SHRIMP AND CRAB STUFFED SHELLS

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Difficulty:  (Moderate)
Cuisine: Italian-American
Course: Main Course
Best For: Dinner parties, special occasions, seafood lovers

Introduction

Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with seafood flavor—these Shrimp and Crab Stuffed Shells with Alfredo Sauce are the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist. Large pasta shells are filled with a savory mixture of tender shrimp, sweet crab, and rich cheeses, then baked under a velvety homemade Alfredo sauce. This dish brings together elegance and comfort in every bite.

Perfect for holidays, date night at home, or impressing guests, this recipe balances richness with freshness and gives you restaurant-quality flavor in a home-cooked meal.

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Shells:

• 20–24 jumbo pasta shells

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped

• 8 oz lump crab meat (real, not imitation)

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 egg, lightly beaten

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or seafood seasoning)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 pinch ground nutmeg (optional)

• ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)

Garnish (optional):

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Extra Parmesan

• Lemon zest

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

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

2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente.

3. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside on a tray or plate in a single layer to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil.

2. Add the chopped shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until just opaque. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine:

   • Cooked shrimp

   • 8 oz lump crab meat

   • 1 cup ricotta

   • ½ cup shredded mozzarella

   • ¼ cup Parmesan

   • 1 beaten egg

   • 2 cloves garlic, minced

   • 1 tbsp lemon juice

   • 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning

   • Salt and pepper to taste

   • 2 tbsp chopped parsley

4. Mix well until fully combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter.

2. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Pour in 2 cups heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer (do not boil).

4. Stir in 1½ cups grated Parmesan, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and optional pinch of nutmeg.

5. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until thickened slightly.

6. Optional: Stir in ½ cup mozzarella cheese for a thicker, gooier sauce.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Spread 1 cup of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

3. Fill each cooked shell with 1–2 tablespoons of the seafood filling and place them in the dish.

4. Once all shells are arranged, pour remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over the top.

5. Sprinkle with extra mozzarella or Parmesan if desired.Step 5: Bake

1. Cover the dish loosely with foil.

2. Bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbling and lightly golden on top.

3. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.

• Pair with a glass of chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

• A side of sautéed spinach or roasted asparagus adds a nice green contrast.

Nutrition Information (approximate, per serving)

Note: Nutrition values will vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.