Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells for Ultimate Comfort Dining Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells bring together tender pasta and a luscious seafood filling for an indulgent comfort meal. This dish is perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something rich and satisfying. The blend of lobster, crab, and shrimp creates a flavorful seafood medley wrapped in a creamy sauce.

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

1. Step 1: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Toss in the lobster and crab, cooking for 2-3 minutes until just heated; then set aside.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked seafood, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
3. Step 3: Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and allow to cool slightly before filling.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to form a roux.
5. Step 5: Gradually stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
6. Step 6: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of the sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Carefully fill each pasta shell with the seafood mixture and place them in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the shells.
7. Step 7: Cover the 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.
8. Step 8: Allow the stuffed shells to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra parmesan or fresh herbs, then enjoy warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, use light cream cheese and half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Gluten-free flour works well for the sauce if you need a gluten-free meal.
• Swap seafood varieties according to availability or preference—scallops or white fish can be delicious additions.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add brightness when sprinkled on top before serving.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving to maintain the creamy texture and prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells and sauce in the baking dish beforehand. Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking as directed.

Can I freeze the stuffed shells?

You can freeze the assembled stuffed shells before baking. Wrap the dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells for Ultimate Comfort Dining Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 67 reviews

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells is a comforting and indulgent baked pasta dish featuring jumbo shells filled with a luxurious blend of lobster, crab, and shrimp combined with cream cheese and mozzarella. Topped with a rich parmesan cream sauce and baked to golden perfection, this recipe offers the ultimate comfort dining experience perfect for special occasions or cozy dinners.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Pasta
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 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)

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

1. Preparation: Gather all ingredients and prepare jumbo pasta shells by boiling according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly before stuffing.
2. Sauté Seafood: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add lobster and crab meat, cooking for 2-3 minutes until just heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked lobster and crab, shrimp, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a smooth, well-blended seafood filling.
4. Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually add the heavy cream while whisking continuously, then stir in parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
5. Stuff Shells: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of the prepared cream sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Carefully spoon the seafood filling into each cooled pasta shell and arrange them in the baking dish. Pour any remaining cream sauce evenly over the shells.
6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
7. Serve: Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired and enjoy warm for the ultimate comfort meal.

Notes

• You can substitute light cream cheese and half-and-half to reduce fat content.
• Use gluten-free flour if you require a gluten-free version.
• Fresh seafood provides the best flavor, but cooked seafood can be used for convenience.
• For added flavor, garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
• Ensure pasta shells are not overcooked to prevent them from breaking during stuffing.

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