There’s something magical about seafood stuffed shells that just makes my heart sing. I remember the first time I made them—it was a cozy family gathering. The aroma wafted through the air, drawing everyone into the kitchen like moths to a flame. As I pulled that bubbling dish from the oven, and we gathered around the table, laughter and chatter filled the room. These shells, bursting with oceanic goodness, became an instant favorite, and ever since, they’ve held a special place in our family traditions.

Why you’ll love this recipe

When you think of comfort food, pasta often tops the list, but add seafood into the mix, and you’ve transformed a humble dish into a five-star experience. The delicate flavors of lobster, crab, and shrimp meld beautifully with the creaminess of ricotta and the richness of mozzarella, creating a decadent filling that’s sure to impress. Just picture it: giant pasta shells cradling this luscious blend, bathed in vibrant marinara sauce, topped with golden, bubbly cheese.

This dish is not just about flavor—it’s a culinary hug on a plate. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home, it checks all the boxes: elegance, ease, and comfort. Plus, the seafood is packed with protein and essential nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence. With each bite, you feel like you’re having a dreamy seaside vacation right in your kitchen. Who wouldn’t want to dive into that?

Gather these ingredients

Now, let’s get our kitchen stocked—it’s time to gather what you need to bring this masterpiece to life:

Large Pasta Shells: You’ll need 20 hearty shells. These provide the perfect vessel for all that delicious filling, plus they have a nice bite when cooked just right. You could substitute with manicotti if you can’t find shells, but trust me, the shells win every time!
Cooked Lobster Meat: 1 cup of chopped lobster adds that touch of luxury. If lobster is out of season or budget, feel free to swap for more crab or shrimp!
Cooked Crab Meat: 1 cup shredded crab meat adds a lovely sweetness and texture. Whenever possible, opt for lump crab—it really elevates the dish.
Cooked Shrimp: Grab 1 cup of chopped shrimp; they give further depth to your filling. If you’re feeling adventurous, scallops are a delightful twist too.
Ricotta Cheese: 1 cup is a staple in stuffed pasta because of its creamy richness. Look for whole milk ricotta for the best flavor!
Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey 1 cup of shredded mozzarella makes everything bubbly and satisfying. Use fresh mozzarella for a truly indulgent experience.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup gives a salty, nutty flavor that rounds everything out beautifully.
Fresh Parsley: A 1/4 cup of chopped parsley adds a fresh pop of color and brightness. If you’re like me and love herbs, consider chives or dill for a different flair!
Garlic Powder: Just a teaspoon will enhance all those flavors. Fresh garlic is great too—go for 2-3 cloves if you prefer!
Salt and Pepper: A standard seasoning but don’t underestimate their power! They help to really bring everything together.
Marinara Sauce: 2 cups for that essential saucy layer—choose homemade or your favorite jar. Don’t skip the marinara; it’s the heart of the dish!

Preparing Seafood Stuffed Shells

Let’s transform all these ingredients into something magical step-by-step. Don’t worry; I’ll guide you through it like an old friend!

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s crucial to have that hot, inviting space ready—trust me, your shells will thank you.
Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions, but just a minute shy of al dente. You want them slightly firm since they’ll cook more in the oven. Drain them gently and set aside to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine your seafood goodies: the lobster, crab, and shrimp. Add in the ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, 1/4 cup of Parmesan, chopped parsley, garlic powder, and season generously with salt and pepper.
Now, the fun part—stuff each shell with that dreamy seafood blend. Don’t be shy; pack it in! Place them snugly in a greased baking dish.
Pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure they’re all cozy under that red sauce. Then, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top—this is where that golden crust magic happens.
Cover your dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. This locks in moisture and flavor.
Then, for the grand finale, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly, golden cheese—it’s pure happiness.
Let it cool slightly before serving; that first bite deserves your utmost attention!

Best way to enjoy it

Once baked to perfection, how do you serve these beauties? First off, let them sit for about five minutes to avoid molten cheese burns (trust me, it’s tempting!).

For pairing, a simple green salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette beautifully balances the richness of the shells. Or if you’re feeling indulgent, garlic bread on the side is a classic Italian choice. If you’ve got some nice white wine lying around, a chilled Pinot Grigio really complements the seafood’s sweetness.

Storage and reheating tips

If you find yourself with leftovers (which might be unlikely because they’re just that good!), here’s how to keep them fresh.

Let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, but let’s be real: they’re even tastier the next day! You can also freeze them before baking; just pop them into a freezer-safe dish, and they’ll stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let them thaw overnight in the fridge and bake directly from there—just add a few more minutes for baking.

Tips for a success recipe

Here are a few tidbits from my kitchen to yours for the ultimate seafood stuffed shells:

Make sure your seafood is really fresh and well-cooked; it makes all the difference! If you have leftover seafood from a dinner out, use that.
Don’t skip the herbs—they not only enhance flavor but also brighten the dish visually!
Experiment with cheese! A blend of pepper jack for a kick or a sharp cheese can add a twist to the familiar.
If you’re short on time, there’s no shame in using store-bought marinara. Just add a sprinkle of Italian herbs to elevate it!

Creative Twists

Get creative with your stuffed shells! Want it a bit spicy? Add some red pepper flakes to the seafood mix.

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not incorporate some sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers into the stuffing? They offer a pop of color and added flavor. And, of course, you can switch out seafood for grilled chicken or vegetables if you’re looking to make it vegetarian.

Ingredients list

20 large pasta shells
1 cup cooked lobster meat, chopped
1 cup cooked crab meat, shredded
1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups marinara sauce

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook pasta shells until just shy of al dente; drain and set aside.
In a bowl, combine seafood, ricotta, mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Stuff each shell with the seafood mixture and place in a baking dish.
Cover stuffed shells with marinara sauce; top with remaining Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let cool slightly before serving.

Your questions answered

Can I use frozen seafood?
Absolutely! Just ensure it’s fully thawed and drained before mixing.
What side dishes pair well?
A fresh salad or garlic bread works wonders alongside these shells.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the shells, then cover and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.
What if I don’t have all the seafood?
No worries! Just double up on what you have or use one variety.
How do I know when they’re done?
Look for bubbly sauce and melted cheese that’s lightly golden—trust your senses!

If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this, it’s to embrace the process and make it your own. Step into the kitchen, let those scents wash over you, and create something beautiful. I can’t wait to hear how your seafood stuffed shells turn out. Are you ready to dive in? Enjoy the adventure!

Seafood Stuffed Shells

Delicious large pasta shells filled with a creamy seafood mixture of lobster, crab, and shrimp, all baked to perfection in marinara sauce and topped with cheese. A comforting dish perfect for any occasion.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 35

Total Time 1 5

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean

Servings 4 servings

Calories 540 kcal

Ingredients

Pasta and Sauce

20 pieces large pasta shells Substitute with manicotti if needed.
2 cups marinara sauce Choose homemade or your favorite jar.

Seafood Filling

1 cup cooked lobster meat, chopped Can substitute with more crab or shrimp.
1 cup cooked crab meat, shredded Opt for lump crab for the best flavor.
1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped Scallops can be used as an alternative.

Cheese

1 cup ricotta cheese Whole milk ricotta is recommended.
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded Fresh mozzarella is preferred.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For topping the shells.

Other Ingredients

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped Chives or dill can be used as variations.
1 teaspoon garlic powder Alternatively, use 2-3 cloves of fresh garlic.
to taste salt and pepper Season generously.

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions, but drain one minute before al dente and let cool.
In a mixing bowl, combine lobster, crab, shrimp, ricotta, mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Assembly and Baking

Stuff each shell with the seafood mixture and place them in a greased baking dish.
Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and top with remaining Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve with a simple green salad or garlic bread. Pair with chilled Pinot Grigio for a delightful experience.

Keyword Comfort Food, Italian Dinner, Seafood Recipe, Seafood Stuffed Shells, Stuffed Pasta