Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells for Ultimate Comfort Dining Recipe

Introduction

Indulge in creamy seafood stuffed shells, a comforting dish that combines tender pasta with a rich blend of lobster, crab, and shrimp. This elegant meal is perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in, offering a luxurious yet easy-to-make experience.

Ingredients

• 12 pieces Jumbo Pasta Shells
• 8 ounces Lobster Meat
• 8 ounces Crab Meat (opt for fresh)
• 8 ounces Shrimp
• 4 ounces Cream Cheese (can swap for light cream cheese)
• 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (freshly shredded)
• 4 tablespoons Butter
• 2 tablespoons Flour (can use gluten-free)
• 1 cup Heavy Cream (substitute with half-and-half)
• ½ cup Parmesan Cheese
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the lobster and crab meat, cooking for 2-3 minutes until just heated through, then set aside.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked seafood, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is well blended and smooth.
3. Step 3: Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let them cool slightly before gently filling each shell with the seafood mixture.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute. Gradually add the heavy cream and parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of the prepared sauce evenly on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish and pour the remaining sauce over the top.
6. Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 10 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and golden on top.
7. Step 7: Let the stuffed shells cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra parmesan or fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh seafood for best flavor, but frozen works well when thawed properly.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce without sacrificing creaminess.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and cheeses with plant-based alternatives.
• Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the seafood filling for extra brightness.

Storage

Store any leftover stuffed shells covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells and refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

What can I use if I don’t have jumbo pasta shells?

If jumbo shells are unavailable, large manicotti tubes or cooked lasagna sheets rolled with filling can be good substitutes for this recipe.

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells for Ultimate Comfort Dining Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 51 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells combines tender jumbo pasta shells filled with a luscious seafood blend of lobster, crab, and shrimp mixed with rich cream cheese and mozzarella. The dish is smothered in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, baked to bubbly perfection for an indulgent comfort meal perfect for special occasions or cozy dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 pieces Jumbo Pasta Shells

Seafood Filling

• 8 ounces Lobster Meat
• 8 ounces Crab Meat (opt for fresh)
• 8 ounces Shrimp
• 4 ounces Cream Cheese (can swap for light cream cheese)
• 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (freshly shredded)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Pepper

Sauce

• 4 tablespoons Butter
• 2 tablespoons Flour (can use gluten-free)
• 1 cup Heavy Cream (substitute with half-and-half)
• ½ cup Parmesan Cheese

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Gather and prepare all ingredients by mincing garlic, shredding mozzarella if necessary, and setting up your workspace.
2. Sauté Seafood: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add lobster and crab meat and cook for 2-3 minutes just until heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed seafood mixture with cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
4. Cook Pasta Shells: Boil jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and allow them to cool slightly so they can be handled without breaking.
5. Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually add the heavy cream while whisking to avoid lumps, then stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
6. Assemble for Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of the prepared cream sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Carefully fill each pasta shell with the seafood mixture and arrange them in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.
7. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the top is golden.
8. Serve: Let the stuffed shells cool slightly. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs such as parsley, then serve warm for the ultimate comforting seafood pasta dish.

Notes

• Use fresh seafood when possible for the best flavor and texture.
• For a lighter version, substitute light cream cheese and half-and-half for the heavy cream.
• Ensure pasta shells are cooled before stuffing to prevent tearing.
• Covering with foil during the initial baking helps keep moisture in and prevents drying out the seafood filling.
• Gluten-free flour can be substituted to make this recipe gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Seafood Stuffed Shells, Creamy Stuffed Pasta, Lobster Crab Shrimp Pasta, Comfort Food, Baked Pasta, Seafood Recipe