Name: Seafood-Stuffed Shells Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 24 uncooked jumbo pasta shells; 1/4 cup finely chopped celery; 1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper; 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion; 2 cans (6 ounces each) lump crabmeat, drained; 8 ounces peeled and deveined cooked shrimp (41-50 per pound), chopped; 1 tablespoon butter plus 1/4 cup butter, divided; 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 4 cups 2% milk, divided; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1-1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese; 1-1/2 teaspoons seafood seasoning, divided; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper; Soft bread crumbs, toasted in butter; Chopped fresh parsley

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 45 reviews

If you adore the ocean’s bounty and crave a comforting, elegant dish that brings seafood and pasta together in perfect harmony, this Seafood-Stuffed Shells Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. Jumbo pasta shells loaded with a luscious blend of crab, shrimp, and savory seasonings nestle beneath a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce, creating a mouthwatering, family-friendly meal that feels both indulgent and homey. This recipe is a celebration of fresh, delicate flavors wrapped up in tender pasta shells, perfect for dinner parties or cozy nights when you want something special to share.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image shows a stainless steel pan on an electric stove with small pieces of green bell pepper and chopped onions scattered inside. A woman's hand is holding a wooden spatula, stirring the vegetables in the middle of the pan. The colors are bright green and white with a touch of red from the onions, contrasting against the shiny silver pan. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to unlocking the magic of this Seafood-Stuffed Shells Recipe. Each element plays a crucial role—celery and peppers add subtle crunch and vibrant color, the seafood brings a luxurious texture and flavor, and the smooth Parmesan sauce ties everything together into a silky finish.

24 uncooked jumbo pasta shells: The perfect size for holding ample amounts of the tasty seafood filling.
1/4 cup finely chopped celery: Adds a refreshing crunch and mild earthiness that balances the richness.
1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper: Brings a tender bite and bright green color to the mix.
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion: Gives a subtle sharpness that mellows as it cooks.
1 tablespoon butter plus 1/4 cup butter, divided: Used for sautéing and making the creamy sauce, butter adds smooth richness.
2 cans (6 ounces each) lump crabmeat, drained: The star seafood ingredient that’s tender, sweet, and packed with flavor.
8 ounces peeled and deveined cooked shrimp, chopped: Adds a tender, slightly sweet seafood texture to the filling.
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to bind the filling together.
1-1/2 teaspoons seafood seasoning, divided: A blend of spices that enhances the delicate seafood without overpowering it.
1/4 teaspoon pepper: For a subtle hint of heat and depth.
1 large egg, lightly beaten: Acts as a gentle binder for the seafood mixture.
1/4 cup mayonnaise: Adds tangy creaminess and keeps the filling moist.
2 tablespoons plus 4 cups 2% milk, divided: Milk helps create the luscious cheese sauce and moist filling.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the Parmesan sauce into a silky, smooth topping.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Brings out the natural flavors in the filling and sauce.
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper: Enhances the sauce with a gentle peppery kick.
1-1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers sharp, nutty flavor and richness in the sauce.
Optional: Soft bread crumbs, toasted in butter and chopped fresh parsley: Adds a crunchy, fresh finish if desired.

How to Make Seafood-Stuffed Shells Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells and Shrimp

Start by boiling your jumbo pasta shells until just tender according to the package instructions. If your shrimp are not yet cooked, here is a handy tip: once your pasta shells are removed, toss the raw shrimp into the same simmering water and cook for about one to three minutes until they turn a lovely pink. Then, plunge them straight into an ice bath to keep them perfectly tender and stop any further cooking. This method saves time and enhances flavor by poaching the shrimp in subtly seasoned pasta water.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

While the pasta cooks, melt a teaspoon of butter in a small skillet and gently sauté the finely chopped green pepper and red onion until soft and fragrant. These vegetables will infuse the filling with sweetness and a bit of bite, building layers of flavor that complement the seafood wonderfully.

Step 3: Prepare the Seafood Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the drained lump crabmeat, cooked chopped shrimp, beaten egg, shredded mozzarella cheese, mayonnaise, two tablespoons of milk, one teaspoon of seafood seasoning, freshly cracked pepper, and the sautéed vegetables. Mixing these together creates a luscious, creamy filling that’s perfectly seasoned and textured!

Step 4: Stuff the Pasta Shells

Preheat your oven to 350°F. After draining and rinsing the pasta shells, carefully spoon about one rounded tablespoon of the seafood filling into each shell, making sure they’re well-stuffed but not overpacked to maintain tenderness. Arrange these delightful parcels in a greased 13×9-inch baking dish, ready for their final transformation.

Step 5: Make the Parmesan Cheese Sauce

In a small saucepan, gently melt the remaining butter and whisk in the all-purpose flour along with freshly ground pepper. Gradually add the remaining four cups of 2% milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring this mixture to a boil, then cook and stir for two minutes until it thickens to a luscious sauce. Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and silky smooth—this sauce is the crowning glory that elevates the stuffed shells into a heavenly dish.

Step 6: Bake the Seafood-Stuffed Shells Recipe

Pour the creamy Parmesan cheese sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, and sprinkle the remaining seafood seasoning on top. Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until the sauce is bubbly, golden at the edges, and the shells are heated through. Your kitchen will fill with the irresistible aroma of seafood and melted cheese, signaling that it’s almost time to dig in!

How to Serve Seafood-Stuffed Shells Recipe

This image shows a close-up of creamy stuffed pasta shells in a white baking dish. Each large shell is filled with a light golden mixture, topped with melted white cheese that looks smooth and slightly bubbly. Small bits of browned crumbs and chopped green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding texture and color. A silver spoon lifts one stuffed shell, highlighting the creamy cheese filling inside. The white marbled surface underneath frames the dish softly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens this rich dish. For an extra textural contrast, you can also sprinkle toasted soft bread crumbs toasted in butter—this topping lends a delightful crunch that makes every bite more satisfying.

Side Dishes

Seafood-Stuffed Shells pair beautifully with crisp, refreshing salads like a classic Caesar or a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, which cut through the richness with their brightness. For a more indulgent plate, consider serving with garlic bread or roasted vegetables, adding comforting sides without overwhelming the star dish.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting guests, present the stuffed shells in individual ramekins for a charming, elegant portion that feels personalized. Alternatively, serve on a large platter garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs to encourage sharing and savoring the flavors family-style. The creamy sauce also makes a fantastic base for layering in a seafood bake with other shellfish or veggies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your Seafood-Stuffed Shells Recipe has been enjoyed, any leftovers can be tightly covered and refrigerated for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, so reheated portions often taste even better.

Freezing

You can freeze the stuffed shells before baking by arranging them in a freezer-safe dish and covering tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding about 15-20 extra minutes to the baking time, until heated through and bubbly.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your stuffed shells in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out, until warmed through—this usually takes 20-25 minutes. Microwave reheating is possible but may cause uneven heating or sogginess, so the oven remains the preferred approach to maintain the dish’s delicious texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute the seafood in this recipe?

Absolutely! While the original recipe uses crab and shrimp, feel free to swap in lobster, scallops, or even canned tuna for a different but equally delicious twist on the Seafood-Stuffed Shells Recipe.

What type of seafood seasoning works best?

A blend with celery seed, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder works perfectly here to enhance the natural seafood flavors without overwhelming the dish.

Is there a way to make this recipe ahead for a dinner party?

Yes! You can prepare and stuff the shells a day in advance, keep them refrigerated, and just add the sauce and bake on the day of your party for a stress-free, impressive meal.

Can I make a dairy-free version?

Definitely. Swap the butter for olive oil or a dairy-free alternative, use dairy-free milk and cheese substitutes, and you’ll still have a creamy and satisfying Seafood-Stuffed Shells Recipe.

How do I prevent the pasta shells from sticking together?

Once cooked and drained, rinse the shells with cold water and toss them lightly with a bit of olive oil to keep them separate and easier to stuff.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Seafood-Stuffed Shells Recipe a whirl because it perfectly balances rich seafood flavors with creamy, cheesy goodness in every forkful. Whether for a family dinner, a special occasion, or simply to treat yourself, this dish brings warmth, elegance, and pure comfort to the table. Dive in and savor every bite—you won’t regret it!