Seafood Stuffed Shells

Seafood lovers rejoice—because today we’re diving fork-first into one of the most indulgent, comforting, and crowd-pleasing recipes: Seafood Stuffed Shells. This dish combines the richness of the sea with the heartiness of Italian-inspired baked pasta. Imagine tender jumbo pasta shells generously filled with a luscious mixture of shrimp, crab, scallops, or even lobster, all nestled into a creamy sauce and topped with gooey melted cheese. It’s the kind of meal that feels like it belongs at a holiday feast or a fine-dining restaurant, but the truth is, you can make it right at home with surprisingly simple steps.

In this article, we’ll explore why this recipe works, the science behind creating the perfect seafood filling, the ingredients you’ll need, step-by-step instructions, pro tips for success, and ways to serve this dish so it becomes the star of your dinner table.

Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of Seafood Stuffed Shells lies in the perfect balance of textures and flavors:

Tender pasta shells act as a vessel for the filling, providing structure without overpowering the seafood.

Creamy, cheesy filling keeps everything rich and luxurious, blending cream cheese, ricotta, or mascarpone with Parmesan or mozzarella.

Fresh seafood adds delicate sweetness and a touch of the ocean, complementing the creaminess rather than competing with it.

Baked perfection allows flavors to marry together, giving the dish a golden, slightly crispy cheese topping with creamy richness underneath.

It’s a versatile recipe too—you can use shrimp, crab, scallops, or even a mix depending on what’s available or affordable.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Seafood Stuffed Shells

For the Shells:

20–24 jumbo pasta shells (cooked al dente)

For the Seafood Filling:

1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped

1 cup crab meat (fresh, canned, or imitation)

½ cup bay scallops or chopped lobster (optional but luxurious)

1 cup ricotta cheese (or mascarpone for a richer flavor)

4 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 egg (to bind the filling)

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or a seafood seasoning blend)

1 teaspoon lemon zest

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons flour

2 cups milk or half-and-half

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping:

1 cup mozzarella cheese

2 tablespoons Parmesan

Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make Seafood Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package directions but remove them 1–2 minutes early so they remain slightly firm. Drain and lay them out on a baking sheet to cool, preventing them from sticking together.

Step 2: Make the Seafood Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped shrimp, crab, and scallops. Add ricotta, cream cheese, Parmesan, mozzarella, garlic, parsley, egg, lemon zest, Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth but still textured with chunks of seafood.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux, then slowly pour in milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Spread 1 cup of sauce over the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Stuff each pasta shell generously with the seafood mixture and place them in the dish seam side up. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the shells.

Step 5: Add Topping and Bake

Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Serve warm with garlic bread and a crisp green salad.

Tips + Tricks for Recipe Success

Don’t overcook the pasta shells. They’ll soften more while baking, so keeping them firm ensures they don’t fall apart.

Use fresh seafood if possible. Frozen works too, but make sure it’s fully thawed and drained to avoid watery filling.

Balance flavors. The richness of cheese needs acidity—lemon zest or juice brightens the dish.

Make it ahead. Assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Freeze for later. These shells freeze beautifully—just bake straight from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to cooking time.

Play with seafood combos. If crab is expensive, bulk up with shrimp. For indulgence, add lobster or even smoked salmon.

Upgrade the sauce. Swap Parmesan for Gruyère or add a splash of white wine for depth.

Serving Suggestions

Seafood Stuffed Shells are hearty, so pair them with lighter sides for balance:

Garlic breadsticks or a crusty baguette to soak up the sauce.

Green salad with lemon vinaigrette for freshness.

Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini.

Wine pairing: a crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy, seafood flavors perfectly.

For special occasions, serve with sparkling wine for a celebratory touch.

Variations to Try

Spicy Cajun Style: Add Cajun seasoning to the filling and a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.

Italian-Style Marinara Base: Replace the cream sauce with marinara for a lighter, tomato-forward version.

Cheesy Alfredo Shells: Use a classic Alfredo sauce in place of the white sauce for a richer experience.

Spinach and Seafood: Fold in chopped spinach or kale for added nutrients and flavor.

Why Seafood Stuffed Shells Are a Winner

This dish bridges two culinary worlds: the heartiness of Italian baked pasta and the luxurious flavors of seafood cuisine. It’s versatile, elegant enough for special occasions, but approachable enough for a weeknight dinner when you want to impress. The recipe is also adaptable to budget and taste preferences, making it a reliable go-to for families and entertainers alike.

Whether you’re cooking to impress guests, planning a romantic dinner, or just indulging your love of seafood and cheese, this dish will not disappoint. The balance of creamy, savory, and ocean-kissed flavors makes it unforgettable.

Final Thoughts

Seafood Stuffed Shells are more than just a meal—they’re a dining experience. They turn a regular night into something special and elevate comfort food into fine dining. With the creamy cheese, rich sauce, and tender seafood all tucked into pasta shells, every bite delivers pure comfort and flavor.

So next time you’re looking for a show-stopping dish that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds, remember this recipe. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it also carries a touch of elegance that makes it perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or just because you deserve something amazing.

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