Name: Seafood Stuffed Shells
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente; 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped; ½ lb lump crab meat; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup ricotta cheese; ½ cup cream cheese, softened; ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg, beaten; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1½ cups Alfredo sauce; ½ cup shredded mozzarella (for topping); ¼ cup grated Parmesan (for topping)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Creamy: A perfect balance of seafood, cheese, and Alfredo sauce creates a luxurious texture.
Flavor-Packed: Old Bay seasoning, garlic, and Parmesan add layers of deliciousness.
Great for Special Occasions: This dish is impressive yet simple enough for a cozy dinner.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the shells in advance for an easy dinner option.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
½ lb lump crab meat
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ricotta cheese
½ cup cream cheese, softened
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1½ cups Alfredo sauce
½ cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)
¼ cup grated Parmesan (for topping)

Directions

1. Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a baking dish with olive oil and set aside.

2. Cook the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Sauté garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add chopped shrimp and cook until pink, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3. Make the Seafood Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Fold in the cooked shrimp and lump crab meat until well mixed.

4. Stuff the Shells

Fill each cooked pasta shell with the seafood mixture.
Arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish.

5. Add Alfredo Sauce & Cheese

Pour Alfredo sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top.

6. Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

7. Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve warm with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Calories: ~420 kcal per serving

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the seafood mixture.
Cheesy Upgrade: Swap mozzarella for fontina or Gruyère for extra depth.
Tomato-Based: Use marinara sauce instead of Alfredo for a different twist.
Lobster Addition: Replace shrimp with lobster meat for a more luxurious version.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Assemble the shells, cover tightly, and freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the stuffed shells, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. What type of shrimp is best?

Medium-sized raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, work best for this recipe.

3. Can I use imitation crab meat?

Yes, but lump crab meat offers better flavor and texture.

4. Can I substitute Alfredo sauce?

Yes! Try a garlic butter sauce or a light cream sauce for a different take.

5. What sides go well with seafood stuffed shells?

Garlic bread, roasted asparagus, or a crisp Caesar salad make great pairings.

6. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Manicotti or cannelloni can work if you don’t have jumbo shells.

7. Can I add spinach to the filling?

Absolutely! Chopped cooked spinach or kale adds extra nutrients and flavor.

8. How do I know when the dish is done baking?

The cheese should be melted and bubbly, with a slightly golden top.

9. Can I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream cheese, ricotta, and Alfredo sauce alternatives.

10. What can I do with leftovers?

Chop up the stuffed shells and mix them into pasta for a delicious seafood pasta bake.

Conclusion

Seafood Stuffed Shells are an elegant yet easy-to-make dish perfect for seafood lovers. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, they make any meal feel like a special occasion. Try them for dinner tonight and impress your family or guests with this indulgent seafood delight!