Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells – Snack On Meat
**Introduction**
Imagine tender jumbo pasta shells, each one cradling a luxurious filling of succulent crab, plump shrimp, and creamy ricotta, all bathed in a velvety Parmesan Alfredo sauce. This dish, Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells, is the epitome of indulgent comfort food with an elegant twist. It marries the rustic, satisfying appeal of baked pasta with the delicate, sweet brininess of the sea. Every bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors: the richness of the cheese, the sweet pop of seafood, and the subtle herbal notes of fresh dill and lemon zest. While it requires a bit of assembly, the process is wonderfully straightforward, and the impressive result is perfect for turning an ordinary dinner into a special occasion. It’s a show-stopping centerpiece that promises to delight anyone at your table.
**Perfect for:**
* Date Night at Home
* Holiday Celebrations (Christmas Eve, Easter)
* Impressive Dinner Party Main Course
* Weekend Family Feast
* A Special Sunday Supper
**Why You’ll Love This Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe**
**Elegant & Impressive:** This dish looks and tastes like it came from a fine Italian restaurant. The presentation is beautiful, and the combination of seafood and creamy sauce feels decadent and special.
**Perfectly Balanced Flavors:** The recipe carefully balances the richness of the cheeses and cream with the bright, sweet seafood. Fresh herbs and lemon prevent it from being too heavy, creating a complex and satisfying flavor profile.
**Make-Ahead Friendly:** The entire dish can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, then baked just before serving. This makes it ideal for stress-free entertaining.
**Crowd-Pleasing Comfort:** It combines the universal love of baked pasta with the luxurious appeal of seafood, ensuring it’s a hit with a wide range of palates.
**Preparation and Cooking Time**
**Total Time:** 1 hour 15 minutes
**Preparation Time:** 35 minutes
**Cooking Time:** 40 minutes
**Servings:** 6 servings
**Calories per serving:** Approximately 580-620 calories
**Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Estimate):**
* **Calories:** 580-620 kcal
* **Protein:** 35g
* **Carbohydrates:** 42g
* **Fat:** 30g
* **Fiber:** 2g
* **Sugar:** 5g
**Nutritional Disclaimer**
aileenrecipes is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
**Ingredients**
**For the Shells & Filling:**
* 24 jumbo pasta shells
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 8 ounces raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
* 8 ounces lump crab meat, carefully picked over for shells
* 1 (15 oz) container whole milk ricotta cheese
* 1 large egg
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
* ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
* 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
* 1 teaspoon lemon zest
* ½ teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
**For the Alfredo Sauce:**
* 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 ½ cups heavy cream
* 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Pinch of ground nutmeg
* Salt and white pepper to taste
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Cook the Pasta:** Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo shells according to package directions until al dente (usually 9-11 minutes). They should still have a slight bite as they will bake more later. Drain, rinse with cool water to stop cooking, and toss with a tiny bit of oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. **Prepare the Seafood:** Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until pink and opaque. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and let cool for 5 minutes.
3. **Make the Filling:** To the bowl with the shrimp, add the crab meat, ricotta, egg, ½ cup of the mozzarella, ¼ cup of the grated Parmesan, fresh dill, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gently fold everything together until just combined. Be careful not to break up the crab meat too much.
4. **Prepare the Sauce:** In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and whisk in the 1 cup of grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with nutmeg, salt, and white pepper. Remove from heat.
5. **Assemble the Dish:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread about ½ cup of the Alfredo sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the seafood and cheese mixture. Place each stuffed shell seam-side up in the prepared baking dish.
6. **Top and Bake:** Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over the top of the stuffed shells. Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
7. **Bake:** Bake, covered, for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and lightly golden, and the filling is heated through.
8. **Rest and Serve:** Let the baked shells rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes serving easier.
**How to Serve Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells**
* As a complete, elegant main course with a side of warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping into the extra sauce.
* Alongside a crisp, simple green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
* With a vegetable side such as roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or green beans almondine.
* For a dinner party, plate two or three shells per person with a garnish of fresh dill and a lemon wedge.
**Additional Tips for Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells**
* Handle the crab meat gently when mixing to preserve those desirable lump pieces.
* A piping bag (or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off) makes filling the shells neat and quick.
* If your Alfredo sauce seems too thick after assembling, you can thin it with a splash of milk or pasta water before pouring it over the shells.
* Letting the baked dish rest before serving is crucial; it prevents the filling from oozing out when you scoop the first shell.
**Recipe Variations of Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells**
* **Scallop & Lobster:** For an ultra-luxe version, replace the shrimp and crab with chopped bay scallops and cooked lobster meat.
* **Spinach & Artichoke:** Add ½ cup of finely chopped cooked spinach and ¼ cup of chopped marinated artichoke hearts to the filling for a vegetable boost.
* **Spicy Cajun:** Add 1-2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning to the shrimp while cooking and use a pepper jack cheese in place of half the mozzarella.
* **Simplified Version:** Use a high-quality store-bought Alfredo sauce to save time, then doctor it up with extra Parmesan and a pinch of nutmeg.
**Freezing and Storage for Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells**
**Storage:** Store leftover baked shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, covered, in a 350°F oven or in the microwave.
**Freezing:** Assemble the unstuffed shells in the dish with sauce and cheese. Do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if still cold.
**FAQ Section about Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells**
**Can I use imitation crab meat?**
Yes, you can use imitation crab (surimi) in a pinch. Chop it into small pieces. The flavor will be different but still enjoyable.
**What can I use instead of heavy cream in the sauce?**
For a lighter but still creamy sauce, you can use half-and-half. Do not boil it vigorously; just simmer gently to prevent curdling.
**Do I have to cook the shrimp before mixing?**
Yes, pre-cooking the shrimp ensures it doesn’t release too much moisture into the filling during baking and guarantees it is fully cooked.
**Can I prepare this a day ahead?**
Absolutely. Follow steps 1-6 for assembly, cover the unbaked dish, and refrigerate. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, possibly adding 5-10 extra minutes.
**Conclusion of Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe**
Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells is more than just a pasta dish; it is a culinary experience that brings a touch of coastal elegance to your dinner table. The process of creating this beautiful bake is as enjoyable as savoring it, making it a rewarding project for any home cook looking to impress. With its luxurious filling, rich sauce, and golden, bubbly cheese topping, it delivers on every promise of flavor and comfort. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply elevating a family meal, this recipe is a guaranteed path to memorable dining. Save it, make it, and watch it become a requested classic in your own cooking repertoire.