Introduction

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells combine tender jumbo pasta shells with a rich blend of lobster, crab, and shrimp in a luscious cheese sauce. This dish offers ultimate comfort dining, perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in.

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells for Ultimate Comfort Dining Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

12 pieces Jumbo Pasta Shells
8 ounces Lobster Meat
8 ounces Crab Meat (opt for fresh)
8 ounces Shrimp
4 ounces Cream Cheese (can swap for light cream cheese)
1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (freshly shredded)
4 tablespoons Butter
2 tablespoons Flour (can use gluten-free)
1 cup Heavy Cream (substitute with half-and-half)
½ cup Parmesan Cheese
2 cloves Garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Pepper

Instructions

Step 1: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the lobster and crab meat, cooking for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Set aside.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked seafood, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended.
Step 3: Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let them cool slightly before filling.
Step 4: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for about 1 minute. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously. Add Parmesan cheese and continue whisking until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Step 5: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of the sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the seafood mixture and arrange them in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.
Step 6: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and golden on top.
Step 7: Let the stuffed shells cool slightly. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs before serving warm.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, use light cream cheese and substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat.
Swap the seafood mix for cooked lobster and scallops for a different flavor profile.
Use gluten-free pasta shells and flour to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying, or microwave in short bursts until warmed through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells a day ahead and refrigerate before baking. Add extra baking time if baking directly from the fridge.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half is a good substitute for heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though it will be slightly less rich and creamy.

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells for Ultimate Comfort Dining Recipe

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4.9 from 112 reviews

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells combine jumbo pasta shells filled with a luscious blend of lobster, crab, shrimp, and creamy cheeses, all baked in a rich homemade cream sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for special occasions or indulgent weeknight dinners, delivering a decadent seafood flavor in every bite.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta Shells

12 pieces Jumbo Pasta Shells

Seafood Filling

8 ounces Lobster Meat
8 ounces Crab Meat (opt for fresh)
8 ounces Shrimp
4 ounces Cream Cheese (can swap for light cream cheese)
1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (freshly shredded)
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Pepper
2 cloves Garlic (minced)

Cream Sauce

4 tablespoons Butter
2 tablespoons Flour (can use gluten-free)
1 cup Heavy Cream (substitute with half-and-half)
½ cup Parmesan Cheese

Instructions

Preparation: Gather all ingredients and prepare jumbo pasta shells by boiling them according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and allow to cool slightly for easier handling.
Sauté Seafood and Garlic: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add lobster and crab meat; cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Make Seafood Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked lobster and crab mixture with cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Prepare Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk gently for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually add heavy cream while whisking continuously. Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Assemble Stuffed Shells: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of the cream sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Carefully stuff each cooled pasta shell with the seafood mixture and arrange them in the dish. Pour the remaining cream sauce evenly over the shells.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and golden on top.
Serve: Let the stuffed shells cool slightly. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs as desired. Serve warm for the ultimate comfort dining experience.

Notes

Use gluten-free flour to make the dish gluten-free if required.
Light cream cheese can be substituted to reduce fat content.
Fresh seafood improves flavor but frozen can be used if thawed properly.
Ensure pasta shells are not overcooked to maintain shape during stuffing.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently in the oven.

Keywords: seafood stuffed shells, creamy seafood pasta, baked stuffed shells, lobster crab shrimp pasta, comfort food seafood, creamy seafood bake