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.