Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells (Print-Friendly Version) Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances indulgence with the bright flavors of the sea, then these Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells (Print-Friendly Version) are about to become your new favorite. Imagine jumbo pasta shells generously filled with a luscious mixture of lobster and crab, all enveloped in a silky, cheesy cream sauce that bakes to golden perfection. This recipe is the perfect celebration of seafood and cheese, offering a comforting yet elegant meal you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells (Print-Friendly Version), you’ll want to gather a handful of simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element plays a key role, from the tender lobster and crab that offer fresh maritime sweetness, to the rich cheeses and creamy sauce that bring indulgence and texture. These ingredients come together easily but create a beautiful, balanced dish.
- Lobster meat (225 g): Offers sweet, delicate flavor and a luxurious seafood base.
- Lump crab meat (225 g): Adds a flaky, tender texture and enhances seafood richness.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Provides aromatic depth and a mild pungency to the filling.
- All-purpose flour (1 tbsp): Essential for thickening the creamy cheese sauce perfectly.
- Salt, to taste: Highlights flavors and balances sweetness of seafood and richness of cheese.
- Black pepper, to taste: Adds subtle heat that complements the creamy filling.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (120 g, divided): Half incorporated into the filling for melt-in-mouth texture, half into the sauce for silkiness.
- Unsalted butter (21 g, divided): Used to sauté garlic and build the cheese sauce’s base for velvety richness.
- Cream cheese (225 g): Gives the seafood mixture a silky, luscious creaminess.
- Heavy whipping cream (120 ml): Key to creating a smooth, decadent sauce that envelops the shells.
- Parmesan Reggiano cheese, grated (75 g): Adds a sharp, nutty undertone that enriches the sauce beautifully.
- Jumbo pasta shells: The perfect vessels—cooked al dente—to cradle the creamy seafood filling without falling apart.
- Aluminum foil: Used to cover the baking dish, ensuring even, moist cooking.
How to Make Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells (Print-Friendly Version)
Step 1: Sauté the Seafood
Start by melting some butter in a large skillet over medium heat and gently cook the minced garlic until it releases its beautiful aroma, about a minute. Then stir in your tender lobster and lump crab meat, letting them warm through for a few minutes without drying out. Once this fragrant seafood mixture is ready, set it aside and allow those flavors to mingle while you move on to the filling preparation.
Step 2: Prepare the Seafood Filling
Transfer the lightly sautéed seafood to a mixing bowl, then add the cream cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella. Season it well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until you get a smooth, creamy consistency that you’ll love spooning into your pasta shells. This mixture is the star of your meal—rich, creamy, and filled with bursts of ocean flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta Shells
While the seafood mixture rests, boil your jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions, aiming for perfect al dente texture so they hold up beautifully when stuffed. Drain them carefully and arrange them on a tray to cool just enough to handle without losing their shape or moisture balance.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In the same skillet you used for the seafood, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook it for about a minute to build a roux, which thickens the sauce. Gradually pour in the heavy whipping cream while whisking continuously. Then add the remaining mozzarella and the grated Parmesan, stirring until the sauce is luxuriously smooth and velvety—a decadent topping that ties all the flavors together perfectly.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 190°C. Start by spreading a thin layer of your creamy cheese sauce over the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor. Stuff each cooled pasta shell generously with the seafood filling, then nestle them snugly in the baking dish. Pour the remaining cheese sauce evenly over the top to cover every bite. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake it for 20 minutes.
Step 6: Finish Baking
After the initial bake, remove the foil and bake the shells uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the top is beautifully golden brown. This step creates that irresistible crust on top while keeping the filling creamy and moist inside.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Let the dish cool for several minutes before serving, allowing the sauce to set slightly for easier plating. Feel free to sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan or fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add a fresh, colorful touch that makes it look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells (Print-Friendly Version)
Garnishes
For a final flourish, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil lifts the creamy richness of the shells with a bright, herbal note. Additional shaved Parmesan or a dusting of red pepper flakes can add complementary layers of flavor and visual appeal that make each serving feel special.
Side Dishes
This decadent dish pairs beautifully with fresh greens—think simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a crisp Caesar salad to balance the creaminess. Roasted or steamed asparagus and garlic butter green beans are elegant side options that add texture and a healthy crunch to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the stuffed shells individually on small plates garnished with microgreens and a drizzle of infused olive oil. Alternatively, bake the dish in a pretty ceramic casserole and bring it straight to the table for warm, family-style dining that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, promptly store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce may thicken upon chilling, but reheating gently will restore its smooth texture. Save those shells for a superb next-day meal that reheats beautifully with minimal fuss.
Freezing
Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells (Print-Friendly Version) freeze well, making them ideal for preparing ahead of time. Wrap your assembled but unbaked dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers or thawed frozen shells back to life, heat them in a preheated oven at 175°C covered with foil to prevent drying out. After 15-20 minutes, remove the foil to brown the top and continue heating until warmed through and bubbly. This method keeps the seafood tender and the cheese sauce luscious.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked seafood for the filling?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked lobster and crab meat saves time and still delivers excellent flavor. Just be sure to add them at the end of the sauté step just to warm through without overcooking.
What type of pasta shells work best?
Jumbo pasta shells are ideal because their large size cradles the seafood filling perfectly. Always cook them al dente to ensure they hold up well when stuffed and baked.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
This recipe relies on cheese and creamy elements for its signature texture and flavor, so dairy-free substitutions would require specialty vegan cheeses and creams. It’s doable but may alter the richness and taste quite a bit.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells and cheese sauce up to a day before baking. Keep the dish covered in the fridge, then bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve for best results.
What is the best way to reheat leftover Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells (Print-Friendly Version)?
Reheating in a covered baking dish at a moderate oven temperature gently warms the shells and prevents the sauce from drying out, preserving that creamy, decadent texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way these Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells (Print-Friendly Version) bring together tender lobster, flaky crab, and rich cheeses all wrapped inside delicate pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to a luxurious weeknight dinner, this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite. Give it a try—you won’t regret diving into these beautiful, creamy bites of pure seafood bliss!
