If you’re a fan of creamy, cheesy pasta dishes with succulent seafood, then you’re going to fall in love with these Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells. This dish brings together tender pasta shells, a decadent seafood filling, and a luscious cream sauce, creating a meal that feels fancy yet easy to make at home.

Stuffed shells are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for special occasions, date nights, or a comforting family dinner. Plus, they’re make-ahead friendly, so you can prepare them in advance and simply bake when ready.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need: ingredients (in grams), step-by-step instructions, nutrition facts, expert tips, variations, and serving suggestions. Let’s dive into this irresistible seafood delight!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Rich & Creamy – A luxurious cheese and seafood filling with a velvety sauce.
✔️ Packed with Flavor – Garlic, Parmesan, and a hint of lemon make this dish irresistible.
✔️ Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble in advance and bake when ready!
✔️ Restaurant-Quality at Home – Impress your guests with this gourmet-style meal.
✔️ Customizable – Use your favorite seafood like shrimp, crab, or scallops!

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Ingredients (in grams)

For the Stuffed Shells:

• 250g jumbo pasta shells
• 300g cooked shrimp, finely chopped
• 200g lump crab meat
• 250g ricotta cheese
• 150g shredded mozzarella cheese
• 100g grated Parmesan cheese
• 100g cream cheese, softened
• 2 cloves garlic (10g), minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (5g), chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (5g)
• ½ teaspoon salt (2g)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (2g)
• ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (2g) (optional, for extra seafood flavor)

For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

• 30g unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic (10g), minced
• 30g all-purpose flour
• 500ml heavy cream
• 250ml whole milk
• 100g grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt (2g)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (2g)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)

For Garnishing:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells until they are al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions).
3. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Seafood Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese.
2. Stir in the chopped shrimp, crab meat, garlic, parsley, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and Old Bay seasoning.
3. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly.
5. Bring to a gentle simmer and stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish.
3. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with about 2 tablespoons of the seafood filling.
4. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish.
5. Pour the remaining sauce over the shells, making sure to cover them evenly.

Step 5: Bake & Serve

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes, until bubbly and golden.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.

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Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories: 480
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 720mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary slightly based on ingredients used.

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Expert Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells

✔️ Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Slightly undercook the shells so they don’t become mushy while baking.
✔️ Use High-Quality Seafood – Fresh or frozen shrimp and real crab meat add the best flavor.
✔️ Balance the Flavors – A touch of lemon zest brightens up the creamy sauce.
✔️ Make It Ahead – Assemble the dish up to a day in advance and bake when ready.
✔️ Reheat Like a Pro – Warm leftovers in the oven at 175°C (350°F) with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

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Delicious Variations

🦞 Lobster-Lover’s Twist – Swap crab for lobster meat for an extra indulgent dish.
🌶️ Spicy Kick – Add cajun seasoning or diced jalapeños for a bold flavor.
🥬 Veggie Addition – Stir in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added texture.
🧀 Extra Cheesy – Mix in Gruyère or fontina cheese for a deeper flavor.

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What to Serve with Seafood Stuffed Shells

🥖 Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
🥗 Crisp Green Salad – A fresh side balances the richness.
🍷 White Wine (for adults!) – A dry Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully.
🥦 Roasted Vegetables – Asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes make great sides.

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Final Thoughts

These Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are the perfect combination of comfort food and gourmet elegance. With a rich cheese and seafood filling wrapped in tender pasta and smothered in a creamy garlic sauce, this dish is a showstopper!

Try it for your next family dinner, date night, or special occasion, and enjoy the ultimate cheesy, seafood-packed goodness! 🦐🧀✨