Creamy Stuffed Seafood Shells

Creamy Stuffed Seafood Shells Recipe: A Luxurious Coastal Classic

If you’re craving a show-stopping seafood dinner that feels both indulgent and comforting, this Creamy Stuffed Seafood Shells recipe is the ultimate answer. Imagine tender jumbo pasta shells filled with a luscious blend of crab, shrimp, and scallops—all enveloped in a silky, cheesy cream sauce that melts beautifully into every bite. This dish captures the elegance of a restaurant-quality meal while remaining surprisingly simple to make at home. Perfect for special occasions or an impressive weeknight indulgence, it’s pure coastal decadence baked to perfection.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Dish

These Creamy Stuffed Seafood Shells bring together the best of both worlds: the satisfying heartiness of baked pasta and the delicate luxury of fresh seafood. Every forkful delivers a creamy, ocean-inspired flavor wrapped in tender pasta and smothered in a rich, golden sauce. It’s a comforting yet sophisticated dish that’s equally at home on a family dinner table or a fine dining menu.

Ingredients and Their Roles

For the Seafood Filling:

• 12 jumbo pasta shells: These serve as edible vessels, holding the rich, creamy seafood mixture. Their size makes them perfect for stuffing and baking.
• 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and depth to the seafood mixture while preventing sticking.
• ½ pound shrimp, peeled and chopped: Provides sweet, tender bites that add texture and protein.
• ½ pound lump crab meat: Infuses the filling with a delicate, oceanic sweetness and luxury appeal.
• ¼ pound sea scallops, chopped: Adds a buttery, tender flavor that enhances the seafood medley.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and balances the creamy flavors.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creates the creamy base for the stuffing, giving structure and smoothness.
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella: Adds a mild, melty texture that ties the filling together.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Introduces a salty, nutty note that enhances umami depth.
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley: Lends freshness and color to brighten the dish.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing the flavors of the seafood and cheese.

For the Cream Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter: The foundation for a smooth, velvety sauce.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to a luscious, creamy consistency.
• 1½ cups heavy cream: The key to the sauce’s silky, luxurious texture.
• ½ cup seafood or chicken broth: Adds a light savory depth to balance the richness.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses the sauce with irresistible creaminess and subtle sharpness.
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg: A small but crucial ingredient that elevates the sauce’s warmth and complexity.
• Salt and white pepper to taste: Ensures perfect seasoning without overpowering the delicate seafood.

For Topping:

• ½ cup mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for a golden, bubbly finish.
• 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (optional): Adds a light crunch to contrast the creamy filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo shells just until al dente—slightly firm to the bite—since they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Seafood Filling

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp and scallops, cooking until just opaque (about 2–3 minutes). Stir in the crab meat, then remove from heat. In a large bowl, combine the cooked seafood with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and well blended.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to eliminate any raw flavor. Gradually whisk in heavy cream and broth, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Stir in Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and white pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the cream sauce over the bottom of a baking dish. Stuff each cooked shell generously with the seafood filling and arrange them in the dish. Pour the remaining cream sauce evenly over the top.

Step 5: Add the Topping

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and breadcrumbs (if using) on top for that irresistible golden crust.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the top is lightly golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the filling to firm slightly.

Why This Recipe Is Loved

This Creamy Stuffed Seafood Shells recipe is adored for its rich, decadent flavor and elegant presentation. It’s:

• Restaurant-quality yet easy to make at home.
• Perfectly balanced between creamy, cheesy comfort and light, fresh seafood flavors.
• Customizable—use lobster, salmon, or even a touch of spinach for variation.
• A crowd-pleaser, ideal for romantic dinners, holidays, or special celebrations.

Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Seafood Shells

1. Don’t overcook the seafood—it should remain tender and juicy.
2. Use fresh crab meat for the best texture and flavor, though good-quality canned crab works too.
3. Whisk the cream sauce constantly to avoid lumps and ensure smoothness.
4. Let the dish rest before serving—this helps the sauce thicken and the shells hold together.
5. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon zest for a pop of color and brightness.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Creamy Stuffed Seafood Shells with complementary sides that elevate the dish:

• Garlic butter asparagus or steamed broccoli for a light, crisp contrast.
• Crusty artisan bread or garlic knots to soak up the creamy sauce.
• A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, which beautifully complements the seafood richness.
• Finish the meal with a lemon sorbet or light panna cotta for a refreshing dessert.

Conclusion: Elegant Simplicity Meets Ocean Luxury

These Creamy Stuffed Seafood Shells are the perfect fusion of sophistication and comfort. The tender shells cradle a heavenly seafood filling, bathed in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce that’s impossible to resist. Each bite is a celebration of coastal flavor—creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying.

Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner, impressing guests, or simply indulging yourself, this dish proves that gourmet flavor doesn’t have to be complicated. Creamy Stuffed Seafood Shells are simple to prepare, stunning to serve, and absolutely unforgettable—a recipe guaranteed to outshine anything you’ll find in a restaurant or online.

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