Dreamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe: Coastal Comfort on a Plate

Delicate seafood stuffed shells bring a luxurious twist to classic Italian comfort food.

Creamy ricotta and tender shrimp nestle perfectly inside pasta pockets waiting to surprise you.

Coastal flavors dance through each carefully crafted bite, promising excitement for dinner.

Mediterranean herbs and subtle spices complement the delicate seafood filling beautifully.

Elegant yet approachable, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Pasta lovers will adore how quickly these shells come together in the kitchen.

Dive into a meal that feels like a gourmet restaurant experience right at home.

Seafood Stuffed Shells Bursting with Ocean Flavors

• Boost Seafood Indulgence: Dive into a luxurious blend of succulent shrimp and delicate crab, creating a gourmet experience that elevates your dinner game.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adjusting seasonings or swapping seafood types to match your taste preferences and ingredient availability.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Transforms classic pasta shells into a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both adults and kids, making mealtime exciting and delicious.
• Quick Preparation Magic: Combines simple cooking techniques with premium ingredients, allowing you to create a restaurant-quality meal without extensive culinary skills.

Ingredients List for Seafood Stuffed Shells Feast

• Shrimp: Fresh and succulent seafood that adds a sweet and tender texture to the dish.
• Crab: Delicate and rich seafood that brings a luxurious flavor to the stuffed shells.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and mild cheese that creates a smooth base for the filling.
• Cream Cheese: Soft cheese that adds richness and helps bind the filling together.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that provides a stretchy and gooey texture to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Egg: Binding ingredient that helps hold the filling together and adds structure.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright and clean flavor to the filling.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood seasoning that brings a zesty and distinctive taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat used for sautéing and greasing the baking dish.
• Alfredo Sauce: Creamy white sauce that adds moisture and richness to the stuffed shells.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides depth of flavor when sautéed.

Preparing Seafood Stuffed Shells Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to a cozy 375°F. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick olive oil massage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sizzle the Seafood

Fire up a skillet with olive oil and let garlic dance around for a moment. Toss in shrimp and cook until they turn a beautiful pink, roughly 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 crab and shrimp to create a luxurious seafood blend.

Step 4: Fill the Pasta Shells

Lovingly stuff each pasta shell with the seafood mixture, nestling them snugly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Drench in Sauce

Lavish the shells with creamy Alfredo sauce. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 more minutes until the top turns golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Scatter fresh parsley over the shells and serve piping hot. Watch your guests’ eyes light up with delight!

Tips That Elevate Your Seafood Stuffed Shells Game

• Quickly sauté shrimp just until pink to maintain tender, juicy texture and avoid rubbery consistency.
• Use a mix of creamy ricotta and sharp Parmesan for rich, complex flavor without overwhelming the delicate seafood.
• Pat shrimp and crab dry before mixing to prevent excess moisture from making the filling watery.
• Select high-quality, fresh seafood for the most authentic and delicious stuffed shells experience.
• Start with less Old Bay and taste, gradually adding more to achieve perfect seafood flavor without overpowering.

Tasty Alternatives for Seafood Stuffed Shells

• Mediterranean Seafood Shells: Replace Old Bay seasoning with oregano, add diced sun-dried tomatoes, and use feta cheese instead of mozzarella for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Cajun Seafood Shells: Mix in Cajun seasoning, add andouille sausage, incorporate diced bell peppers, and use pepper jack cheese for a Louisiana-style kick.
• Creamy Lobster Variation: Substitute shrimp and crab with chunks of fresh lobster meat, incorporate chives, and drizzle with white wine cream sauce for an elegant presentation.
• Asian-Fusion Seafood Shells: Season with ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil, add chopped scallions, use a blend of Asian cheeses, and top with toasted sesame seeds.

Perfect Pairings for Seafood Stuffed Shells Dinner

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the rich seafood flavors, cutting through the creamy cheese and providing a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Citrus Salad: Create a light citrus and arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy, decadent seafood shells, adding brightness and acidity to the meal.
• Select Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread alongside the dish to soak up the delicious Alfredo sauce and provide a crunchy texture counterpoint.
• Choose Chilled Seafood Appetizer: Start with a light ceviche or shrimp cocktail to echo the seafood theme and prepare the palate for the main course's rich, creamy shells.

How to Preserve Seafood Stuffed Shells Quality

Store leftover seafood stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Wrap individual portions or entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.

Place single serving on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove from refrigerator, place in oven-safe dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for added flavor.

FAQs

• What type of seafood works best in this recipe?

Shrimp and crab are ideal for this dish, providing a delicate and rich flavor profile that complements the creamy cheese mixture perfectly.

• Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat dry the seafood completely before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the filling.

• Is Old Bay seasoning necessary?

While not mandatory, Old Bay adds a classic seafood flavor that enhances the overall taste of the stuffed shells. If unavailable, you can substitute with a blend of paprika, celery salt, and black pepper.

• How difficult is this recipe for home cooks?

This recipe is moderate difficulty, suitable for intermediate home cooks with basic kitchen skills. The most challenging part is properly stuffing the shells and achieving the right consistency of the filling.

Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 20 1x

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Description

Creamy seafood stuffed shells bring coastal Italian flavors right to your dinner table, blending succulent shrimp and crab with rich cheese and herbs. Guests will savor each luxurious bite of this elegant pasta dish that promises a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dining experience.

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Ingredients

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Seafood:

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

Dairy and Cheese:

• 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)

Other Ingredients:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg, beaten
• 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 to prevent sticking.
2. Create a flavor base by sautéing minced garlic in olive oil for 60 seconds until fragrant and translucent.
3. Quickly cook shrimp in the garlic-infused oil until they turn pink and opaque, approximately 2 minutes.
4. Craft the seafood filling by blending ricotta, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, beaten egg, chopped parsley, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
5. Gently incorporate cooked crab and shrimp into the creamy cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
6. Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the rich seafood filling, arranging them neatly in the prepared baking dish.
7. Generously drizzle Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells, creating an even coating.
8. Sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the top for extra richness.
9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
10. Remove foil and continue baking for 10 more minutes until the top turns golden and edges become crispy.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Notes

• Select fresh, high-quality seafood to elevate the dish’s flavor and ensure optimal taste and texture.
• Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery consistency; they should turn pink and curl slightly.
• Drain excess liquid from ricotta cheese to prevent watery filling and maintain a creamy, thick texture.
• Consider gluten-free alternative by using gluten-free pasta shells for those with dietary restrictions.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 20
• Calories: 464
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 487 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 49 g
• Cholesterol: 176 mg