✨ Introduction
Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are the ultimate luxurious comfort pasta packed with tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, creamy ricotta filling, and rich garlic Parmesan sauce. Every jumbo shell is loaded with savory seafood and bubbling melted cheese for the perfect balance of elegance and comfort. Warm, creamy, and deeply satisfying, this seafood pasta bake is perfect for holidays, family dinners, or elevated comfort food cravings.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Stuffed Shells
• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• ½ lb lump crab meat
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk or heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins
• Lobster meat
• Spinach
• Mushrooms
• Bacon bits
Optional Garnish
• Fresh parsley
• Chili flakes
• Lemon wedges
• Extra Parmesan cheese
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta Shells
Boil jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain carefully and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Seafood
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
3️⃣ Season the Seafood
Add shrimp, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook until shrimp are pink and tender. Gently fold in crab meat.
4️⃣ Make the Filling
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and Italian seasoning. Fold in the seafood mixture.
5️⃣ Prepare the Cream Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic. Whisk in flour and cook briefly.
6️⃣ Build the Sauce
Slowly add milk or cream while stirring continuously until smooth and thickened. Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until creamy.
7️⃣ Stuff the Shells
Fill each shell generously with the seafood cheese filling.
8️⃣ Assemble the Dish
Spread some sauce into a baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells on top and pour remaining sauce over them.
9️⃣ Bake Until Bubbly
Top with extra mozzarella cheese and bake until golden, bubbly, and heated through.
🔟 Garnish and Serve
Top with parsley, chili flakes, lemon wedges, or extra Parmesan cheese and serve hot.
❓ FAQ
Can I use imitation crab?
Yes, but lump crab meat gives the best flavor.
What seafood works best?
Shrimp, crab, lobster, or scallops all work beautifully.
Can I make it spicy?
Add Cajun seasoning or chili flakes.
What sides pair well?
Garlic bread or Caesar salad pair perfectly.
Can I freeze stuffed shells?
Yes, freeze before baking for easy meal prep.
🦀 Final Thoughts
Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are the perfect luxurious comfort pasta packed with tender seafood, creamy ricotta filling, and rich garlic Parmesan sauce. Elegant, cozy, and deeply satisfying, they’re a restaurant-style homemade favorite full of warm savory goodness.
