinner. The combination of rich seafood filling, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly baked pasta makes this recipe a must-try. Make it ahead, customize it to your taste, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.

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• Author: asma
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in these Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells, a luxurious pasta dish packed with lobster, crab, and shrimp, all enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce. This decadent dish is perfect for special occasions, date nights, or cozy family dinners. With a creamy blend of Parmesan, mozzarella, and cream cheese, each bite delivers an irresistible seafood flavor in a luscious, comforting sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood

• 8 oz lobster meat
• 8 oz lump crab meat

Produce

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Baking & Spices

• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Dairy

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1 1/2 tbsp butter (divided)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese

Other

• Aluminum foil (for baking)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. Prepare the Seafood: If needed, chop the lobster and crab meat into small pieces.
3. Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese (⅜ cup), and ½ cup mozzarella. Stir in the seafood and season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook the Sauce:
   • In a pan, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
   • Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
   • Stir in flour and cook for another minute to remove the raw taste.
   • Pour in heavy cream and remaining Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
5. Stuff the Shells: Fill each cooked pasta shell with the seafood mixture and arrange in the baking dish.
6. Assemble the Dish: Pour the creamy sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
7. Bake & Serve: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

• Add shrimp: You can also mix in cooked, chopped shrimp for even more seafood flavor.
• Make it extra rich: Drizzle with a little lemon juice or top with fresh parsley for added freshness.
• Pair with: Garlic bread and a crisp salad for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American