Seafood Stuffed Shells

Name: Seafood Stuffed Shells
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 24 jumbo pasta shells; ½ tbsp olive oil; ½ onion chopped; 3 cloves garlic minced; 8 oz. raw peeled and deveined shrimp chopped; 18 oz. lump crab meat; ½ tsp old bay seasoning; 2 tsp lemon juice; 4 oz. cream cheese; ¼ cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp chopped parsley; 3 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp flour; ½ tsp salt; pinch pepper and garlic powder; 1½ cups milk; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp butter melted; 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

By:

Marry

Published:

May 23, 2026

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Seafood Stuffed Shells offer a delightful twist on a classic Italian favorite, blending the richness of creamy cheeses and the briny sweetness of seafood all wrapped in tender pasta. When I first discovered this dish, it was a culinary revelation—where had it been all my life? These shells are not just any stuffed pasta; they’re an engaging mix of flavors that dance on your palate, drawing you back for more.

This dish strikes the perfect balance between satisfaction and elegance—ideal for both casual family dinners and festive gatherings. With its creamy filling and golden topping, Seafood Stuffed Shells are sure to impress, making them a great alternative to takeout or restaurant meals. Why settle for mediocre when you can cook something extraordinary right at home? I can’t wait for you to try this!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 50 minutes, these heavenly shells are easy to whip up, even for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of shrimp, crab, and creamy sauces creates a dish that’s decadent yet comforting.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Who doesn’t love a vibrant, bubbling casserole? This dish is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for family gatherings, cozy dinners, or any seafood lover’s night in.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can adapt this recipe for gluten-free pasta if you need, making it inclusive to all your guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

24 jumbo pasta shells: These large shells hold the filling beautifully and create a satisfying bite.
½ tbsp olive oil: A bit of oil adds flavor and helps in sautéing the onions.
½ onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and a base flavor to our seafood mixture.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings a fragrant punch that enhances the entire dish.
8 oz. raw peeled and deveined shrimp, chopped: This sweet seafood provides a delicious texture.
18 oz. lump crab meat: The star of the show, crab adds richness and a classic ocean taste.
½ tsp Old Bay seasoning: Essential for that quintessential seafood seasoning without overpowering.
2 tsp lemon juice: It brightens up the flavors, giving a fresh lift.
4 oz. cream cheese: Adds creaminess and binds the filling together.
¼ cup mayonnaise: Works with cream cheese for a luscious, smooth filling.
2 tbsp chopped parsley: Fresh herb that adds color and flavor contrast.
3 tbsp butter: For richness in the sauce.
2 tbsp flour: Helps thicken the creamy sauce.
½ tsp salt: To enhance all the lovely flavors.
Pinch of pepper and garlic powder: Adds layers of flavor without emphasizing any single taste.
1½ cups milk: Creates the base of our velvety sauce.
½ cup heavy cream: Ramps up the creaminess factor beautifully.
½ cup breadcrumbs: For a crunchy topping that contrasts with the soft pasta.
2 tbsp butter, melted: Combines with breadcrumbs for that golden, crispy texture.
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nuttiness to the topping.

How to Make Seafood Stuffed Shells

Preheat Oven & Cook Shells: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions, then drain and set them to dry on paper towels. This helps prevent sogginess later.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion with a bit of salt, cooking until softened. Toss in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about a minute.
Add Seafood: Stir in the chopped shrimp and lump crab meat; sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning. Cook for a couple of minutes until the shrimp turns pink. You want that seafood flavor to shine through!
Combine Filling Ingredients: Transfer the seafood mixture to a large bowl. Add lemon juice, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and half of the chopped parsley. Mix until well combined and creamy.
Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour until smooth, ensuring no lumps. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Gradually add milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously. Simmer for a few minutes until the mixture thickens—this dreamy sauce is a game-changer!
Layer in Casserole Dish: Pour ½ cup of the creamy sauce into the bottom of a greased casserole dish to ensure nothing sticks.
Stuff the Shells: Generously scoop the seafood filling into each dried shell and place them in the casserole dish. Pour the remaining creamy sauce over the top.
Prepare Topping: In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and the melted butter. Mix in the remaining parsley and the grated Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle this mixture over the stuffed shells.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. For an extra touch, add some chopped parsley and additional cheese before serving.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover Seafood Stuffed Shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, make sure they are well-covered in foil or in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a preheated oven set to 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Keep in mind that the texture might change slightly after freezing, but a splash of milk can refresh the sauce beautifully.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Don’t Overcook the Shells: Since they’ll bake in the oven, cooking them al dente ensures they maintain their structure.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature cream cheese helps it blend more easily into the filling.
Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the spices and add a kick with some crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer heat.
Test the Filling: A little taste of the filling before stuffing the shells can guide you on whether it needs more seasoning.
Make It Ahead: You can assemble the dish a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake, making dinner even easier!

You’ll be amazed at how a little effort can lead to such a sensational dish. Seafood Stuffed Shells not only promise a satisfying meal but also lend a touch of sophistication to your dinner table. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the comforting embrace of this delightful dish!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of seafood?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix with scallops, lobster, or even use just one type of seafood according to your preference. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble everything and refrigerate it a day ahead. Just keep the breadcrumbs separate until you’re ready to bake for that perfect crunchy topping!

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

You can substitute the jumbo pasta shells with gluten-free alternatives and ensure your flour for the sauce is gluten-free as well. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish!

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

For best results, reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F. This helps to restore that creamy texture. Just cover with foil to retain moisture while it warms through. Enjoy!