Description
If you’re craving a creamy, indulgent seafood dish, these Seafood Stuffed Shells are a must-try! Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a rich mixture of shrimp, crab, and ricotta cheese, then baked in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- Jumbo pasta shells (12-14 shells)
- Shrimp (½ lb, cooked and chopped)
- Crab meat (½ lb, lump or imitation)
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup)
- Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, grated)
- Mozzarella cheese (½ cup, shredded)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Egg (1 large)
- Lemon zest (1 tsp)
- Fresh parsley (¼ cup, chopped)
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
For the Sauce:
- Butter (2 tbsp)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Heavy cream (1 cup)
- Chicken broth (½ cup)
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated)
- Mozzarella cheese (½ cup, shredded)
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta Shells – Boil the shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Filling – In a large bowl, mix the chopped shrimp, crab, ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, garlic, egg, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Stuff the Shells – Fill each pasta shell with about 2 tablespoons of the seafood mixture and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Make the Sauce – In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Assemble and Bake – Pour the creamy sauce over the stuffed shells. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle with extra cheese, and bake for another 5-10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve and Enjoy! – Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Notes
- Don’t overcook the pasta – Slightly undercook it so it holds its shape when baked.
- Use fresh seafood – For the best flavor, use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp and crab.
- Add a little heat – A pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes enhances the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian-American