Seafood Stuffed Shells
Introduction
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with shrimp and crab—Seafood Stuffed Shells are a delicious twist on classic comfort food. With tender jumbo shells filled to the brim with a rich, seasoned seafood mixture and smothered in velvety Alfredo sauce, this dish turns any dinner into a special occasion.
Whether you’re hosting guests or just treating yourself to something cozy and indulgent, these seafood shells bring restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen.
Why I Love This Recipe
This dish hits all the right notes: creamy, savory, slightly briny, and totally satisfying. The filling is luscious, the pasta holds everything together perfectly, and that golden, cheesy topping? Pure bliss.
If you’re a fan of decadent, comfort-style meals like Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole or Dorito Casserole, then this seafood pasta bake is right up your alley.
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, chopped
- ½ lb lump crab meat
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 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
- 1½ cups Alfredo sauce
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
2. Sauté Shrimp and Garlic
In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Sauté garlic for 1 minute, then add shrimp and cook until just pink, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine ricotta, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Gently fold in cooked shrimp and crab meat.
4. Stuff the Shells
Fill each cooked pasta shell with the seafood mixture and place in the baking dish, open side up.
5. Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour Alfredo sauce evenly over the shells. Top with extra mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10 more minutes, until golden and bubbly.
7. Serve
Let cool slightly before serving. Add extra parsley for garnish if desired.
Tips for Success
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum melt and flavor.
- If using crab from a can, be sure to drain thoroughly.
- Swap Alfredo for a garlic cream sauce for extra homemade touch.
- Want a citrusy twist? Add a bit of lemon zest to the filling!
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These rich, creamy shells pair beautifully with:
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or soft rolls
- Light white wine or sparkling lemonade
Round out your comfort food table with these fan favorites:
- Dorito Casserole – crunchy and satisfying
- Chicken Enchiladas – saucy and cheesy
- Easy Turkey Wings – fall-apart tender
- Beer Cheese Dip – fun and shareable
Storage and Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F covered with foil, or microwave individual portions.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before baking.
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Final Thoughts
Seafood Stuffed Shells are creamy, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make. With shrimp, crab, and plenty of cheese, this dish turns pasta night into something extraordinary. Make it for your next special dinner—or just when you’re craving comfort with a coastal twist.
Tried it? Tag @chefmaniac with your golden-bubbled masterpieces!
