Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe with Creamy Cheese and Herbs

Why You’ll Love This Seafood Stuffed Shells

Imagine diving into a dish that’s not only comforting but also packed with ocean-fresh flavors that make every bite feel special. Seafood stuffed shells bring together tender pasta and a creamy seafood filling, creating a meal that’s easy to prepare and full of taste. This recipe stands out because it’s straightforward, turning simple ingredients into something impressive for any night of the week.

One reason you’ll adore this seafood stuffed shells recipe is its ease of preparation. With straightforward steps and a total preparation time of about 70 to 75 minutes, it’s perfect for busy parents or working professionals who want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The process involves cooking the shells just until al dente to avoid breakage and rinsing them with cold water to keep them separate, making stuffing them a breeze.

Health benefits are another highlight, as this dish features lean seafood like lump crabmeat and shrimp, which provide omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and protein. Per serving of three stuffed shells, you’ll get about 448 calories, 23 grams of fat, and 29 grams of protein, supporting heart health and wellness for diet-conscious individuals. For more on how seafood boosts your diet, check out this guide on shrimp health benefits that explains the nutrients in these key ingredients.

This recipe’s versatility makes it adaptable for various lifestyles, from students experimenting in the kitchen to seniors looking for nutritious options. You can tweak it for gluten-free needs or even make it vegan, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a tasty, seafood-inspired meal. Its distinctive flavor, with a creamy mix of mozzarella, sautéed vegetables, and seasonings, sets it apart, offering a memorable taste that food enthusiasts will crave again and again.

To build on that, the combination of 2 cans of lump crabmeat and chopped shrimp creates a rich, savory filling that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re a newlywed hosting a dinner or a traveler seeking familiar comforts, this dish delivers with its blend of textures and flavors. Plus, it’s simple enough to pair with sides like a fresh salad, which you might enjoy after trying something sweet like our strawberry milkshake recipe for dessert.

Essential Ingredients for Seafood Stuffed Shells

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the perfect seafood stuffed shells. This section lists everything you need, based on a recipe that serves about 8 people with 24 shells. I’ll break it down into categories for clarity, ensuring you have precise measurements to follow along easily.

Main Ingredients for the Filling

• 24 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cans (6 ounces each) lump crabmeat, drained
• 8 ounces peeled and deveined cooked shrimp, chopped
• 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1 tablespoon butter (for sautéing the vegetables)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons seafood seasoning (divided)
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons milk

Ingredients for the Sauce

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
• 4 cups milk
• 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Toppings

• Toasted soft bread crumbs (as needed)
• Chopped fresh parsley (as needed)

This structured list ensures you don’t miss a thing, with each ingredient’s quantity clearly stated. For special dietary options, consider using plant-based alternatives or gluten-free pasta to make it fit your needs, just like in our adaptable recipes for home cooks.

How to Prepare the Perfect Seafood Stuffed Shells: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating seafood stuffed shells is a rewarding process that results in a creamy, flavorful dish everyone will love. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and gather all your ingredients for smooth sailing. This guide walks you through each step, incorporating tips to help you succeed from the first try.

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Shells

First, cook the 24 uncooked jumbo pasta shells in boiling salted water until they reach al dente texture, which takes about 9-11 minutes. Once done, drain and rinse them with cold water to stop cooking and keep them from sticking together. This step is crucial to prevent breakage when you stuff them later.

Step 2: Make the Seafood Filling

Next, sauté the vegetables by melting 1 tablespoon butter in a pan over medium heat, then add 1/4 cup finely chopped celery, 1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper, and 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion. Cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. In a bowl, mix in 2 cans (6 ounces each) drained lump crabmeat, 8 ounces chopped cooked shrimp, 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, 1 teaspoon of the seafood seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1 large lightly beaten egg, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, and 2 tablespoons milk with the sautéed veggies. The mayonnaise adds a creamy richness that ties everything together.

Step 3: Stuff the Shells

Stuff each cooled shell with about 1 rounded tablespoon of the seafood mixture and place them in a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Be gentle to keep the shells intact, remembering that shrimp can be small-sized or chopped for easy filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

For the sauce, melt 1/4 cup butter in a saucepan, then whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper. Gradually add 4 cups milk, stirring until thickened. Stir in 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese until smooth, then pour this over the stuffed shells in the dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 teaspoon seafood seasoning on top, and optionally add toasted soft bread crumbs and chopped fresh parsley for extra texture.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Bake the dish uncovered at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This creamy cheese and herb seafood stuffed shells recipe shines when paired with simple vegetable sides or garlic bread to complement the richness, and it’s a great make-ahead option for busy nights.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Seafood Stuffed Shells

Adapting seafood stuffed shells to fit your dietary needs is simple and fun, allowing everyone from baking enthusiasts to diet-conscious folks to enjoy it. Start by considering protein alternatives, like swapping seafood for seasoned tofu if you’re going vegan. This keeps the dish packed with flavor while meeting different preferences.

