Introduction
When you’re craving indulgence, these Creamy Seafood-Stuffed Shells deliver in every bite. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a rich blend of cheeses, succulent shrimp, sweet crab, and Old Bay seasoning—then bathed in Alfredo sauce and baked until golden and bubbling.
Whether you’re celebrating something special or just treating yourself to the ultimate comfort food, this dish is as impressive as it is easy to pull together.
Why I Love This Recipe
This is the kind of meal that tastes like it came from a coastal Italian restaurant but can be made right at home with everyday ingredients. It’s:
- Rich, creamy, and totally satisfying
- Perfect for seafood lovers who want a cozy pasta dish
- Great for make-ahead dinners, date nights, or entertaining
- Packed with both shrimp and crab for that extra seafood goodness
- Finished with a bubbling golden cheese crust that’s irresistible
Ingredients
🐟 For the Shells & Filling:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- ½ lb lump crab meat
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
🧀 For the Sauce & Topping:
- 1½ cups Alfredo sauce
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Cook the Seafood
In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Add chopped shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, until pink and just cooked through.
Remove from heat.
3️⃣ Make the Filling
In a large bowl, mix together:
- Ricotta
- Cream cheese
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Egg
- Parsley
- Old Bay
- Salt and pepper
Fold in the cooked shrimp and crab meat.
4️⃣ Stuff the Shells
Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell with the seafood-cheese mixture and arrange in the prepared baking dish.
5️⃣ Add Sauce & Cheese
Pour Alfredo sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.
Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6️⃣ Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
7️⃣ Garnish & Serve
Let cool for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serve warm with crusty bread or a green salad.
Tips & Variations
💡 Want it spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce.
💡 Extra creamy? Mix some Alfredo into the filling before stuffing.
💡 No crab? Sub with extra shrimp or chopped scallops.
💡 Lighter option? Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve with:
- Garlic bread or toasted baguette
- A side of roasted broccoli or a Caesar salad
- A refreshing drink like:
🍋 Blueberry Lemonade – balances the richness beautifully
Pair with:
- 🍤 Garlic Butter Shrimp and Spinach Rigatoni – double the seafood comfort
- 🌯 Sheet Pan Quesadillas – for an easy party spread
- 🍪 Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites – small, sweet finish
- 🍮 No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie – cool and creamy contrast
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat: Cover and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unbaked shells and sauce separately; assemble and bake from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to bake time
More Recipes You’ll Love
- 🍤 Garlic Butter Shrimp and Spinach Rigatoni
- 🌯 Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- 🍮 No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie
- 🍪 Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
- 🍋 Blueberry Lemonade
Final Thoughts
These Creamy Seafood-Stuffed Shells are the ultimate in cheesy, coastal-inspired comfort food. They’re decadent, crowd-pleasing, and surprisingly simple to make—perfect for special dinners, date nights, or anytime you want something indulgent and satisfying.
Tried them? Tag @chefmaniac and show off your pasta masterpiece! Follow for more seafood bakes, comfort classics, and weeknight showstoppers that never miss.
