If you’re craving something rich, comforting, and packed with delightful seafood flavors, this Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Picture tender jumbo pasta shells, generously filled with a luscious blend of shrimp, crab meat, ricotta, and cheeses, all smothered in a dreamy Alfredo sauce that bakes into bubbly, golden perfection. It’s a dish that feels both indulgent and approachable — perfect for impressing loved ones or treating yourself to a cozy dinner that sings with ocean-fresh goodness and creamy decadence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, from the creamy cheeses that build the filling’s luscious texture to the fresh seafood that brings a burst of ocean flavor. They’re simple, yet each one is essential to creating a beautiful balance of taste, texture, and color in this dish.
- 20 jumbo pasta shells: The perfect vessels for holding all that creamy, savory seafood goodness inside.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté garlic without overpowering flavors.
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped: Delivers delicate sweetness and a firm bite that pairs perfectly with crab.
- 1/2 pound crab meat (lump or imitation): Adds a flaky, sweet texture that makes the filling special and luxurious.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creates a creamy, mild base that balances the seafood’s brininess beautifully.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty sharpness that enhances every bite.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Melts into a gooey, golden blanket topping that unites all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and vibrant green color.
- 1 egg, lightly beaten: Binds the filling ingredients together so they don’t fall apart during baking.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and highlighting all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right touch of heat without overshadowing the seafood.
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade): The luscious sauce that coats the shells, making this recipe truly creamy and irresistible.
How to Make Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Shells
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), then cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they’re perfectly al dente. This ensures they’re tender but still hold their shape when stuffed. Once cooked, drain them well and lay them aside to cool slightly—this step is key so they don’t break when you fill them.
Step 2: Sauté the Seafood
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and gently sauté the minced garlic for about a minute until fragrant — it’s the aromatic foundation of the dish. Then, add the chopped shrimp and cook just until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes 2 to 3 minutes. Overcooking here can make the shrimp rubbery, so watch closely. Once cooked, remove from heat and let the shrimp cool a bit before mixing.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, half of the shredded mozzarella, fresh parsley, the lightly beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Gently fold in the crab meat and the cooked shrimp. This seafood mixture should be creamy and well-seasoned, ready to bring luscious texture and flavor into every bite of pasta.
Step 4: Assemble the Shells
Spread one cup of Alfredo sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This creates a flavorful base that keeps the shells moist. Then, carefully stuff each jumbo shell with the seafood mixture — don’t be shy, fill them generously! Place the stuffed shells neatly in the baking dish side by side.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the arranged shells, then sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the dish with foil to keep the moisture in and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes to let the cheese bubble and turn a lovely golden brown. Once out of the oven, allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let everything set perfectly.
How to Serve Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a zest of lemon over the finished dish brightens the rich flavors beautifully. You can even add a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a pinch of cracked black pepper for an extra touch of elegance and freshness that makes every serving pop visually and taste-wise.
Side Dishes
Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells pair wonderfully with light, refreshing sides that balance the richness. Think crisp green salads with a lemon vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or sautéed garlic spinach. A crusty loaf of bread is also a delicious companion, perfect for sopping up the creamy Alfredo sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve this dish in individual ramekins or small baking dishes to treat each guest to their own perfectly baked portion. You can also garnish with edible flowers or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for color and a gentle kick. Another fun idea is to layer the stuffed shells in a trifle-style glass casserole for a stunning presentation that will wow at dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container to keep the seafood fresh and the sauce creamy.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these stuffed shells freeze wonderfully. Arrange the assembled but uncooked shells in a freezer-safe container or dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding extra cooking time as needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out. Heat until warmed through, roughly 20 minutes. You can also reheat single portions in the microwave, covered lightly to keep moisture in, but the oven method preserves the bubbly cheese topping best.
FAQs
Can I use other types of seafood in this Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe?
Absolutely! Scallops, cooked salmon, or even lobster meat can be fantastic substitutions or additions to the shrimp and crab. Just make sure your seafood is cooked through before mixing it into the filling.
Is it possible to make the Alfredo sauce from scratch?
Yes, homemade Alfredo sauce is a wonderful option and can elevate the dish even more. A simple mixture of butter, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates a luscious sauce that complements the seafood filling perfectly.
How do I prevent the pasta shells from falling apart?
Cooking the shells only until al dente and allowing them to cool before stuffing helps maintain their shape. Handle them gently during stuffing, and make sure not to overfill to avoid breaking the pasta.
Can I prepare this dish in advance for a dinner party?
Definitely! You can assemble the stuffed shells a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate them. When ready to serve, just bake according to instructions, adding a few extra minutes if they’re cold from the fridge.
What can I add to make the filling more flavorful?
Try stirring in a bit of lemon zest, Old Bay seasoning, or fresh herbs like basil or dill to complement the seafood and enhance the overall taste of the stuffing.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe is one of those magical dishes that brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of elegance to any meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, it’s guaranteed to delight with every forkful of creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned seafood filling. Give this recipe a try—you’ll soon understand why it’s such a beloved favorite for both casual nights and special celebrations.
Print
Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells combine tender jumbo pasta shells filled with a rich mixture of shrimp, crab meat, ricotta, and cheeses, all baked in a luscious Alfredo sauce for a comforting Italian-American main course.
Ingredients
Seafood and Shells
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1/2 pound crab meat (lump or imitation)
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (1/2 cup + 1/2 cup)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the shells carefully and set them aside to cool.
- Sauté Shrimp and Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink and are opaque. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, half of the shredded mozzarella (1/2 cup), fresh parsley, beaten egg, salt, and black pepper. Gently fold in the crab meat and the cooked shrimp until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the Shells: Spread 1 cup of Alfredo sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the seafood and cheese mixture, then arrange them in the baking dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese Topping: Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells in the dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake Covered and Uncovered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the stuffed shells rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow them to set. Serve warm for a creamy, delicious seafood pasta main course.
Notes
- Substitute scallops or cooked salmon for the shrimp for a variation in seafood.
- Enhance flavor by adding lemon zest or Old Bay seasoning to the filling.
- For a healthier twist, use light Alfredo sauce or a Greek yogurt-based sauce instead of traditional Alfredo.
