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seafood stuffed shells

Seafood stuffed shells are a delightful pasta dish filled with a savory mixture of shrimp, crab, and creamy cheese, all baked under a layer of marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese. This dish is perfect for seafood lovers and can serve as a comforting main course for family dinners or gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 People
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large pot for boiling pasta
  • 1 colander
  • 1 mixing bowl
  • 1 spoon or spatula
  • 1 9x13 inch baking dish
  • 1 oven

Ingredients
  

  • 12 jumbo pasta shells jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped (about 6 oz)
  • 1 cup cooked crab meat (about 6 oz)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups marinara sauce

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large pot, boil water and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let them cool slightly.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, crab meat, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.
  • Stuff each jumbo pasta shell with the seafood mixture using a spoon.
  • In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom.
  • Place the stuffed shells on top of the marinara sauce, then pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells.
  • Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the shells.
  • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Notes

You can substitute the shrimp and crab with your favorite seafood or use canned varieties if you prefer.
Feel free to add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the filling for added flavor and nutrients.
This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
For a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or filling.