Description
Treat yourself to the rich and creamy indulgence of Seafood Stuffed Shells—a comforting dish that combines the best of sea and land. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a luscious mixture of crab meat, shrimp, ricotta, and herbs, then smothered in a velvety garlic parmesan cream sauce and baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, a satisfying weekend recipe, or elegant food ideas for guests, this easy recipe delivers flavor, elegance, and comfort in one satisfying bite. It’s a must-try for seafood lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Shells & Filling:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells (plus extras in case of tearing)
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup lump crab meat
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping:
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp Parmesan
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Boil pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and lay on parchment.
- In a large bowl, mix shrimp, crab, ricotta, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- In a pan, melt butter and sauté garlic. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Simmer, then add Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook until thickened.
- Stuff each shell with seafood filling using a spoon or piping bag.
- Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish. Spread a layer of sauce on the bottom. Arrange shells in the dish.
- Pour remaining sauce over the shells.
- Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan. Sprinkle on top.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until golden.
- Let rest 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes