If you’re a seafood lover, this cheesy, creamy, and absolutely irresistible dish is for you! These Seafood Stuffed Shells are packed with lump crab, shrimp, ricotta, and melted cheese, then baked to perfection in a rich, velvety sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality meal made easily at home—perfect for a special dinner, date night, or holiday feast.
📌 Bonus: This dish is high in protein, rich in flavor, and completely satisfying!
💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Easy & Impressive – A gourmet seafood dish made simple!
✔️ Cheesy & Creamy – The perfect comfort food.
✔️ Restaurant-Quality at Home – Save money while enjoying a luxury meal.
✔️ Great for Special Occasions – Date nights, holidays, or family dinners.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Stuffed Shells:
- 12 jumbo pasta shells 🍝
- 1 cup lump crab meat, drained 🦀
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped 🍤
- 1 cup ricotta cheese 🧀
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
- 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning 🌿
- ½ cup heavy cream 🥛
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice 🍋
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
✔️ Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
✔️ Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Prepare the Seafood Filling
✔️ In a large bowl, combine lump crab meat, chopped shrimp, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and parsley.
✔️ Mix well until evenly combined.
3️⃣ Stuff the Shells & Assemble
✔️ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
✔️ Fill each pasta shell with the seafood mixture and place them in the baking dish.
4️⃣ Make it Extra Creamy & Bake
✔️ Pour heavy cream evenly over the stuffed shells.
✔️ Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
✔️ Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
✔️ Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
✔️ Garnish with extra fresh parsley and serve warm.
✔️ Enjoy this cheesy, seafood-filled masterpiece!
🔥 Pro Tips & Variations
⭐ Use Fresh Seafood: Fresh crab and shrimp provide the best flavor and texture.
⭐ Upgrade the Sauce: Mix heavy cream with Parmesan before pouring over the shells for a richer sauce.
⭐ Add a Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
⭐ Want More Flavor? Add white wine or garlic butter to the cream for an extra luxurious taste.
🕒 Quick Recipe Overview
📌 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 30 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 45 minutes
🥄 Servings: 4
⚡ Calories: ~410 kcal per serving
💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble the stuffed shells, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
2. What’s the Best Seafood to Use?
A mix of lump crab and shrimp works best, but you can also use lobster, scallops, or even a seafood medley.
3. Can I Freeze Seafood Stuffed Shells?
Yes! Freeze unbaked shells in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 45-50 minutes.
4. What Goes Well With This Dish?
Pair it with:
✔️ Garlic Bread 🥖
✔️ Caesar Salad 🥗
✔️ Roasted Vegetables 🥦
