Seafood Stuffed Shells

When you’re craving something warm, creamy, and irresistibly comforting, there’s nothing quite like Seafood Stuffed Shells. This cozy baked pasta dish is loaded with tender shell pasta, stuffed with a rich blend of shrimp, crab, and ricotta cheese, all blanketed in a velvety sauce and topped with golden, bubbling cheese.

This version takes classic stuffed shells to a luxurious level with seafood flair and creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a comforting family dinner, these baked shells are a guaranteed hit.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Elegant Yet Easy – Looks restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly simple to make at home.
Seafood Lovers’ Dream – Filled with sweet crab and juicy shrimp in a rich cheese mixture.
Ultra Comforting – Baked to perfection with melty mozzarella and creamy Alfredo or tomato cream sauce.
Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals – Assemble in advance and bake when ready.
Customizable – Swap in your favorite seafood or sauce to make it your own.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Stuffed Shells:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
• 1 cup lump crab meat (or imitation crab)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups Alfredo sauce or tomato cream sauce
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Spoon or piping bag (for filling)
• Foil for covering
• Spatula or serving spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Boil the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
In a mixing bowl, combine shrimp, crab, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley. Stir until well mixed.

Step 2: Fill the Shells

Spoon or pipe the seafood filling into each pasta shell. Be generous, but don’t overstuff.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

Spread a layer of sauce on the bottom of your greased baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer.
Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the shells. Top with extra mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Step 4: Bake

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Let cool slightly. Garnish with extra parsley. Serve with crusty bread or salad for the full experience.

Tips for Perfect Seafood Stuffed Shells

Use Quality Seafood – Fresh or good-quality frozen seafood makes all the difference.
Don’t Overcook Pasta – Slightly undercook the shells so they hold up during baking.
Try Different Sauces – Alfredo is rich and creamy, but tomato cream or vodka sauce adds a nice tang.
Make It Spicy – Add crushed red pepper to the filling or sauce for a subtle heat.
Prep Ahead – Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic bread or focaccia
• Pair with a Caesar salad or arugula and lemon vinaigrette
• Add a glass of white wine (Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)
• Finish with a light dessert like lemon sorbet or tiramisu

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions.

Freezing:
Assemble but do not bake. Wrap tightly and freeze. When ready, bake from frozen at 375°F for 45–55 minutes (covered), then uncover for the last 10–15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other seafood?
Yes! Scallops, lobster, or even a firm white fish like cod work well.

Can I make this without ricotta?
Sure. Swap with cottage cheese or a mix of cream cheese and mozzarella.

Is this good for a crowd?
Absolutely—double the recipe and use two baking dishes for entertaining.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta shells and check that your sauce is gluten-free.

Do I have to use Alfredo sauce?
Not at all. Marinara, pink sauce, or even a garlic cream sauce all work beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Seafood Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food with a fancy twist. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender seafood, they’re perfect for cozy nights in or a special dinner at home. With rich layers of flavor and an ultra-satisfying texture, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite.

Give it a try and share your delicious results on Pinterest or Instagram—we’d love to see your take on it!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-American

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