The Creamiest Seafood Delight Stuffed Shells Recipe for Dinner

Seafood delight stuffed shells bring a wave of oceanic flavors to your dinner table.

Classic Italian pasta elevates into an unexpected culinary adventure with delicate seafood fillings.

Imagine tender pasta pockets bursting with rich, maritime ingredients that dance across your palate.

Delightful textures and complex flavor profiles make this dish a gourmet experience for serious home cooks.

Mediterranean influences shine through each carefully crafted shell, creating a sophisticated meal that feels both comforting and elegant.

Creamy, succulent seafood nestled inside perfectly cooked pasta promises an unforgettable dining moment.

You can be amazed how simple ingredients can create such a stunning centerpiece for any special occasion.

Explore this recipe and unlock a world of marine-inspired deliciousness that will impress even the most discerning food enthusiasts.

Seafood Shells Cooking Tips You’ll Want to Know

• Perfectly Drain Pasta: Rinse shells immediately with cool water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking, ensuring ideal texture for stuffing.
• Master the Seafood Mix: Chop shrimp and crab into small, uniform pieces to guarantee even distribution of flavors in each stuffed shell.
• Control Moisture Levels: Pat spinach and seafood dry before mixing to prevent watery filling that could make shells soggy during baking.
• Achieve Golden Crunch: Sprinkle Panko crumbs generously and evenly on top to create a crispy, golden-brown crust that adds delightful texture.
• Balance Seasoning Carefully: Use Old Bay sparingly to enhance seafood flavor without overpowering the delicate taste of shrimp and crab.

Store and Reheat Seafood Stuffed Shells the Right Way

Refrigerate Leftovers: Store remaining stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and flavor loss.

Freeze Carefully: Wrap individual shells in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen shells maintain quality for 2 months.

Reheat Gently: Warm refrigerated shells in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying. Microwave option works for quick heating, but may slightly compromise texture.

Pairing Suggestions for Seafood Delight Stuffed Shells

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the seafood's delicate flavors and cut through the rich Alfredo sauce, creating a refreshing balance.
• Serve with Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Roast asparagus with olive oil and garlic to add a crisp, green side that enhances the seafood's natural sweetness and provides a nutritious accompaniment.
• Match with Citrus Arugula Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty, peppery contrast to the creamy shells, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Pour Chilled Sparkling Water: Add a squeeze of lemon to sparkling water for a clean, effervescent drink that cuts through the dish's richness and refreshes the taste buds.

Variations for Seafood Delight Stuffed Shells That Pop

• Spicy Seafood Shells: Replace Old Bay seasoning with cayenne pepper and red chili flakes for a fiery kick. Add diced jalapeños to the seafood mixture for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Seafood Shells: Swap Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese. Include chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil in the filling. Use olive oil and herbs for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Creamy Cajun Seafood Shells: Incorporate Cajun seasoning instead of Old Bay. Mix in andouille sausage with the seafood. Replace heavy cream sauce with a spicy Cajun cream sauce using Creole mustard and hot sauce.
• Low-Carb Seafood Boats: Skip pasta shells and use hollowed zucchini boats as a base. Keep the seafood mixture similar but reduce Panko crumbs. Top with a lighter yogurt-based sauce for a healthier alternative.

Top FAQs for Seafood Delight Stuffed Shells

• Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp and crab meat. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before mixing into the filling to prevent excess moisture.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute the Panko crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. Check your Old Bay seasoning label to confirm it’s gluten-free.

• What if I don't have Old Bay seasoning?

You can replace Old Bay with a mix of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to create a similar seafood seasoning flavor profile.

• How long will these stuffed shells keep in the refrigerator?

Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain the crispy top and prevent soggy texture.

What to Love About Seafood Delight Stuffed Shells

• This recipe combines succulent shrimp and delicate crab meat into one luxurious dish that transforms ordinary pasta shells into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• With just 30 minutes of total preparation and cooking time, home cooks can create a restaurant-quality meal that looks impressive but requires minimal kitchen skills.
• The crispy Panko crumb topping provides a delightful crunch against the creamy Alfredo sauce and tender seafood, creating a perfect balance of textures that will excite every bite.
• Old Bay seasoning and fresh garlic infuse the seafood filling with bold, zesty notes, while Parmesan cheese adds a rich, tangy undertone that elevates the entire dish.

