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Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Shells

Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Shells
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Enjoy an elegant yet easy-to-make seafood dish with Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Shells. Tender jumbo pasta shells are filled with a creamy, savory blend of fresh crab and shrimp, ricotta, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, then baked with your choice of marinara or white wine sauce and melted mozzarella topping. This flavorful and comforting meal is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or entertaining guests, combining coastal charm with a family-friendly taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

  • 12 jumbo pasta shells
  • 8 oz lump crab meat, drained
  • 6 oz cooked shrimp, finely chopped

Cheeses

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: 1/4 cup cream cheese or sour cream (for extra creaminess)

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped

Sauces & Seasoning

  • 2 cups marinara sauce or white wine sauce
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest or 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Jumbo Shells: Boil the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Drain carefully and rinse under cool water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Lay the shells flat on a towel or baking sheet to dry.
  2. Cook the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
  3. Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lump crab meat, chopped cooked shrimp, ricotta cheese, sautéed onion and garlic, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley and basil, lemon zest or juice, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to maintain chunks of crab while blending flavors evenly.
  4. Stuff the Shells: Using a spoon, fill each cooked jumbo shell carefully with the crab and shrimp filling. