Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe
If you love creamy pasta dinners, this Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe is a must-try. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a rich seafood mixture and baked in a creamy sauce until bubbly.
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ pound shrimp peeled, cooked, and chopped
- ½ pound lump crab meat
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Pasta Shells
- Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions until just tender. Drain them carefully and rinse with cool water. Place them on a tray so they do not stick together.
Prepare the Seafood Filling
- Mix chopped shrimp, crab meat, ricotta, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Stir gently until the filling becomes creamy and well combined.
Make the Cream Sauce
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for one minute. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream. Add Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until smooth and slightly thick.
Fill the Pasta Shells
- Spoon the seafood mixture into each cooked shell. Fill them generously without overpacking. Arrange the stuffed shells in a lightly greased baking dish in a single layer.
Add the Sauce
- Pour the warm cream sauce evenly over every shell. Sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. This creates a golden and creamy topping after baking.
Bake the Dish
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes until the cheese turns lightly golden.
Garnish and Serve
- Let the shells rest for five minutes before serving. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, cheesy, seafood-filled bite with your family.
Notes
- Do not overcook the pasta shells.
- Pat seafood dry before mixing.
- Use fresh Parmesan for better flavor.
- Add chopped spinach to the filling.
- Mix lobster with shrimp for extra richness.
- Use cooked scallops instead of crab.
- Add crushed red pepper for gentle heat.
- Let the dish rest before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon zest.