For vegetable and sauce modifications, add spinach to the filling for extra greens or use dairy-free cheeses to make it vegan-friendly. If you’re watching sodium, opt for fresh herbs and reduced-salt options. As mentioned earlier, for more on seafood benefits, read about health benefits of crab, which can guide your choices.

• Use plant-based seafood alternatives for vegan diets.
• Switch to gluten-free pasta shells for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Opt for low-fat cheeses to cut calories without losing creaminess.
• Experiment with herbs like basil for a fresh twist.

Mastering Seafood Stuffed Shells: Advanced Tips and Variations

Taking your seafood stuffed shells to the next level involves some pro techniques that enhance flavor and presentation. Gently simmer the seafood until it’s just cooked to avoid toughness, and use freshly grated cheeses for that superior melt. For a crunch, toast breadcrumbs and sprinkle them on top before baking.

This dish’s creamy sauce, made with butter, flour, and milk, turns ordinary shells into a gourmet treat that’s sure to impress.

• Incorporate lemon zest into the filling for a bright, zesty note.
• Try a spicy arrabbiata sauce instead of the traditional one for heat lovers.
• Assemble ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; bake when ready for a stress-free meal.

How to Store Seafood Stuffed Shells: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your seafood stuffed shells fresh and tasty for enjoying leftovers. Refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to three days, as the creamy sauce holds up well when reheated gently. Avoid freezing leftovers since the texture might change, but you can freeze the assembled dish before baking for up Hoch to one month.

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F to retain moisture.
• Portion into single servings for easy meal prep.
• Always let it cool before storing to maintain quality.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Seafood Stuffed Shells

Seafood Stuffed Shells

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🦐 Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe offers a creamy and flavorful combination of crab, shrimp, and cheese, perfect for a special family meal.
🧀 This dish features tender pasta shells filled with a herby seafood mixture and topped with rich Parmesan cheese sauce, delivering a comforting and elegant experience.

• Total Time: 70 to 75 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

24 uncooked jumbo pasta shells

2 cans (6 ounces each) lump crabmeat, drained

8 ounces peeled and deveined cooked shrimp, chopped

1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup finely chopped celery

1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper

1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

1 tablespoon butter for sautéing the vegetables

1 1/2 teaspoons seafood seasoning (divided)

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1/4 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons milk

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper

4 cups milk

1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese

Toasted soft bread crumbs (as needed)

Chopped fresh parsley (as needed)

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Instructions

1-Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Shells First, cook the 24 uncooked jumbo pasta shells in boiling salted water until they reach al dente texture, which takes about 9-11 minutes. Once done, drain and rinse them with cold water to stop cooking and keep them from sticking together. This step is crucial to prevent breakage when you stuff them later.

2-Step 2: Make the Seafood Filling Next, sauté the vegetables by melting 1 tablespoon butter in a pan over medium heat, then add 1/4 cup finely chopped celery, 1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper, and 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion. Cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. In a bowl, mix in 2 cans (6 ounces each) drained lump crabmeat, 8 ounces chopped cooked shrimp, 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, 1 teaspoon of the seafood seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1 large lightly beaten egg, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, and 2 tablespoons milk with the sautéed veggies. The mayonnaise adds a creamy richness that ties everything together.

3-Step 3: Stuff the Shells Stuff each cooled shell with about 1 rounded tablespoon of the seafood mixture and place them in a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Be gentle to keep the shells intact, remembering that shrimp can be small-sized or chopped for easy filling.

4-Step 4: Prepare the Sauce For the sauce, melt 1/4 cup butter in a saucepan, then whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper. Gradually add 4 cups milk, stirring until thickened. Stir in 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese until smooth, then pour this over the stuffed shells in the dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 teaspoon seafood seasoning on top, and optionally add toasted soft bread crumbs and chopped fresh parsley for extra texture.

5-Step 5: Bake and Serve Bake the dish uncovered at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This creamy cheese and herb seafood stuffed shells recipe shines when paired with simple vegetable sides or garlic bread to complement the richness, and it’s a great make-ahead option for busy nights.

Last Step:

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Notes

🦐 Cook pasta shells until just al dente and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking and breaking.
🥄 Mayonnaise in the filling adds creamy richness without heaviness.
🧀 Assemble dish a day ahead to allow flavors to meld; reheat before serving for best texture.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 30 to 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking, Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 stuffed shells
• Calories: 448
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 710mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 29g
• Cholesterol: 148mg