Cooking at home doesn’t always have to be simple dishes like scrambled eggs or stir-fried vegetables. Sometimes, even as a beginner, you want to prepare something that looks and tastes like it came straight out of a fine dining restaurant. Enter Seafood Stuffed Shells—a comforting, creamy dish that’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for stepping up your culinary game.
PrintSeafood Stuffed Shells: A Beginner’s Delight for an Elegant Meal
Looking for a recipe that’s easy to make but feels fancy? ✨ These Seafood Stuffed Shells are here to wow! 🦀🍝 Jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy seafood mixture, topped with cheese, and baked until bubbly—this dish is rich, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. 🌟 Ready in a snap, it’s a beginner-friendly way to serve up elegance without the fuss. 🧄🧀 Get ready to impress your taste buds! 😍
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- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 12 ounces jumbo pasta shellsThese act as the “vessel” for your seafood filling. Look for shells that are unbroken and large enough to hold a generous scoop of filling.
- 1 pound small cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined (thawed if frozen)These juicy, tender shrimp provide protein and a seafood-forward flavor.
- 1 pound imitation crab, diced or shreddedAffordable and flavorful, this adds a sweet, mild taste to the filling. Feel free to use real crab meat if preferred.
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheeseThe creamy base for the filling that binds the seafood together.
- 1 large eggHelps to hold the filling together during baking.
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoningA classic blend that enhances the seafood’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoningFor added depth and a touch of herbaceousness.
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustardAdds a subtle tang and richness to the filling.
- ½ teaspoon salt and pepperAdjust to your taste for seasoning perfection.
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 (15-ounce) jar Alfredo sauceRich, creamy, and easy—Alfredo sauce forms the luscious base of this dish.
- 1 cup heavy creamThins out the Alfredo while maintaining its creamy texture.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheeseFor that unmistakable cheesy flavor and slight nuttiness.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoningTies the flavors of the filling and sauce together.
- Salt and pepper to tasteEnsures the sauce isn’t bland.
Crumb Topping
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbsProvides a crunchy, golden topping.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheeseA salty, umami boost that complements the seafood.
- 2 tablespoons melted butterHelps the breadcrumbs toast to perfection.
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoningCarries the seafood seasoning throughout the dish.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions until they are al dente. This means they should still have a slight bite to them to prevent breaking during stuffing. Once cooked, drain the shells and set them aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Old Bay seasoning, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Gently fold in the shrimp and imitation crab. Be careful not to break up the seafood too much—it’s nice to have chunks in the filling for texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- In another bowl, whisk together the Alfredo sauce, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This sauce should be smooth and pourable; if it feels too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- Spread about ½ cup of the sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This prevents the shells from sticking and adds extra flavor.
- Take one cooked shell at a time, holding it in your hand, and stuff it with approximately 2 tablespoons of the filling. Place the stuffed shell open-side up in the sauce-lined dish. Repeat until all shells are filled and arranged snugly in the dish.
- Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the shells, ensuring each shell is generously coated.
Step 5: Add the Topping
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and Old Bay seasoning until evenly combined.
- Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the sauce-covered shells.
Step 6: Bake
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the shells are heated through and the topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to serve.
Notes
- Cooking Pasta Perfectly: To avoid overcooking, boil the shells just until al dente. Overcooked shells can tear when stuffed.
- Adjusting the Filling: If you’re not a fan of imitation crab, substitute it with shredded chicken, canned tuna, or even more shrimp.
- Cheese Variations: If you don’t have ricotta cheese, cottage cheese or mascarpone can work as alternatives.
- How to Tell If It’s Done: Look for bubbling sauce around the edges and a golden-brown topping as indicators of doneness.
- Freezing Tip: This dish can be prepped ahead and frozen unbaked. To freeze, assemble the shells in a foil-lined dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 15–20 minutes to the baking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
In this recipe, jumbo pasta shells are filled with a delectable combination of shrimp, imitation crab, and ricotta cheese, then smothered in a rich Alfredo-based sauce. A crispy, golden breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunch, making every bite a delightful experience. Despite its gourmet appearance, Seafood Stuffed Shells is beginner-friendly and can be whipped up in just under an hour. Let’s dive into the details so you can master this dish with confidence!
Why Seafood Stuffed Shells Is Perfect for Beginners
- Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients, like ricotta cheese, Alfredo sauce, and seafood, are either pantry staples or easily available at the store.
- No Advanced Techniques: The steps involve mixing, stuffing, and baking—no complex techniques or tools required.
- Customizable: Don’t like imitation crab? Swap it out for more shrimp or even chicken. Prefer a tangier sauce? Use marinara instead of Alfredo. The recipe allows flexibility without compromising flavor.
- Quick and Efficient: With only 45 minutes from start to finish, it’s an ideal recipe for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Ingredients and Preparation
Filling Ingredients
- 12 ounces jumbo pasta shellsThese act as the “vessel” for your seafood filling. Look for shells that are unbroken and large enough to hold a generous scoop of filling.
- 1 pound small cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined (thawed if frozen)These juicy, tender shrimp provide protein and a seafood-forward flavor.
- 1 pound imitation crab, diced or shreddedAffordable and flavorful, this adds a sweet, mild taste to the filling. Feel free to use real crab meat if preferred.
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheeseThe creamy base for the filling that binds the seafood together.
- 1 large eggHelps to hold the filling together during baking.
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoningA classic blend that enhances the seafood’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoningFor added depth and a touch of herbaceousness.
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustardAdds a subtle tang and richness to the filling.
- ½ teaspoon salt and pepperAdjust to your taste for seasoning perfection.
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 (15-ounce) jar Alfredo sauceRich, creamy, and easy—Alfredo sauce forms the luscious base of this dish.
- 1 cup heavy creamThins out the Alfredo while maintaining its creamy texture.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheeseFor that unmistakable cheesy flavor and slight nuttiness.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoningTies the flavors of the filling and sauce together.
- Salt and pepper to tasteEnsures the sauce isn’t bland.
Crumb Topping
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbsProvides a crunchy, golden topping.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheeseA salty, umami boost that complements the seafood.
- 2 tablespoons melted butterHelps the breadcrumbs toast to perfection.
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoningCarries the seafood seasoning throughout the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions until they are al dente. This means they should still have a slight bite to them to prevent breaking during stuffing. Once cooked, drain the shells and set them aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Old Bay seasoning, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Gently fold in the shrimp and imitation crab. Be careful not to break up the seafood too much—it’s nice to have chunks in the filling for texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- In another bowl, whisk together the Alfredo sauce, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This sauce should be smooth and pourable; if it feels too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- Spread about ½ cup of the sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This prevents the shells from sticking and adds extra flavor.
- Take one cooked shell at a time, holding it in your hand, and stuff it with approximately 2 tablespoons of the filling. Place the stuffed shell open-side up in the sauce-lined dish. Repeat until all shells are filled and arranged snugly in the dish.
- Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the shells, ensuring each shell is generously coated.
Step 5: Add the Topping
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and Old Bay seasoning until evenly combined.
- Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the sauce-covered shells.
Step 6: Bake
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the shells are heated through and the topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to serve.
Beginner Tips and Notes
- Cooking Pasta Perfectly: To avoid overcooking, boil the shells just until al dente. Overcooked shells can tear when stuffed.
- Adjusting the Filling: If you’re not a fan of imitation crab, substitute it with shredded chicken, canned tuna, or even more shrimp.
- Cheese Variations: If you don’t have ricotta cheese, cottage cheese or mascarpone can work as alternatives.
- How to Tell If It’s Done: Look for bubbling sauce around the edges and a golden-brown topping as indicators of doneness.
- Freezing Tip: This dish can be prepped ahead and frozen unbaked. To freeze, assemble the shells in a foil-lined dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 15–20 minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
Seafood Stuffed Shells is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are some sides and accompaniments to round out your meal:
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the extra Alfredo sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini for a healthy side.
- White Wine Pairing: A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy seafood flavors.
For leftovers, store the shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or in the microwave until warmed through.
Conclusion
Seafood Stuffed Shells is a dish that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to prepare. It’s perfect for beginner cooks who want to try something new and exciting without the stress of complicated techniques. From the creamy, savory filling to the crispy, golden topping, every bite is a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
So, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try! Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below—whether it’s a tip you discovered, a variation you tried, or simply how much you enjoyed the dish. Happy cooking!