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Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells

Rich and decadent pasta shells filled with a luxurious blend of lobster, crab, and cream cheese, topped with a velvety Parmesan cheese sauce. Perfect for special occasions and elegant dinners.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz lobster meat cooked and chopped
  • 8 oz lump crab meat picked through for shells
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1.5 tbsp butter divided
  • 8 oz cream cheese room temperature
  • 0.5 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 0.75 cup Parmesan Reggiano cheese freshly grated
  • 20-24 jumbo pasta shells

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Baking dish (9x13 inch)
  • Large mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook jumbo pasta shells according to package directions, draining them about 1 minute early. Set aside to cool.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1/2 tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Add lobster and crab meat to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes to warm through. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked seafood with cream cheese and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper and mix until well combined.
  5. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  6. Gradually add heavy cream, whisking to combine. Stir in Parmesan cheese and remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella, continuing to stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of cheese sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  8. Stuff each cooled pasta shell with 2-3 tablespoons of seafood filling and place in the baking dish. Pour remaining cheese sauce over the stuffed shells.
  9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
  10. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded. You can substitute different seafood combinations based on preference and availability. This dish can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake.
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