Ultimate Seafood Stuffed Shells – A Luxurious, Creamy, Restaurant-Style Pasta Dinner

If you love rich, creamy pasta dishes bursting with flavor, this Ultimate Seafood Stuffed Shells recipe is going to be your new favorite. Imagine jumbo pasta shells filled with a velvety blend of shrimp, crab, and scallops, baked in a luscious sauce and topped with golden melted cheese. It’s a show-stopping dinner perfect for weekends, date nights, and special occasions.

This dish brings together the elegance of seafood with the comfort of baked pasta — a combination that feels indulgent yet surprisingly easy to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe

The Ultimate Seafood Stuffed Shells recipe is everything a seafood lover dreams of: tender shell pasta, succulent seafood, creamy cheesy filling, and perfectly baked goodness. This dish looks like something you’d order at a high-end restaurant, but you can easily make it in your own kitchen with simple ingredients.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting guests, or planning a cozy dinner night, these stuffed shells deliver bold flavor, luxurious texture, and pure comfort in every bite.

Ingredients for Ultimate Seafood Stuffed Shells

Below is the full ingredient list broken into helpful sections for easy preparation.

For the Jumbo Pasta Shells

• 20–24 jumbo pasta shells

• Salt for boiling water

For the Seafood Filling

• 1 cup cooked shrimp, finely chopped

• 1 cup lump crab meat (fresh or high-quality canned)

• ½ cup cooked scallops, chopped (optional but recommended)

• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ medium onion, finely diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ cup baby spinach, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust depending on the saltiness of the seafood)

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Creamy Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups half-and-half or whole milk

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2–3 tablespoons grated Parmesan

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Required Kitchen Tools

To successfully prepare the Ultimate Seafood Stuffed Shells, you will need:

• Large pot for boiling pasta

• Medium skillet

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk

• Baking dish (9×13 works well)

• Spoon or piping bag for filling shells

• Aluminum foil

• Oven

How to Make the Ultimate Seafood Stuffed Shells (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Follow these clear, easy steps to craft the perfect seafood pasta bake.

1: Cook the Jumbo Pasta Shells

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package directions, usually 10–12 minutes.

3. Cook the shells only until al dente — they will continue softening in the oven.

4. Drain the shells, rinse gently with cold water, and set aside on a tray to prevent sticking.

2: Prepare the Seafood Filling

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a medium skillet.

2. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.

3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Add chopped shrimp, scallops, and spinach. Cook for 2–3 minutes just to heat and soften the spinach.

5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

In a large mixing bowl:

6. Combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, lemon juice, Old Bay, pepper, paprika, and parsley.

7. Fold in the seafood mixture and crab meat gently to avoid breaking the crab lumps.

8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

This filling should be creamy, rich, and easy to spoon into the shells.

3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.

2. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to create a smooth roux.

3. Slowly add the half-and-half or milk while whisking to avoid lumps.

4. Continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken.

5. Stir in Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

6. Let simmer for 2 minutes until silky and creamy.

The sauce should coat the back of a spoon — not too thick, not too thin.

4: Assemble the Seafood Stuffed Shells

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Pour half of the creamy sauce into the bottom of the baking dish.

3. Fill each pasta shell generously with the seafood mixture using a spoon or piping bag.

4. Arrange the stuffed shells neatly in the baking dish.

5. Pour the remaining sauce over the shells.

6. Top with shredded mozzarella and extra Parmesan.

5: Bake the Shells

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.

2. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and lightly golden.

3. For extra color, you can broil the top for 1–2 minutes.

4. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Your Ultimate Seafood Stuffed Shells should be creamy, aromatic, cheesy, and beautifully golden on top!

Helpful Tips to Make the Best Ultimate Seafood Stuffed Shells

These expert tips will guarantee perfect results every time:

1. Don’t Overcook the Shells

Al dente shells hold their shape better and are easier to stuff.

2. Use High-Quality Seafood

Fresh or frozen-then-thawed shrimp, scallops, and real lump crab meat give the best flavor.

3. Drain Seafood Well

Excess moisture can make the filling runny.

4. Add Spinach for Color and Nutrition

It complements seafood perfectly and adds vibrant color.

5. Use a Piping Bag

Piping the filling into the shells makes the process quick, clean, and even.

6. Make Ahead Friendly

You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and bake when ready.

7. Freezes Beautifully

Freeze unbaked shells for up to 2 months and bake directly from frozen (add 20 minutes extra).

Serving Suggestions

The Ultimate Seafood Stuffed Shells pair wonderfully with:

• Garlic bread or toasted baguette

• Caesar salad or mixed greens

• Roasted asparagus

• Lemon-butter broccoli

• A light white wine (if serving adults)

This dish is rich, so light sides balance it well.

Approximate Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Note: Values may vary depending on portion size and ingredients used.

• Calories: 520

• Protein: 33g

• Carbohydrates: 38g

• Fat: 26g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sodium: 780mg

This is a hearty and satisfying meal with a balanced profile of protein, carbs, and fats.

Conclusion 

If you’re craving something creamy, comforting, and luxurious, this Ultimate Seafood Stuffed Shells recipe is the perfect choice. With tender pasta, rich seafood filling, and melted cheese, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen.