Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe
Indulge in these creamy seafood stuffed shells, brimming with succulent lobster and crab meat blended into a rich, cheesy filling, all nestled inside perfectly cooked jumbo pasta shells and baked to golden perfection in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. This elegant dish combines delicate seafood flavors with a smooth, cheesy texture, making it perfect for a special dinner or celebratory meal.
- Author: Lila
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Seafood Filling:
- 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
For Baking:
- Prepare the Seafood: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt ½ tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the lobster and crab meat, cooking for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. 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 cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined.
- Cook the Jumbo Shells: Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and allow them to cool slightly to handle for filling.
- Prepare the Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute while stirring constantly to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the heavy whipping cream until smooth. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, continuing to stir until the sauce is creamy and fully combined.
- Assemble the Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the cheese sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Carefully stuff each jumbo shell with the seafood filling and arrange them in the dish. Pour the remaining cheese sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Allow the baked stuffed shells to cool slightly before serving. Optionally garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs to enhance the flavor. Serve warm for a delicious, creamy seafood meal.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta shells so they hold their shape when stuffed.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil make a lovely garnish for added freshness.
- You can substitute crab and lobster with cooked shrimp for a different seafood twist.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing with the seafood.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melt quality.
Keywords: creamy seafood stuffed shells, lobster and crab pasta, baked stuffed shells, seafood pasta bake, creamy seafood pasta, stuffed jumbo shells recipe