Name: Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz lobster meat; 8 oz lump crab meat; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided into 2 portions of ½ cup each); 1 ½ tablespoons butter (divided); 8 oz cream cheese; ½ cup heavy whipping cream; ¾ cup Parmesan Reggiano cheese, grated; Aluminum foil

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells – the kind of dish that wows at dinner parties but feels just as special for a cozy night in. Think plump pasta shells brimming with sweet lobster and delicate crab, all tucked into a blanket of luscious, cheesy sauce. It’s comforting, a little luxurious, and surprisingly simple to pull off. This is one of those recipes you’ll want to make when you’re out to impress, but don’t be shocked if it becomes a new weeknight favorite for anyone who adores seafood.

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells is in how every ingredient shines, building layers of flavor and texture that delight from bite one to the very last forkful. Start with quality seafood and a handful of everyday staples – each item plays a starring role in making this dish a showstopper.

Lobster meat (8 oz): Sweet, tender lobster makes this dish truly special; if possible, use fresh or high-quality frozen lobster for incredible flavor.
Lump crab meat (8 oz): The natural brininess and delicate texture of lump crab balance the lobster and add wonderful depth.
Garlic cloves, minced (3): A little garlic sautéed in butter brings an aromatic, irresistible backdrop to the seafood.
All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): This touch of flour helps thicken your creamy sauce just enough to cling perfectly to each shell.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Don’t be shy – season every step for maximum flavor.
Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 cup, divided): Melty, stretchy mozzarella works double duty in both the filling and the sauce for ultimate cheesiness.
Butter (1 ½ tablespoons, divided): Adds richness to both the filling and sauce, making everything taste extra luxurious.
Cream cheese (8 oz): Lends a luscious creaminess to the filling and brings all the seafood together in every bite.
Heavy whipping cream (½ cup): A splash of heavy cream ensures your sauce is decadently smooth and rich.
Parmesan Reggiano cheese, grated (¾ cup): Adds a nutty, salty kick that balances the dish while helping the sauce thicken beautifully.
Aluminum foil: Use foil to cover the baking dish and keep your shells perfectly moist as they bake.

How to Make Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Sauté the Seafood

Begin by warming half a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet set over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute, filling your kitchen with its dreamy aroma. Toss in the lobster and crab meat, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté everything together for 2–3 minutes, just until the seafood is heated through and infused with the garlicky butter. Remove from heat and set aside—resist the urge to taste too much!

Step 2: Mix the Filling

Now, let’s pull together that decadent filling. In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooked seafood, softened cream cheese, and half of your shredded mozzarella. Add a little more salt and pepper to taste. Give it all a good mix, making sure the seafood is evenly coated and flecked with creamy cheese. The result should look rich, fluffy, and just slightly irresistible.

Step 3: Cook and Fill the Jumbo Shells

While the filling comes together, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions. The key is to cook them just until al dente so they hold together when filled. Drain the shells, spread them out to cool briefly, and then gently spoon your seafood and cheese mixture into each one. Don’t worry about making them perfect—rustic is part of the charm!

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

Return to your trusty skillet and melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the flour, whisking constantly for about one minute to create a golden roux. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, keeping that whisk in motion. Once smooth, mix in the grated Parmesan and the rest of the mozzarella, stirring until your sauce becomes gloriously thick and creamy. Season again if needed—taste as you go!

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed shells snugly in a baking dish, then pour the silky sauce generously over the top, making sure every shell gets coated. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil to keep things moist and bake for about 25 minutes. Uncover for the last few minutes if you’d like a lightly golden top. Let your Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells cool ever so slightly before serving so all those dreamy flavors come together.

How to Serve Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells

Garnishes

To make your Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells really pop, finish them off with a scatter of fresh chopped parsley or a dusting of extra Parmesan. A few lemon wedges on the side will brighten the flavors and let everyone enjoy a little zesty squeeze just before digging in.

Side Dishes

This dish is all about richness and comfort, so serve it with something fresh and simple. A crisp green salad dressed with lemony vinaigrette or a heap of garlicky sautéed spinach make the perfect yin to the creamy, cheesy yang of these stuffed shells. Don’t forget a good hunk of crusty bread for mopping up every drop of sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, arrange your Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells artfully on a long platter, with sprigs of dill or tiny edible flowers tucked in for color. You might also serve individual portions in elegant ramekins for a restaurant-style touch—or even nestle extra sauce around each shell on the plate for maximum wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells (lucky you!), simply cover the baking dish tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a wonderfully indulgent lunch or easy dinner the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, let the shells and sauce cool completely, then arrange in a freezer-safe container or tightly wrapped baking dish. Cover well with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the shells in a 350°F oven, covered, until warmed through (usually about 20 minutes). Add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened up too much during storage to bring back the silky texture.

FAQs

Can I use imitation crab instead of real crab meat?

Yes, you can substitute imitation crab if that’s what you have on hand or prefer—it will still give your Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells a delicious taste and texture, though real crab offers a sweeter, more delicate flavor.

What other types of seafood work well in this recipe?

Feel free to experiment! Chopped shrimp, scallops, or even a bit of flaky white fish can stand in for or accompany the lobster and crab, letting you customize Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells based on what’s fresh or available.

How do I prevent the shells from sticking together after boiling?

Once drained, toss the cooked pasta shells gently with a little olive oil and lay them on a baking sheet to cool while you work—it’ll keep them separate and easy to fill.

Can I make Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells ahead of time for entertaining?

Absolutely! Assemble the shells and sauce up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed. This makes dinner parties a breeze and gives the flavors time to meld beautifully.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make your Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells gluten-free, use gluten-free jumbo shells and swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend in the sauce; the results are just as delicious!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to taste just how comforting and elegant these Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want to treat yourself to a decadent oven-baked meal, this recipe always delivers smiles and second helpings. Dive in and enjoy every creamy, seafood-filled bite!

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 6 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Indulge in a decadent seafood delight with these creamy seafood stuffed shells. A luxurious blend of lobster, crab, and cheeses nestled in tender pasta shells, topped with a rich and velvety sauce.

Instructions

Prepare the Seafood: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt ½ tablespoon of butter. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the lobster and crab meat, cooking for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.
Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked seafood with the cream cheese, ½ cup shredded mozzarella, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
Cook the Jumbo Shells: Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and let them cool slightly before filling with the seafood mixture.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add the heavy cream, whisking to combine. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and remaining shredded mozzarella, continuing to stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian