Seafood Stuffed Shells

Seafood stuffed shells are a classic comfort dish that feels both indulgent and refined at the same time. Large pasta shells are filled with a creamy seafood mixture, baked gently in sauce, and finished until everything comes together into one cohesive, satisfying dish. The flavor is rich but balanced, with tender pasta, sweet seafood, and a smooth cheese filling that holds everything together without feeling heavy.

More Dinner Ideas

What makes seafood stuffed shells special is how they bring together familiar ingredients in a way that feels elevated without being complicated. The shells provide structure, the seafood adds natural sweetness, and the cheese mixture creates a soft, savory center. When baked properly, the shells stay intact, the filling remains moist, and the sauce supports rather than overwhelms the dish.

People love seafood stuffed shells because they work for many occasions. They are impressive enough for a dinner party yet comforting enough for a family dinner. This dish also fits beautifully into a rotation of savoury dishes that can be prepared ahead of time, making it practical as well as memorable. Once you understand the method, seafood stuffed shells become a reliable recipe you can return to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This seafood stuffed shells recipe focuses on balance and control. Each element is prepared with intention so the final dish tastes rich but not heavy and comforting without being bland. The seafood filling stays tender because it is handled gently and baked just long enough to finish cooking in the oven.

The recipe uses simple techniques that home cooks can manage easily. There is no rushing, no complicated timing, and no guesswork. By cooking the shells properly, mixing the filling evenly, and baking at the right temperature, you avoid common problems like watery filling or broken pasta.

Another reason this recipe works well is flexibility. You can adjust the seafood based on availability, making it suitable for different budgets and preferences. Whether you lean toward crab meat for sweetness or a mixed seafood approach, the method remains the same.

This dish also holds up well for gatherings. Seafood stuffed shells can be assembled ahead of time, refrigerated, and baked when needed. That makes them ideal for hosting without stress, whether you are planning a dinner party or a relaxed family dinner.

Preparation and Cooking Time, Also Serving

Preparation time: 35 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 generous servings

Ingredients

Pasta and Filling

Jumbo pasta shells 24 shells
Ricotta cheese 1 and 1 half cups
Cream cheese softened 4 ounces
Mozzarella cheese shredded 1 cup
Parmesan cheese finely grated 1 half cup
Egg 1 large
Crab meat 8 ounces picked over for shells
Cooked shrimp finely chopped 6 ounces
Garlic minced 2 cloves
Fresh parsley finely chopped 3 tablespoons
Salt 1 teaspoon
Black pepper half teaspoon

Sauce

Marinara sauce 2 and 1 half cups
Heavy cream half cup

Substitution Notes

Ricotta cheese can be replaced with well drained cottage cheese blended smooth.
Crab meat may be swapped for additional shrimp or a seafood blend.
Cream cheese adds richness but mascarpone can be used for a softer texture.
Fresh parsley may be replaced with fresh basil or chives for a different flavor note.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo shells and cook until just tender but still firm. Avoid overcooking, as the shells will continue to soften in the oven. Drain and rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking. Lay the shells on a tray so they do not stick together.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Base

In a bowl, combine the marinara sauce and heavy cream. Stir until smooth and evenly blended. This creates a sauce that is rich but not overly heavy and helps keep the stuffed pasta shells moist during baking.

Step 3: Mix the Cheese Filling

In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and the egg. Mix gently until smooth and evenly combined. The mixture should be creamy and cohesive without being loose.

Step 4: Add the Seafood

Fold the crab meat and chopped shrimp into the cheese mixture. Use a light hand to avoid breaking up the seafood too much. Add the garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir just until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Fill the Shells

Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each cooked shell with the seafood mixture. Do not overfill. The shells should be full but able to close naturally around the filling.

Step 6: Assemble the Dish

Spread about one cup of the sauce mixture evenly across the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the filled shells in a single layer. Spoon the remaining sauce over the shells, making sure each one is lightly covered.

Step 7: Bake Until Set

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375 F for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the sauce is bubbling gently and the tops are lightly golden.

Step 8: Rest Before Serving

Let the seafood stuffed shells rest for 10 minutes after baking. This allows the filling to set and makes serving easier.

How to Serve

Seafood stuffed shells are best served warm, straight from the baking dish. For plating, place two to three shells on each plate and spoon a little extra sauce over the top. Finish with a light sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.

As a main dish, pair these stuffed shells with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a simple focaccia works well on the side to balance the creamy filling. For sauces, the creamy marinara used in baking is usually enough. If desired, a light drizzle of olive oil or a spoon of fresh tomato sauce on the plate can add brightness without overpowering the dish.

Additional Tips

Cook pasta slightly under al dente to prevent tearing during baking.
Drain seafood well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
Let the ricotta come to room temperature before mixing for a smoother texture.
Avoid over baking, which can dry out the seafood.
Use a wide baking dish so shells sit in a single layer for even cooking.

Recipe Variations

Classic Seafood Stuffed Shells
This version stays close to the traditional approach that most people love. A balanced mix of crab meat and shrimp is folded into a creamy ricotta cheese filling, creating a smooth and savory center that complements the pasta shells. The flavor is rich but not overpowering, making it suitable for both a family dinner and more formal gatherings. This variation highlights the natural sweetness of the seafood while keeping the dish familiar and comforting.
Seafood Stuffed Shells with Spinach
Adding spinach brings freshness and balance to the richness of the filling. Finely chop cooked spinach and remove excess moisture before mixing it into the cheese and seafood blend. This variation works especially well for those who enjoy cheese pasta dishes that feel a bit lighter. The spinach adds color, subtle earthiness, and a more rounded flavor without distracting from the seafood.
Crab Meat and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
This variation focuses on crab meat as the star ingredient. By reducing or omitting shrimp, the filling becomes sweeter and more delicate. The ricotta cheese supports the crab rather than competing with it, resulting in a refined version of stuffed pasta shells that feels elegant but still approachable. This option is excellent for a dinner party where you want a cleaner, more focused seafood flavor like chicken stuffed shells.
Spicy Seafood Stuffed Shells
For those who enjoy a little heat, this variation adds crushed red pepper flakes or a small amount of chili paste to the filling. The gentle spice cuts through the richness of the cheese and enhances the savory quality of the seafood. This version pairs well with a simple tomato based sauce and is ideal for savoury dishes served to guests who appreciate bold but balanced flavors.
Creamy White Sauce Seafood Stuffed Shells
Instead of marinara, use a light white sauce made from butter, cream, and a touch of Parmesan cheese. This variation creates a softer, more luxurious dish that highlights the cheese and seafood combination. It works well when serving seafood stuffed shells as the main feature of a special meal, especially when paired with crisp vegetables or a fresh salad.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze unbaked stuffed shells tightly covered for up to 2 months.
Bake frozen shells covered until heated through, then uncover to finish.
Reheat gently to avoid drying out the filling.

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving

Calories: 520
Protein: 32 grams
Fat: 28 grams
Carbohydrates: 38 grams
Sodium varies based on cheese and sauce

Final Words

Seafood stuffed shells are one of those dishes that reward patience and care. When you take the time to cook the pasta properly, mix the filling gently, and bake at the right temperature, the result feels thoughtful and complete. Each shell holds its shape, the filling stays creamy, and the seafood remains tender rather than overcooked. These details are what turn a simple stuffed pasta dish into something memorable.

Cooking seafood stuffed shells at home also gives you full control over quality and flavor. You can choose fresh crab meat, adjust the cheese blend, and season everything exactly to your taste. This flexibility allows the dish to suit both casual family dinner nights and more formal gatherings. It also encourages confidence in working with stuffed pasta shells, which can be adapted to many other recipes once the technique is familiar.

Most importantly, this recipe brings people together. Seafood stuffed shells are meant to be shared, served generously, and enjoyed slowly. When you place a bubbling dish on the table, it signals care and effort without feeling complicated. That balance of comfort and elegance is what makes this recipe worth keeping in your regular rotation.

FAQ’s

Yes. You can assemble the dish up to one day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Crab meat and shrimp are ideal because they stay tender and blend well with cheese pasta fillings.

You can, but combining ricotta cheese with cream cheese and mozzarella gives a better texture and flavor.

Cook the shells just until tender and handle them gently when filling and assembling.

Yes. They are visually appealing, can be prepared ahead, and serve well for groups.