Must-Have Ingredients for Seafood Delight Stuffed Shells

Main Ingredients:

Seafood: – Shrimp, Crab Meat: Fresh seafood provides a rich, oceanic flavor. Choose wild-caught or sustainably sourced for best taste and quality.

Pasta: – Jumbo Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for holding the seafood filling. Select high-quality pasta for best texture.

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

Dairy and Eggs: – Egg, Parmesan Cheese, Heavy Cream: Helps bind the filling and creates a creamy, rich sauce. Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor.

Herbs and Seasonings: – Garlic, Scallions, Old Bay Seasoning, Black Pepper: Adds depth and complexity to the seafood mixture. Fresh garlic and scallions provide bright, aromatic notes.

Texture and Topping Ingredients:

Filling and Topping Enhancers: – Spinach, Panko Crumbs, Olive Oil: Spinach adds nutrition, Panko crumbs provide crunch, and olive oil helps with sautéing. Choose fresh spinach and Japanese-style Panko for best results.

How to Prepare Seafood Delight Stuffed Shells Easily

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Water

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil for cooking pasta shells.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Shells

Carefully add jumbo pasta shells to boiling water. Cook for 5 minutes, ensuring they remain slightly firm. Drain the shells and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Ingredients

• Minced garlic
• Chopped scallions

Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.

Step 4: Create Seafood Filling

• Chopped shrimp
• Chopped spinach
• Sautéed garlic and scallions
• Flaked crab meat
• Beaten egg
• Old Bay seasoning
• Parmesan cheese
• Panko breadcrumbs

Mix ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated.

Step 5: Stuff Pasta Shells

Gently fill each pasta shell with the seafood mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking pan.

Step 6: Prepare Creamy Alfredo Sauce

• Remaining Parmesan cheese
• Freshly ground black pepper

Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 7: Assemble and Bake

Pour the Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle additional Panko breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the sauce bubbles.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Serve hot as a delightful seafood main course.

Seafood Delight Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent Seafood Delight Stuffed Shells bring coastal Italian charm to dinner tables with rich, creamy textures and oceanic flavors. Delicate pasta shells cradle a luxurious blend of tender shrimp, crab, and ricotta, promising Mediterranean-inspired comfort in each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz lump crab meat
• 1 lb fresh jumbo shells

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 4 garlic cloves
• 3 scallion stalks
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay Garlic Herb seasoning
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

Binding and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1 cup spinach
• ½ cup Panko crumbs (plus extra for topping)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups microplaned Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)

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Instructions

1. Ignite the oven to a warm 350°F, preparing the stage for a delectable seafood ensemble.
2. Submerge a generous pot of salted water, coaxing it to a rolling boil for the delicate pasta shells.
3. Finely mince garlic cloves and slice scallions into delicate rings, releasing their aromatic potential.
4. Gently lower the jumbo shells into the bubbling water, allowing them to soften for precisely five minutes.
5. Carefully drain the shells and cascade cool water over them to halt the cooking process, preserving their tender texture.
6. In a sizzling skillet, dance the minced garlic and scallions in a shimmering pool of olive oil, awakening their vibrant flavors.
7. Craft a luxurious filling by marrying chopped shrimp, vibrant spinach, fragrant sautéed aromatics, succulent crab meat, a binding egg, zesty Old Bay seasoning, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and crisp Panko crumbs in a harmonious bowl.
8. Tenderly nestle the seafood mixture into each shell, arranging them lovingly in a welcoming baking pan.
9. Transform heavy cream in a skillet, whisking in the remaining Parmesan and a whisper of black pepper to create a velvety Alfredo sauce.
10. Cascade the creamy sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring each morsel is embraced by its rich coating.
11. Dust the surface with an additional layer of Panko crumbs, promising a golden, crispy crown.
12. Slide the pan into the waiting oven, allowing the shells to bake for 20-25 minutes until they emerge golden, bubbly, and irresistibly tempting.

Notes

• Prep shells al dente to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect texture for stuffing.
• Select fresh seafood for maximum flavor and ensure shrimp and crab are cleaned and deveined thoroughly.
• Gently fold ingredients to keep seafood tender and prevent breaking delicate meat during mixing.
• Create uniform shell stuffing by using a small spoon or piping bag for consistent portioning.
• Alfredo sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated to save time during final preparation.
• Allow dish to rest 5-10 minutes after baking to help filling set and make serving easier.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg