Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these rich and creamy seafood stuffed shells. Filled with a luxurious blend of lobster, crab, and shrimp, and topped with a decadent cheese sauce, this dish is perfect for any special occasion or cozy dinner. The tender pasta shells hold a creamy seafood filling that melts in your mouth, making it a crowd-pleaser for celebrations or date nights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Decadent: The creamy cheese sauce enhances the delicate seafood flavors, creating a mouthwatering dish.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: An elegant and impressive dish ideal for holidays, date nights, or any celebration.
- Comforting and Satisfying: A warm and hearty meal that will leave everyone at the table feeling content.
- Customizable: Swap or mix different seafood options based on your preference—feel free to add shrimp, scallops, or even a bit of lobster.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish can be prepped in advance and baked when ready to serve.
Ingredients
Seafood Filling:
- 8 oz lobster meat
- 8 oz lump crab meat
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided into 2 portions of ½ cup each)
- 1 ½ tablespoons butter (divided)
- 8 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¾ cup Parmesan Reggiano cheese, grated
For Baking:
- Aluminum foil
Directions
1. Prepare the Seafood: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt ½ tablespoon of butter. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the lobster and crab meat, cooking for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.
2. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked seafood with the cream cheese, ½ cup shredded mozzarella, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
3. Cook the Jumbo Shells: Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and let them cool slightly before filling with the seafood mixture.
4. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add the heavy cream, whisking to combine. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and remaining shredded mozzarella, continuing to stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
5. Assemble the Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the cheese sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Stuff the cooled pasta shells with the seafood filling and place them in the baking dish. Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the stuffed shells.
6. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.
7. Serve: Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs for added flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
- Add Shrimp: Include chopped shrimp in the filling for an extra burst of seafood flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh parsley, basil, or thyme add a fragrant and bright contrast to the rich dish.
- Cheese Swap: Use Gruyère, fontina, or white cheddar for a different cheese profile.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta shells and substitute flour with cornstarch for the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
- Freezing: Assemble the dish without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, cook from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use imitation crab meat instead of lump crab? Yes, but fresh lump crab provides a better texture and flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells the day before, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Can I substitute heavy cream with milk? Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. To thicken it, add extra cheese or a bit of cornstarch.
How do I prevent the pasta shells from breaking? Cook the shells al dente and handle them gently when stuffing.
What sides go well with seafood stuffed shells? Pair with a fresh side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
Can I add other seafood? Shrimp or scallops make excellent additions to this dish.
How do I make this dish lighter? Use light cream cheese and replace the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
What wine pairs well with seafood stuffed shells? A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the creamy seafood flavors.
Conclusion
Creamy seafood stuffed shells are the perfect combination of luxury and comfort. Filled with rich lobster, crab, and shrimp, smothered in a decadent cheese sauce, and baked to golden perfection, this dish is perfect for special occasions or an indulgent family dinner. Whether you’re celebrating or just treating yourself to something special, these stuffed shells will deliver a restaurant-quality meal right at home.