Seafood Stuffed Shells bring a slice of oceanic delight right to your dining table. Imagine indulging in large pasta shells filled to the brim with an opulent mixture of lobster, crab, and shrimp, all mingled with creamy ricotta and mozzarella. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to impress your family during a cozy weeknight meal, this dish hits all the right notes. The blend of flavors and textures makes each bite a rich experience that seafood lovers crave.

What Makes This Recipe Special

When it comes to seafood pasta dishes, Seafood Stuffed Shells offer a luxurious yet approachable option. This dish is not just about flavors; it’s about creating an experience. Perfect for family gatherings, dinner parties, or even just a treat for yourself, it checks all the boxes—satisfying, delicious, and a little indulgent. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress while being surprisingly easy to prepare!

"I made these for a family gathering, and everyone raved about them! Even my kids who usually avoid seafood went back for seconds. A true crowd-pleaser!" — A satisfied home cook

How This Recipe Comes Together

Creating Seafood Stuffed Shells is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. You’ll begin by cooking your pasta shells al dente, giving them just the right bite. Meanwhile, prepare a succulent filling with your seafood medley combined with creamy cheeses. Everything comes together in a baking dish, topped with marinara and heavy cream for a rich finish. The final bake brings everything together, creating a bubbly, golden masterpiece.

Key Ingredients

To whip up these delightful shells, you’ll need the following ingredients:

12 large pasta shells
1 cup cooked lobster meat, diced
1 cup cooked crab meat, diced
1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups marinara sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream

Feel free to mix and match seafood according to availability or your personal taste. If you’re in a pinch, frozen seafood can work just fine with a bit of thawing beforehand.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the diced lobster, crab, chopped shrimp, ricotta, half of the mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.
Stuff each shell generously with the seafood mixture and place them in a greased baking dish.
Pour marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells and drizzle with heavy cream.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and golden.
Allow it to cool slightly before serving for the best flavor and presentation.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Serving Seafood Stuffed Shells can be as creative as the dish itself. I recommend garnishing with additional fresh parsley or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Pair the dish with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to round out the meal. A glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, complements the rich seafood flavors beautifully.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

When it comes to storing your leftovers, make sure to refrigerate them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. If you want to save them for a longer period, consider freezing them! Just be sure to cover them well to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm back up in the oven until heated through.

Tips for Success

Don’t overcook the pasta shells; al dente is key to preventing them from breaking during stuffing.
Use a mix of seafood based on what you enjoy or have available—scallops or mussels add a nice touch.
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the seafood mixture.

Creative Twists on the Classic Dish

Want to shake things up? Try adding a touch of spinach or artichokes to the filling for a pop of color and freshness. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute the ricotta with cottage cheese and use low-fat versions of mozzarella and cream. For a spicy kick, mix in some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce in the seafood mixture.

Common Questions

How long does it take to prepare Seafood Stuffed Shells?
The total time, including preparation and baking, is around 60 minutes.

Can I substitute the seafood?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorites or whatever you have on hand. Just ensure everything is cooked beforehand.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To keep them from drying out, reheat covered in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of marinara can help maintain moisture.

Dive into these Seafood Stuffed Shells and indulge in a sophisticated yet simple dish perfect for any occasion. Your taste buds will thank you!

Seafood Stuffed Shells

Indulge in luxurious pasta shells filled with a creamy seafood medley of lobster, crab, and shrimp, topped with marinara and baked to perfection.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1 10

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian, Seafood

Servings 6 servings

Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients

Seafood Filling

1 cup cooked lobster meat, diced
1 cup cooked crab meat, diced
1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
to taste Salt and pepper

Pasta and Sauce

12 large pasta shells
2 cups marinara sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the diced lobster, crab, chopped shrimp, ricotta, half of the mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.
Stuff each shell generously with the seafood mixture and place them in a greased baking dish.
Pour marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells and drizzle with heavy cream.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.

Baking

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and golden.
Allow it to cool slightly before serving for the best flavor and presentation.

Notes

Garnish with additional fresh parsley or red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Serve with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. A glass of white wine pairs perfectly.

Keyword Dinner Party, Pasta, Seafood, Seafood Stuffed Shells, Stuffed Shells