Seafood Stuffed Shells are a delightful combination of flavors that will wow your dinner guests. This creamy dish features a mouthwatering filling of fresh lobster, crab, and shrimp, all enveloped in tender pasta shells. Perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying a cozy family meal, these stuffed pasta shells with seafood bring a taste of the ocean right to your table. Let’s dive into this gourmet recipe that promises to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Seafood Stuffed Shells

There are countless reasons to adore this Seafood Stuffed Shells recipe. First, it’s incredibly satisfying, combining rich flavors with the comforting texture of pasta. Second, it’s a family-friendly seafood stuffed shells meal, perfect for kids and adults alike. Third, it can be made with fresh, healthy ingredients, making it a guilt-free option for dinner. Not to mention, preparing this cheesy seafood stuffed shells recipe is straightforward, allowing you to whip up a quick seafood stuffed shells dinner on busy nights. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit various dietary preferences—whether you want to add spinach for a healthy twist or serve it with marinara sauce for a traditional touch. This dish truly shines as a baked seafood stuffed shells dish that elevates any dining experience!

Ingredients for Seafood Stuffed Shells

Gather these items:

12 pieces Jumbo Pasta Shells (Cook al dente)
8 ounces Fresh Lobster (Cooked and chopped)
8 ounces Crab Meat (Fresh lump crab)
8 ounces Shrimp (Cooked and chopped)
8 ounces Cream Cheese (Can substitute with light cream cheese)
2 cups Shredded Mozzarella (Divided use)
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (For garnish)
3 tablespoons Butter (Unsalted preferred)
3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
2 tablespoons Flour (Can substitute with cornstarch for gluten-free)
1 cup Heavy Cream (Can use half-and-half)
1 teaspoon Salt (To taste)
1 teaspoon Pepper (To taste)

How to Make Seafood Stuffed Shells Step-by-Step

Step 1: Sauté minced garlic in melted butter over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 2: Add in the lobster and crab, cooking for 2-3 minutes until just heated through. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine sautéed seafood with cream cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper, and mix well.
Step 4: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and cool slightly.
Step 5: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute to make a roux. Gradually add heavy cream, whisking until smooth.
Step 6: Stir in the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan until fully melted.
Step 7: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of cheese sauce in the baking dish. Stuff each shell with seafood filling and place in the dish. Pour remaining sauce over them.
Step 8: Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Step 9: Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs.

Pro Tips for the Best Seafood Stuffed Shells

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh seafood for the best flavor.
Can substitute ingredients for dietary preferences.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
For added flavor, consider mixing in some spinach to create healthy seafood stuffed shells with spinach.
Ensure your pasta shells are not overcooked to prevent tearing.

Best Ways to Serve Seafood Stuffed Shells

There are many delightful ways to serve this dish. You can pair your seafood-stuffed shell pasta casserole with a fresh green salad for a light meal. Alternatively, serve it with garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Another great option is to top the stuffed shells with a zesty marinara sauce for a twist on traditional flavors.

How to Store and Reheat Seafood Stuffed Shells

To store leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep well for up to three days. For reheating, pop the seafood pasta shells with creamy sauce back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through. This makes for a quick seafood stuffed shells dinner the next day!

Frequently Asked Questions About Seafood Stuffed Shells

What’s the secret to perfect Seafood Stuffed Shells?

The secret lies in using fresh seafood and ensuring your pasta shells are cooked al dente to avoid mushiness. A well-balanced creamy filling enhances the flavor, making these seafood-filled pasta shells irresistible.

Can I make Seafood Stuffed Shells ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the seafood filling and stuff the shells in advance. Just cover them with sauce and refrigerate until ready to bake. This is perfect for organizing a quick seafood stuffed shells dinner.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Seafood Stuffed Shells?

To avoid common mistakes, make sure not to overcook the pasta shells. Also, allow your filling to cool slightly before stuffing; this prevents the shells from becoming soggy and helps them hold their shape.

Creative Variations of Seafood Stuffed Shells You Can Try

If you want to switch things up, consider these variations: add some sautéed spinach for a healthy seafood stuffed shells with spinach option, or try using different seafood like scallops or mussels. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as adding feta for a gourmet seafood stuffed shells recipe experience.

For more seafood recipes, check out Creamy Tuscan Scallops or Shrimp Alfredo. You can also learn about Sushi Rolls for a different seafood experience.