Introduction
Who doesn’t love a warm, creamy, and delicious pasta dish? Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are the perfect choice for anyone who wants something a little fancy but still easy to make. These shells are filled with a rich mixture of seafood, cheese, and seasonings, then baked with a creamy sauce until bubbly and golden.
This recipe is great for special dinners, family meals, or when you just want to treat yourself to something amazing. And the best part? You don’t have to be a pro chef to make it! Let’s dive into what you’ll need and how to make it step by step.
Ingredients – Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
Here’s everything you’ll need to make creamy seafood stuffed shells:
For the Shells:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- Salt (for boiling water)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup cooked shrimp (chopped)
- 1 cup cooked crab meat (or imitation crab)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step by Step Process – Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
Step 1: Cook the Shells
- Boil a large pot of water.
- Add a pinch of salt and cook the pasta shells for about 8–10 minutes or until they are tender but still firm.
- Drain the shells and rinse them with cool water to stop the cooking.
- Set them aside.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, mix the chopped shrimp and crab meat.
- Add ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until everything is well combined.
- Taste the filling and adjust the seasonings if needed.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to make a smooth paste (called a roux).
- Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth.
- Let it cook for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat.
Step 4: Stuff the Shells
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Take a spoon and fill each pasta shell with the seafood mixture.
- Place the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Bake
- Pour the creamy sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top if you like it extra cheesy.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with more parsley if desired.
- Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and seafood-filled meal!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Total Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Cholesterol | 105 mg |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 3 g |
| Calcium | 220 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use different seafood?
Yes! You can use scallops, lobster, or even canned tuna if that’s what you have. Just make sure the seafood is cooked and chopped.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed shells and sauce ahead of time. Just cover and store in the fridge. When ready, bake it fresh. Add 5-10 more minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Q3: What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use just milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich. You can also use half-and-half as a good substitute.
Q4: Is this dish freezer friendly?
Yes! You can freeze the stuffed shells before baking. Wrap the dish tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Q5: Can I make it spicy?
Of course! Just add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce if you like a bit of heat.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells is one of those dishes that looks impressive but is actually pretty easy to make. The mix of cheesy, creamy goodness with seafood and pasta creates a rich, satisfying meal that your whole family will love.
Whether you’re making it for a special dinner or just because you’re craving comfort food, this recipe delivers big flavor with simple steps. And with plenty of room to customize the ingredients, it’s a dish you can make your own. So grab those jumbo shells, get your seafood ready, and let the creamy magic begin in your kitchen!
