These Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are the ultimate special-occasion dinner—perfect for holidays, date nights, or when you want to impress. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a rich mixture of crab, shrimp, and creamy cheeses, then smothered in Alfredo sauce and baked until bubbly.
It’s a seafood lover’s dream and a show-stopping dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Serve it with garlic bread and a crisp salad for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 8 oz lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
- 8 oz cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or seafood seasoning)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine crab, shrimp, ricotta, ½ cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Old Bay, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix well until creamy.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare Dish
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread ½ cup Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 4: Stuff the Shells
- Fill each cooked shell with the seafood mixture and arrange in the baking dish.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese
- Pour remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over shells. Sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
Step 6: Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve
- Garnish with extra parsley and serve hot.
Variation
- Lobster Lover’s Version: Replace crab with cooked lobster meat
- Spinach Seafood Shells: Add cooked spinach to the filling for color and flavor
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the filling
- Tomato Cream Sauce: Use marinara mixed with cream instead of Alfredo
- Three-Cheese Upgrade: Add provolone or fontina for extra richness
Cooking Notes
Use lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture. Avoid overcooking pasta shells—they’ll cook more in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or focaccia
- Add a fresh Caesar salad
- Pair with white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio
- Serve with roasted asparagus or green beans
- Garnish with lemon wedges for a fresh touch
Tips
- Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking
- Freeze before baking for up to 2 months—thaw before cooking
- Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest melt
- Don’t skip seasoning—seafood needs extra flavor
- Drain crab and shrimp well to avoid watery filling
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approx. 6 servings)
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: ~28g
- Sodium: ~890mg
FAQs
Can I use imitation crab?
- Yes, but fresh or lump crab will have better flavor.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
- Yes—thaw and pat dry before chopping.
Can I use different pasta?
- Yes—manicotti tubes work as an alternative.
Can I double this recipe?
- Absolutely—use a larger dish or two baking pans.
Conclusion
These Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are rich, elegant, and packed with flavor. With a luxurious filling of crab, shrimp, and cheese smothered in Alfredo sauce, this dish feels indulgent but is simple enough to make at home.
Perfect for celebrations or cozy weekend dinners, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds.