Seafood Stuffed Shells

When you’re craving something rich, cheesy, and deeply comforting, there’s nothing quite like Seafood Stuffed Shells. This crowd-pleasing dish combines tender pasta, creamy ricotta, sweet crab, and juicy shrimp—all blanketed in a luxurious Alfredo or tomato cream sauce, then baked until bubbling and golden. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

These shells bring together everything you love in comfort food: creamy, cheesy filling, savory seafood, and that irresistible oven-baked finish. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a special celebration, or just a weeknight craving, these stuffed shells are guaranteed to impress.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy & Comforting – It’s a seafood lover’s dream baked in cheesy perfection.

Perfect for Special Occasions – Great for dinner parties, date nights, or holidays.

Prep-Friendly – You can assemble the shells ahead of time and bake them later.

Family Favorite – Even picky eaters love the cheesy, indulgent flavor.

Versatile – Use shrimp, crab, scallops, or your favorite seafood combo.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Shells:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
• 1 cup lump crab meat (or imitation crab)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (plus extra for topping)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups Alfredo sauce (or tomato cream sauce)
• 1 tbsp butter (optional for extra richness)
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Medium mixing bowls
• 9×13” baking dish
• Spoon or piping bag (for filling)
• Foil for baking

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until just al dente. Drain, rinse under cool water, and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix shrimp, crab, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley. Stir until well combined and creamy.

Step 3: Fill the Shells

Spoon or pipe the seafood mixture into each pasta shell. Don’t overfill—just a generous scoop in each one.

Step 4: Assemble

Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a greased baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells on top in a single layer. Pour remaining sauce over the shells, then sprinkle with extra mozzarella.

Step 5: Bake

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes more, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with garlic bread, salad, or a glass of crisp white wine.

Tips for the Best Stuffed Shells

• Use Fresh Seafood – It makes a big flavor difference.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta – Slightly undercooked is better for baking.
• Mix Up the Sauce – Try a tomato cream or even vodka sauce for a fun twist.
• Make It Spicy – Add red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne to the filling.
• Freeze Before Baking – Assemble, freeze, then bake fresh when needed.

Serving Suggestions

• With crusty garlic bread
• Alongside a Caesar or arugula salad
• With roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach
• Paired with white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions.

Freezing:
Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Stuff the shells, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

What seafood works best?
Shrimp, crab, lobster, scallops—even cooked salmon or white fish.

Can I use a different sauce?
Yes! Alfredo, marinara, tomato cream, or even a Cajun cream sauce all work beautifully.

Is this dish kid-friendly?
Totally! Just skip the red pepper flakes for a milder version.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-American Comfort
Nutritional Info (Per Serving):
Calories: 410 | Protein: 23g | Carbs: 29g | Fat: 23g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 640mg

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