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Seafood Stuffed Shells

Seafood Stuffed Shells: Comforting Elegance on Your Plate

Seafood Stuffed Shells are a rich blend of lobster, crab, and shrimp, served in creamy sauce, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 shells
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12-15 pieces jumbo pasta shells Essential for holding the creamy filling
For the Filling
  • 2 tablespoons butter Can be swapped with olive oil for a lighter option
  • 2 cloves garlic Minced; use more for intense flavor
  • 1 cup lobster meat Fresh preferred but imitation can suffice
  • 1 cup crab meat Fresh lump is best; imitation works too
  • 8 ounces cream cheese Consider using light cream cheese as an alternative
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella Any melting cheese can be substituted
  • to taste salt Essential for enhancing flavors
  • to taste pepper Essential for enhancing flavors
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons flour Thickens the sauce beautifully
  • 1 cup heavy cream Base for a luscious sauce
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds a nutty flavor; pecorino romano is a delightful substitute

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • large pot
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Seafood Stuffed Shells
  1. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1 cup of lobster meat, 1 cup of crab meat, and 1 cup of shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the seafood is heated through but not overcooked. Remove from heat and set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed seafood with 8 ounces of cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.
  3. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Carefully add 12-15 jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the shells and set them aside to cool slightly.
  4. In the same skillet used for the seafood, melt another 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually add 1 cup of heavy cream while stirring, until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken. Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the creamy sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Stuff each of the cooled pasta shells generously with the seafood filling, then place the stuffed shells in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top.
  6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling and lightly golden.
  7. Allow the seafood stuffed shells to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1shellCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Fresh quality seafood enhances the flavors. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness. Let dish rest after baking for best results.

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