Rich Seafood Stuffed Shells: A Dreamy Homemade Recipe

Creamy seafood stuffed shells beckon with a luxurious promise of ocean-fresh flavors and comforting cheese.

Pasta enthusiasts will adore this decadent Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines delicate shellfish and rich dairy.

Succulent shrimp and tender crab nestle inside perfectly cooked pasta pockets, creating a harmonious blend of textures.

Grated parmesan and mozzarella melt into a dreamy sauce that embraces each delectable morsel.

Herbs like parsley and chives add bright, fresh notes to the indulgent filling.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel extraordinary with this elegant yet approachable recipe that impresses without complicated techniques.

Let these shells transport you to a coastal kitchen where simplicity meets sophistication.

Seafood Shells That Are Creamy and Cheesy

• Quick Weekend Gourmet Delight: Impress dinner guests with this restaurant-quality seafood dish that feels luxurious yet surprisingly achievable.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Combine ingredients in just 15 minutes, then let the oven do the heavy lifting while you relax and enjoy pre-dinner conversation.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Creamy cheese and succulent seafood create an irresistible combination that appeals to both adults and adventurous kids who love rich, indulgent meals.
• Versatile Entertaining Solution: Perfect for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or elegant weekend dinners without requiring professional cooking skills.

Creamy Cheesy Seafood Stuffed Shells Ingredients

• Shrimp: Sweet ocean protein with delicate texture, look for fresh or frozen without additives.
• Crab: Tender seafood with rich flavor, choose lump or backfin meat for best results.

• Jumbo Shells: Large pasta perfect for stuffing, hold generous seafood filling.

• Ricotta, Cream Cheese, Mozzarella, Parmesan: Creamy base creating rich and luxurious texture, select full-fat versions for best flavor.

• Parsley: Fresh green herb adding brightness and color, fresh is preferable to dried.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood spice blend with complex flavor profile.
• Garlic: Aromatic base providing deep savory undertones, fresh cloves recommended.

• Egg: Binding agent that helps hold filling together.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat for sautéing and adding moisture.
• Alfredo Sauce: Smooth, creamy sauce complementing seafood flavors.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings enhancing overall taste, use freshly ground black pepper.

Seafood Stuffed Shells in Creamy Sauce Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab a baking dish and give it a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sizzle the Seafood

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance for a minute.

Add succulent shrimp and cook until they turn a beautiful pink, about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Cream cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Fresh parsley
• Old Bay seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently fold in the cooked shrimp and tender crab meat until everything is perfectly mixed.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Take your cooked pasta shells and lovingly fill each one with the rich seafood mixture.

Nestle these filled shells into your prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Add the Creamy Sauce

Drizzle Alfredo sauce generously over the stuffed shells.

Sprinkle an extra layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top for ultimate cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the oven.

Bake for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Serve these mouthwatering shells piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Stuffed Shell Tips for Creamy Seafood Filling

• Add a splash of white wine while sautéing shrimp to enhance the overall taste profile and create deeper maritime notes.
• Choose jumbo pasta shells that are large and sturdy to hold maximum seafood mixture without breaking during baking.
• Allow ricotta and cream cheese to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before mixing to ensure smoother, more uniform blending.
• Replace dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives and use gluten-free pasta shells to make this recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant or gluten-sensitive diners.
• Always purchase fresh seafood from reputable sources and check for a clean, ocean-like smell to guarantee quality and prevent potential foodborne illnesses.

Reheat Seafood Stuffed Shells

• Store leftover seafood stuffed shells in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Carefully wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen shells remain delicious for up to 2 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover shells with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Sprinkle extra cheese for added moisture.
• Place shells on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Pairings

• Explore Seafood Shells Wine Pairing: Select crisp Chardonnay to complement creamy seafood flavors and balance rich cheese textures.
• Match Refreshing Cocktail: Create zesty lemon martini with vodka to cut through heavy cream and brighten delicate seafood essence.
• Enhance Herb-Infused Side: Prepare light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to provide fresh contrast against decadent pasta shells.
• Elevate Bread Companion: Serve toasted garlic crostini sprinkled with fresh herbs to add crunchy texture and absorb delicious sauce.

Seafood Stuffed Shells Flavor Spins

• Gluten-Free Seafood Shells: Replace traditional pasta shells with gluten-free pasta shells or zucchini boats for a low-carb alternative that maintains the creamy seafood flavor.
• Dairy-Free Ocean Delight: Swap dairy cheeses with cashew-based ricotta and nutritional yeast, using coconut cream instead of traditional Alfredo sauce for a plant-based version.
• Lighter Seafood Option: Reduce calorie content by using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese, choosing low-fat mozzarella, and incorporating more herbs like dill and chives for added freshness.
• Mediterranean Seafood Remix: Transform the recipe by adding sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and using feta cheese to give the dish a Greek-inspired Mediterranean profile.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp and crab meat. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the filling.

• Is Old Bay seasoning necessary?

While Old Bay adds signature flavor, you can substitute with a mix of paprika, celery salt, and black pepper if unavailable. The seasoning helps enhance the seafood’s natural taste.

• What types of seafood work best in stuffed shells?

Shrimp and crab are ideal, but you can also use scallops or a mixture of white fish. Ensure seafood is fresh and cleaned properly before adding to the filling.

• How can I prevent the shells from becoming soggy?

Cook pasta shells al dente and drain well. Don’t overfill shells, and pat seafood dry before mixing into the cheese filling to reduce excess moisture.

Seafood Stuffed Shells Creamy, Cheesy Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Seafood stuffed shells bring Mediterranean coastal charm to dinner tables with luxurious ricotta and succulent seafood. Creamy cheese and delicate shellfish create a harmonious blend that promises an elegant culinary experience you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

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Seafood

• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 1/2 lb lump crab meat

Cheese and Dairy

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (for topping)
• 1 egg, beaten

Additional Ingredients and Seasonings

• 20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups Alfredo sauce

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F and lightly coat a baking dish with olive oil for a smooth, non-stick surface.
2. Sizzle garlic in a skillet until fragrant, then quickly cook shrimp until they transform to a vibrant pink hue.
3. Create a luxurious seafood filling by blending ricotta, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan with a beaten egg, incorporating fresh parsley, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Gently fold the sautéed shrimp and delicate crab pieces into the creamy cheese mixture, ensuring an even distribution of seafood.
5. Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the rich seafood mixture, nestling them snugly in the prepared baking dish.
6. Lavishly drench the stuffed shells with velvety Alfredo sauce, then generously sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan across the top.
7. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, then unveil and continue baking until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
8. Finish by scattering fresh parsley over the shells and serve immediately while the dish is piping hot and irresistibly aromatic.

Notes

• Prevent seafood from overcooking by removing from heat immediately when turning pink to maintain tender, juicy texture.
• Use frozen seafood option by thawing completely and patting dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before cooking.
• Swap regular shells for gluten-free pasta shells to create a celiac-friendly version of this decadent dish.
• Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for extra heat if you prefer a spicier seafood stuffed shell experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 564
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1035 mg
• Fat: 31 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 179 mg