Seafood Stuffed Shells

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Creamy, indulgent, and irresistibly savory, Seafood Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food for seafood lovers. This dish marries the richness of shellfish with a velvety béchamel sauce, all tucked into tender pasta shells and finished with a golden, buttery breadcrumb topping. It’s an elegant meal that tastes like a restaurant special but is simple enough to make at home.

Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or an impressive dish for entertaining guests, these stuffed shells deliver in both flavor and presentation. The combination of shrimp, crab, and creamy cheeses makes each bite luxurious, while the baked finish ensures a warm, bubbly, and satisfyingly crispy texture.

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Ingredients for this Seafood Stuffed Shells

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 1/2 pound lump crab meat
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole preferred)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Extra Parmesan for sprinkling

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells until just al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Seafood Filling

In a large bowl, combine chopped shrimp, crab meat, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully incorporated. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in flour and cook, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes until a paste forms. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon the seafood filling into each cooked shell. Place the filled shells in a greased baking dish.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture and additional Parmesan over the top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.

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Storage Instructions

Let the stuffed shells cool completely before storing. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

To freeze, arrange stuffed shells (before baking) in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 45–50 minutes, covered, until hot and bubbly.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: ~420 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 4g
• Cholesterol: 145mg
• Sodium: 720mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the stuffed shells and sauce in advance. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to a day before baking.

Can I use imitation crab meat?

Yes, imitation crab meat can be used as a substitute if fresh or lump crab isn’t available.

What kind of shrimp is best?

Medium-sized shrimp work well since they chop easily and provide a nice texture.

Can I substitute the béchamel sauce?

If preferred, you can use Alfredo sauce or a light cream sauce as a shortcut.

How do I prevent the shells from sticking together?

Rinse them in cold water after boiling and lightly coat with olive oil before filling.

Is it okay to skip the breadcrumb topping?

Yes, though the breadcrumbs add a lovely crunch. You can skip it or use crushed crackers as an alternative.

What sides go well with this dish?

A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables pair nicely with the creamy shells.

Can I reheat leftovers in the microwave?

Yes, microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish for 2–3 minutes or until hot.

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