Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe

If you’re looking for an indulgent, crowd-pleasing dinner that bursts with flavor and coziness, Seafood Stuffed Shells are about to become your new favorite recipe. Picture perfectly cooked pasta shells overflowing with succulent shrimp and crab, mixed with creamy cheeses and aromatic herbs, all baked under a glorious homemade white sauce. There’s a touch of elegance in every bite, making this dish just as perfect for a special occasion as it is for a comforting weeknight dinner. Seafood Stuffed Shells offer the ultimate blend of seafood richness and cheesy goodness, winning over even the pickiest eaters at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Seafood Stuffed Shells truly comes from simple, carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a specific role, from delivering that signature creamy filling to bringing out the natural sweetness of fresh seafood. Here’s everything you’ll need—and some tips for picking the best of each!

• Jumbo pasta shells: These large, sturdy shells hold plenty of delicious filling and bake up beautifully.
• Cooked shrimp, chopped: Gives the filling a tender, sweet bite; look for medium shrimp for easy chopping.
• Lump crab meat (or imitation crab): The star of the filling, adding briny, delicate flavor—use real crab if possible for the best taste.
• Ricotta cheese: Creates a creamy, smooth texture in the filling that binds everything together.
• Shredded mozzarella: Melts beautifully for that stretchy, cheesy factor you’ll crave in every forkful.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth both in the filling and sauce—use freshly grated for bold flavor.
• Egg: Acts as a binder, helping the filling hold its shape inside every shell.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: Brings freshness and a pop of color that brightens the dish.
• Garlic, minced: Infuses the filling and sauce with aromatic, savory notes that highlight the seafood.
• Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to balance flavors—taste as you go for perfect results.
• Butter: The rich base for your homemade white sauce, adding flavor and silkiness.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce without weighing it down, making every bite luscious.
• Milk: Forms the creamy body of the sauce; whole milk gives the best texture and taste.
• Garlic powder: Adds extra garlic warmth and depth to the sauce without overpowering.
• Optional red pepper flakes: A pinch delivers a subtle heat that perfectly balances the creamy elements.

How to Make Seafood Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your jumbo pasta shells. Cook them until just al dente—they’ll finish cooking in the oven, so you want them sturdy enough to hold the filling. Drain and set aside on a tray to cool slightly, making them easier to handle when it’s time to stuff.

Step 2: Make the Seafood Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine your chopped shrimp, lump crab meat, creamy ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, egg, fresh parsley, minced garlic, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until you have a creamy, cohesive filling loaded with seafood in every scoop. This lush mixture is the heart of your Seafood Stuffed Shells, and it only takes a few minutes to blend up!

Step 3: Prepare the Velvety Sauce

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then stir in the flour to make a quick roux. Cook for about 1 minute to get rid of any raw flour taste, then slowly whisk in the milk. Keep stirring until your sauce thickens into something glossy and smooth. Stir in the parmesan, garlic powder, a little salt and pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Take it off the heat when everything is melted and combined.

Step 4: Assemble Your Seafood Stuffed Shells

Spoon a thin layer of your homemade sauce into the bottom of a greased baking dish—this keeps the shells from sticking and infuses every bite with flavor. Carefully fill each shell to the brim with your seafood and cheese mixture, arranging them snugly in the baking dish. Pour the rest of the sauce generously over the stuffed shells. If you love extra golden cheese, sprinkle on a little more mozzarella or parmesan before baking.

Step 5: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake your Seafood Stuffed Shells for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, then continue baking for another 10 minutes until everything is bubbly and just turning golden on top. This final stretch gives the cheese a mouthwatering crust and perfectly melds all the flavors together.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Scatter some fresh, chopped parsley over the hot Seafood Stuffed Shells before serving. The herbs add a fresh, aromatic finish that complements the luscious filling and creamy sauce. Serve right away for maximum gooeyness and flavor!

How to Serve Seafood Stuffed Shells

Garnishes

Just before serving, don’t forget a shower of freshly chopped parsley—it brightens the whole dish and gives it a gourmet feel. You might also toss on a sprinkle of lemon zest for a citrusy lift, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a tiny, tingly kick alongside that creamy, cheesy seafood.

Side Dishes

Pair your Seafood Stuffed Shells with a crisp green salad dressed in tart vinaigrette or some tender steamed asparagus for a fresh contrast. Garlic bread or a rustic baguette is practically a must, perfect for mopping up all that luscious sauce left on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make your Seafood Stuffed Shells dinner unforgettable? Serve individual portions in small baking dishes or ramekins for an elegant touch. Or, nestle the shells onto a bed of sautéed spinach or roasted tomatoes for beautiful color and a veggie boost—your guests will be dazzled before they even take a bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftover Seafood Stuffed Shells to cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days. The flavors actually develop even more overnight, making these leftovers a lunchtime delight!

Freezing

Seafood Stuffed Shells are fantastic for freezing. Assemble everything up to the final bake, cover tightly with foil or a freezer-safe lid, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to ensure they’re heated through.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop the shells in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, until everything is hot and bubbly—about 20 minutes should do the trick. Individual servings can be microwaved gently, but the oven really preserves that creamy, melty texture best.

FAQs

Can I use other types of seafood in stuffed shells?

Absolutely! Scallops, lobster, or even flaky white fish work beautifully in Seafood Stuffed Shells. Just be sure any seafood you use is cooked and cut into bite-size pieces before mixing with the filling, so every shell gets an even blend.

Is it necessary to use both ricotta and mozzarella?

Both cheeses bring their own magic: ricotta for creaminess and mozzarella for melt and stretch. If you’re missing one, you can definitely substitute with more of the other, though you’ll miss a little of that classic texture balance found in traditional Seafood Stuffed Shells.

Can I make Seafood Stuffed Shells gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free jumbo shells and swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend in the sauce. The results are just as rich and satisfying, so everyone at your table can enjoy.

What kind of crab should I use?

Fresh lump crab meat gives the most authentic, sweet seafood flavor, but if it’s hard to find or a bit pricey, high-quality imitation crab is a great substitute and still delivers delicious Seafood Stuffed Shells.

Can I assemble the dish ahead of time?

You sure can! It’s a fantastic make-ahead dish—assemble the filled shells and sauce in your baking dish, then refrigerate (covered) for up to a day before baking. This makes Seafood Stuffed Shells a dream for stress-free entertaining or busy nights.

Final Thoughts

Don’t just stop at reading—gather your ingredients and give these Seafood Stuffed Shells a spin in your own kitchen. Whether you’re serving them for a special dinner or just to spoil someone you love, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Enjoy each cheesy, seafood-packed bite!

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