Name: Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz lobster meat; 8 oz lump crab meat; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided into 2 portions of ½ cup each); 1 ½ tablespoons butter (divided); 8 oz cream cheese; ½ cup heavy whipping cream; ¾ cup Parmesan Reggiano cheese, grated; Aluminum foil

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a special occasion wrapped in every bite, these Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are an absolute must-try. Imagine tender jumbo pasta shells brimming with a luxurious blend of lobster and crab, all enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce that melts beautifully in your mouth. The secret to nailing this recipe starts even before you gather your ingredients—Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) early on, setting the perfect stage for baking these indulgent shells to bubbly, golden perfection. This dish is like a cozy seaside escape right in your kitchen, making it perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on a relaxing night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role. They’re simple but essential, creating layers of flavor and texture that make each bite unforgettable. From the delicate lobster meat to the creamy cheeses, each component brings something special to the party.

Lobster meat (8 oz): The star seafood ingredient, tender and sweet, adding luxurious richness.
Lump crab meat (8 oz): Offers a delicate texture and savory depth that complements the lobster.
Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses a subtle aromatic warmth that perks up the filling.
All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Key for thickening the cheese sauce to a silky consistency.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate every other flavor beautifully.
Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 cup, divided): Melts perfectly for gooey, comforting texture.
Butter (1 ½ tablespoons, divided): Adds richness and helps build the sauce base.
Cream cheese (8 oz): Brings that creamy, tangy smoothness that ties the filling together.
Heavy whipping cream (½ cup): Creates the lush, velvety cheese sauce that coats each shell.
Parmesan Reggiano cheese (¾ cup, grated): Adds a nutty, savory punch to the sauce’s flavor profile.
Aluminum foil: Essential for covering the dish during baking to lock in moisture.

How to Make Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C)

Step 1: Prepare the Seafood

First things first, Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you need it. Then, melt half a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about one minute, to release its delicious aroma. Toss in the lobster and crab meat and cook just long enough to warm them through—two to three minutes is perfect. Remove from heat and set aside, making sure the seafood stays tender and succulent.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Filling

Next, in a large bowl, combine your cooked seafood with the cream cheese and half a cup of shredded mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix everything until smooth and fully incorporated. This mixture is the heart of your stuffed shells, packed with creamy, cheesy richness and fresh seafood flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Jumbo Pasta Shells

While your seafood filling is resting, cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions. Drain them carefully and let them cool slightly, which will make stuffing easier later on. Handling cooled shells is key to keeping their shape intact during the filling and baking processes.

Step 4: Make the Luscious Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute to eliminate any raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, making sure no lumps form—your goal is a smooth, creamy base. Stir in the grated Parmesan and the rest of the mozzarella, continuing to cook until the sauce thickens beautifully. This sauce will coat the shells and boost the flavor to the next level.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Here’s where you’ll especially want to remember Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the cheese sauce over the bottom of a baking dish to keep the shells from sticking and add extra creaminess. Stuff each cooled pasta shell with the seafood filling, arranging them snugly in the dish. Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the top, and cover with aluminum foil to trap moisture while baking. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the tops are bubbly and golden.

How to Serve Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C)

Garnishes

Finishing touches make a dish shine, so consider sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan or finely chopped parsley over the shells just before serving. These garnishes add a fresh pop of color and a hint of bright flavor that balances the richness beautifully. Lemon zest is also a delightful option to add a subtle zing.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, light and crisp sides work best. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans tossed with garlic and olive oil complement the creamy seafood perfectly. They bring freshness and texture contrast that keeps the meal harmonious and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve these stuffed shells in individual ramekins for a pretty, personalized touch or place them on large decorative platters with fresh herbs scattered around. A drizzle of infused olive oil or a few drops of chili oil can add a sophisticated flair that makes this dish party-ready.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers—store them in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen after resting, and reheated shells taste almost like fresh from the oven.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully without losing any of its creamy magic. Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake from frozen for about 45 minutes, making sure the shellfish flavor stays fresh and inviting.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, cover with foil and heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 15 minutes. This gentle reheating helps maintain moisture and creaminess. For a quick fix, microwaving individual servings for 1–2 minutes works well too, just keep an eye on it so the cheese doesn’t overcook.

FAQs

Can I substitute other seafood for lobster and crab?

Absolutely! Shrimp, scallops, or even a mix of your favorite seafood can make a delicious filling. Just be sure to cook them properly before mixing into the filling.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, swap out the jumbo pasta shells for gluten-free varieties, and replace the all-purpose flour in the sauce with cornstarch. This will keep the creamy sauce smooth and thick without gluten.

How do I prevent the shells from breaking while stuffing?

Let the shells cool thoroughly after boiling before handling them gently. Using a small spoon or your fingers carefully will help keep them intact as you fill.

Can I prepare this dish completely in advance?

You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Just remember to Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking to achieve that delicious bubbly finish.

What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese?

Ricotta cheese is a good substitute that provides creaminess while offering a slightly different texture; just make sure it’s well drained to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the feeling of serving up a dish that is both impressive and comforting, and these Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells do exactly that. With every step—from the moment you Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to the first glorious bite—you’re treating yourself and your loved ones to something truly special. So go ahead, dive into this recipe, and make your next dinner an unforgettable celebration of flavors!

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells

★★★★★

5.3 from 8 reviews

Author: Marina
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells is a decadent and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with a rich seafood mixture of lobster and crab, blended with creamy cheeses and baked in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for seafood lovers, this dish balances the sweetness of fresh shellfish with gooey mozzarella and tangy Parmesan, ideal for special occasions or a cozy dinner.

Instructions

Prepare the Seafood: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt ½ tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the lobster and crab meat, cooking for 2-3 minutes to warm through, then remove from heat and set aside.
Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked seafood with the cream cheese, ½ cup shredded mozzarella, and season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a creamy filling.
Cook the Jumbo Shells: Boil jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the shells and let them cool slightly to handle them safely before filling.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet used for seafood, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute while whisking constantly to form a roux. Gradually add the heavy whipping cream while continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, cooking until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the prepared cheese sauce on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking. Stuff each cooled pasta shell generously with the seafood filling and arrange them side by side in the dish. Pour the remaining cheese sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve: Allow the stuffed shells to cool slightly before serving. Optionally, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like parsley for added flavor. Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, indulgent seafood pasta dish.

Notes

Add shrimp to the filling for an additional seafood flavor.
For a spicy variation, incorporate red pepper flakes or hot sauce into the filling or sauce.
Fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, or thyme complement the dish beautifully.
Swap mozzarella and Parmesan with Gruyère, fontina, or white cheddar for different cheese profiles.
Use gluten-free pasta shells and substitute flour with cornstarch to make this dish gluten-free.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
Freeze assembled but unbaked shells tightly covered for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes when ready.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian