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Ultimate Guide to Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells That Will Wow Your Taste Buds - Featured Image

Ultimate Guide to Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells That Will Wow Your Taste Buds

Learn how to make delicious Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Choosing fresh, quality ingredients is key to making this dish shine. I always pick fresh seafood when I can, but frozen works well too if you’re pressed for time. Cream cheese and a bit of Parmesan add that irresistible creaminess, while fresh herbs bring brightness to the filling. Like many family recipes I cherish, this one thrives on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together in a way that feels both comforting and a little special.

  • 20 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 1 cup cooked crab meat (or substitute with cooked white fish)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (optional, for baking)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside on a lightly oiled baking sheet to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Parmesan, mozzarella, and heavy cream. Stir until smooth and creamy. This is the base that gives the filling its luscious texture.
  3. Add the chopped shrimp, crab meat, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper to the cheese mixture. Gently fold everything together, being careful not to break up the seafood too much.
  4. Using a spoon, carefully stuff each cooked shell with the seafood mixture. Don’t overfill to prevent splitting the pasta.
  5. Lightly butter a baking dish and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom (optional, but adds a nice contrast to the creaminess).
  6. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish, then drizzle the remaining sauce over the top or add extra cheese if you like it extra gooey.
  7. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden around the edges.
  8. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the filling set slightly and makes it easier to serve.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International

Keywords: Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells, recipe, cooking, food