Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe: Ocean Magic on a Plate

Seafood lovers often crave a delightful stuffed shells recipe that brings ocean flavors to the dinner table.

Fresh ingredients combine to create a luxurious pasta dish bursting with maritime goodness.

Succulent shrimp and tender crab mingle with creamy cheeses inside delicate pasta shells.

Hints of herbs and garlic weave through each perfectly seasoned bite.

Mediterranean influences shine through this elegant meal that looks impressive yet remains surprisingly simple to prepare.

Home cooks can easily master these delectable shells with minimal kitchen skills.

Dive into this recipe and treat yourself to an unforgettable seafood experience that will spark conversation around the table.

Seafood Stuffed Shells Loaded with Flavor

• Indulge in Luxury Dining: This seafood stuffed shells recipe transforms an ordinary meal into a gourmet experience with premium ingredients like crab, shrimp, and multiple cheeses.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for gatherings, this dish combines familiar pasta shells with exciting seafood, making it a hit for family dinners or special occasions.
• Quick Prep, Impressive Results: Minimal cooking steps and straightforward ingredients mean you can create a restaurant-quality meal without complex techniques, suitable for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe offers flexibility to adjust seasonings or swap seafood types, allowing personal creativity while maintaining the core delicious flavor profile.

Ingredients for Seafood Stuffed Shells

• Shrimp: Small and tender seafood that adds a delicate flavor to the dish.
• Crab: Sweet and delicate seafood that provides richness to the stuffing.

• Jumbo Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for holding the creamy seafood mixture.

• Ricotta Cheese: Soft cheese that creates a smooth and creamy base for the filling.
• Cream Cheese: Adds extra creaminess and helps bind the seafood mixture.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provide melty texture and sharp, savory notes to the dish.

• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the seafood.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that brings brightness and color to the dish.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood spice blend that enhances the ocean flavors.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.

• Egg: Helps bind the seafood mixture and adds richness.

• Alfredo Sauce: Creamy white sauce that complements the seafood and adds moisture.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and greasing the baking dish.

How to Make Seafood Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 375F (190C). 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 and toss in minced garlic. Let it dance for a minute, then add shrimp and cook until they turn a beautiful pink color, 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 crab and shrimp to create a luxurious seafood mixture.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Take your pasta shells and lovingly fill each one with the seafood and cheese blend.

Arrange them carefully in the 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 cheesiness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

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

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve these amazing seafood stuffed shells while they’re warm and inviting.

Tips to Perfect Seafood Stuffed Shells

• Cook pasta shells al dente to avoid tearing when stuffing, ensuring they hold the delicate seafood mixture perfectly.
• Use fresh, high-quality shrimp and crab for the best flavor and texture, avoiding pre-cooked or frozen options when possible.
• Mix cheeses at room temperature for smoother consistency and more even distribution throughout the seafood filling.
• Adjust Old Bay seasoning carefully to complement the seafood without overpowering the delicate flavors of shrimp and crab.
• Spread Alfredo sauce evenly to ensure each shell gets a creamy coating, preventing any dry spots during baking.

Flavorful Variations of Stuffed Shells

• Mediterranean Seafood Shells: Replace shrimp with calamari and add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Cajun Seafood Shells: Incorporate andouille sausage, cayenne pepper, and replace Alfredo sauce with a spicy Creole tomato sauce for a New Orleans-style kick.
• Coastal California Style: Mix in fresh crab meat, swap Old Bay for fresh dill, add roasted bell peppers, and top with sliced avocado after baking for a west coast flavor profile.
• Creamy Nordic Seafood Shells: Use smoked salmon instead of shrimp, add dill, replace Alfredo with a light cream sauce, and sprinkle with fresh chives for a Scandinavian touch.

Pairing Ideas for Seafood Stuffed Shells

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the creamy richness of the seafood shells, enhancing the delicate shrimp and crab flavors with its bright acidity.
• Create Citrus Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with segments of fresh orange, grapefruit, and a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy, cheesy seafood dish and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare toasted artisan bread rubbed with garlic and brushed with olive oil, perfect for soaking up the creamy Alfredo sauce and complementing the seafood's delicate texture.

Storing Seafood Stuffed Shells Safely

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Wrap individual shells tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.

Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for added flavor.

Place single serving on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until temperature reaches 165F. Add splash of cream to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of seafood in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute shrimp and crab with other seafood like scallops, lobster, or a mix of your favorite seafood options to customize the dish.

• Is Old Bay seasoning necessary for the recipe?

While Old Bay adds great flavor, you can substitute it with a blend of paprika, celery salt, and black pepper if you don’t have it on hand.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed shells and refrigerate them before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

• How can I make this recipe lighter?

To reduce calories, use low-fat ricotta and cream cheese, and choose a lighter Alfredo sauce or replace it with a tomato-based sauce.

Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Seafood Stuffed Shells bring coastal Italian flavors dancing across your plate with creamy ricotta and tender ocean treasures. Delicate pasta shells cradle a luxurious seafood filling that promises Mediterranean magic in each delightful bite you savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 1/2 pound 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

Seasonings and Other Ingredients:

• 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 375F (190C) and lightly coat a baking dish with olive oil for preventing sticking.
2. Sauté minced garlic in a skillet for 60 seconds until fragrant, then quickly cook shrimp until they transform to a vibrant pink color, approximately 2 minutes.
3. Create a rich seafood filling by blending ricotta, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, beaten egg, chopped parsley, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well-combined.
4. Gently incorporate crab and shrimp into the cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution of seafood throughout the filling.
5. Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the decadent seafood mixture, positioning them neatly in the prepared baking dish.
6. Generously drizzle Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring complete coverage, then sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
7. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and shells to heat through.
8. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and bubbling with appetizing texture.
9. Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley and serve piping hot for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Notes

• Swap shrimp and crab with white fish like cod or halibut for a budget-friendly alternative that maintains the creamy, oceanic flavor profile.
• Replace dairy cheeses with nutritional yeast and cashew cream to create a plant-based version that’s equally rich and satisfying.
• Adjust Old Bay seasoning intensity based on personal preference, or experiment with Cajun or Mediterranean spice blends for unique regional twists.
• Prepare the stuffed shells a day in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinner preparation a breeze.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 1013 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 640 mg
• Fat: 70 g
• Saturated Fat: 34 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 32 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 62 g
• Cholesterol: 230 mg