Seafood Stuffed Shells: A Decadent Delight for Any Occasion

There’s something undeniably indulgent about seafood stuffed shells, isn’t there? This delightful dish combines tender pasta with a luxurious filling of lobster, crab, and shrimp, topped with gooey cheese and rich marinara sauce. Perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party or simply treating your family to something special on a weeknight, these stuffed shells are bound to become a favorite. From my experience, the first bite of these shells is a moment of pure bliss, as the flavors meld beautifully in every mouthful.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

If you’re on the fence about making this dish, let me share a few reasons why it deserves a spot on your dinner table. First off, it showcases a combination of seafood that feels extravagant yet is surprisingly simple to prepare. Imagine the delight on your loved ones’ faces as they dig into a plate of these shells, filled with a creamy and savory filling that coats the pasta perfectly.

Whether you’re hosting a celebratory dinner or just seeking a cozy meal at home, seafood stuffed shells check all the boxes. They’re rich in flavor, delightful in texture, and relatively quick to make. It’s an impressive way to enjoy seafood that doesn’t require culinary expertise—just a little love and attention.

“These seafood stuffed shells delighted every palate at our dinner party! The combination of flavors was outstanding, and everyone went back for seconds!” — A Happy Home Chef

How This Recipe Comes Together

Now that you’re intrigued, let’s break down how to make these irresistible shells. The process is intuitive and straightforward, making it accessible for cooks of all experience levels.

Start by prepping your pasta shells, cooking them according to the package instructions and setting them aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the star ingredients: the lobster, crab, shrimp, and cheeses, along with some cream and seasoning.
Stuff these delicious morsels into the shells, arrange them in a cozy baking dish, and then smother them in marinara.
A short bake in the oven transforms your ingredients into a bubbling, cheesy dish that’s ready to impress.

Gather These Items

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delectable dish:

20 large pasta shells
1 cup cooked lobster meat, chopped
1 cup cooked crab meat, chopped
1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 jar marinara sauce
Fresh parsley for garnish

Don’t worry if you’re missing an ingredient—feel free to substitute with your favorite seafood or even a mix of vegetables if you want a veggie version.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to pull it all together and create your seafood stuffed shells:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the chopped lobster, crab, shrimp, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the seafood mixture and arrange them in a baking dish.
Pour marinara sauce generously over the stuffed shells to coat them evenly.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a vibrant touch.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

When it comes to serving seafood stuffed shells, presentation and pairing can elevate your meal. You might consider a light salad, perhaps a simple arugula with lemon vinaigrette, to balance the richness of the dish. Garlic bread would make for a perfect side to mop up any leftover sauce.

Feel free to garnish with more Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon for a fresh finish. And of course, a glass of white wine can complement the seafood beautifully!

How to Store & Freeze

If you have leftovers (though that’s a big if!), seafood stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the shells in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes.

For longer storage, these shells freeze wonderfully! Just follow the recipe and assemble them in a freezer-safe dish before topping with sauce. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed, adding a bit more baking time if needed.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Here are a few extra insights that can enhance your cooking experience:

Ensure your seafood is cooked thoroughly before mixing it with other ingredients. This not only ensures safety but also optimizes flavor.
For an even creamier filling, consider adding a splash of white wine to the seafood mixture.
Don’t skimp on the cheese; it’s what adds that irresistible gooeyness!

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations you can try with your seafood stuffed shells:

Substitute the seafood with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a vegetarian delight.
Swap out the marinara for a delicious alfredo sauce for a creamy, dreamy rendition.
Spice it up by adding red pepper flakes to the filling for an extra kick!

Common Questions

Here are a few frequently asked questions regarding seafood stuffed shells:

Can I use frozen seafood?
Absolutely! Just ensure it’s thawed and cooked before using it in the filling.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
Cream cheese or cottage cheese can provide a similar texture and flavor.
How long can I keep leftovers?
Refrigerate for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months for best quality.

With this easy-to-follow recipe and a few tips up your sleeve, you’re all set to enjoy the deliciousness of seafood stuffed shells at home. Bon appétit!

Seafood Stuffed Shells

Indulge in these luxurious seafood stuffed shells filled with lobster, crab, shrimp, and gooey cheese, topped with rich marinara sauce—perfect for impressing guests or treating the family.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 35

Total Time 1 5

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian, Seafood

Servings 4 servings

Calories 470 kcal

Ingredients

Pasta and Filling

20 pieces large pasta shells Cook according to package instructions
1 cup cooked lobster meat, chopped
1 cup cooked crab meat, chopped
1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Garnish

1 jar marinara sauce
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the chopped lobster, crab, shrimp, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the seafood mixture and arrange them in a baking dish.
Pour marinara sauce generously over the stuffed shells to coat them evenly.

Baking

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.

Serving

Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a vibrant touch.

Notes

Serve with a light salad and garlic bread for an ideal pairing. Can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Keyword Crab, Lobster, Pasta, Seafood Stuffed Shells, Shrimp