Name: Seafood Stuffed Shells
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American Comfort
Ingredients: 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); 2 cups Alfredo sauce (or tomato cream sauce); 1 tbsp butter (optional for extra richness); Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Description

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.

Want more warm, comforting recipes like this? Subscribe and get the best dishes delivered straight to your inbox.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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.

Notes

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.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-American Comfort