Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Seafood Stuffed Shells recipe combines the best of both worlds—seafood and pasta. The creamy ricotta and cream cheese filling, mixed with succulent shrimp and lump crab meat, make for a truly indulgent meal. The Alfredo sauce and cheese topping add extra richness, creating a decadent dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight dinner. It's easy to make, and the combination of flavors will have everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients

• 20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• ½ lb lump crab meat
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1½ cups Alfredo sauce
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan (for topping)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2 minutes.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Fold in the cooked shrimp and lump crab meat.
4. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the seafood mixture and arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
5. Pour Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until the dish is bubbly and golden.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Seafood Options: Feel free to swap the shrimp and crab meat for other seafood such as scallops, lobster, or a mix of seafood you prefer.
• Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, you can replace the seafood with spinach, ricotta, and mozzarella filling.
• Cheese Swap: You can try different cheese varieties such as cheddar or fontina for a unique twist on the flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any large pasta, such as manicotti or cannelloni, as a substitute for jumbo shells.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells a day ahead and refrigerate them until you're ready to bake them. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.

Can I freeze the seafood stuffed shells?

Yes, you can freeze the stuffed shells before baking. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To cook, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 50-60 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

Absolutely! If you're short on time, store-bought Alfredo sauce is a great shortcut. However, homemade Alfredo sauce will add a richer, fresher flavor.

What can I serve with these seafood stuffed shells?

These stuffed shells pair well with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

How can I add more flavor to the filling?

You can enhance the filling by adding sautéed onions, spinach, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp works just as well as fresh. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before cooking.

Can I use different herbs?

Yes, you can substitute fresh parsley with basil or thyme for a different flavor. Dill also pairs well with seafood.

What should I do if the shells break when stuffing?

If your shells break, don't worry! You can still bake them as a casserole by layering the seafood mixture and pasta in the baking dish.

Can I use a different type of cheese for the topping?

You can experiment with other cheeses such as Gouda, Asiago, or Gruyère for a more complex flavor.

Conclusion

Seafood Stuffed Shells are a delicious, rich dish that combines the flavors of shrimp, crab, and creamy cheeses in a comforting pasta shell. With its versatility, ease of preparation, and crowd-pleasing flavors, it’s a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a special family dinner or prepping ahead for a busy week, this recipe is sure to impress!