Description
Indulge in rich and creamy seafood stuffed shells filled with shrimp, crab, and cheese, baked in a flavorful sauce. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home!
Ingredients
Scale
For the filling:
- 12–16 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup cooked crab meat (lump or claw)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
For topping:
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta shells – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the seafood filling – In a large bowl, mix the shrimp, crab meat, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Make the sauce – In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, cooking until the sauce thickens. Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and Old Bay seasoning. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the dish – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Stuff each shell with the seafood mixture and arrange in the dish.
- Top with sauce and cheese – Pour the remaining sauce over the shells. Sprinkle with mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley.
- Bake – Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve – Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
- Different seafood: Swap shrimp and crab for scallops, lobster, or a seafood mix.
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Tomato-based sauce: Use marinara or vodka sauce instead of creamy sauce.
- Cheese blend: Try Gruyère, fontina, or smoked gouda for a richer taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: seafood stuffed shells, creamy seafood pasta, baked stuffed shells, seafood pasta bake, crab and shrimp shells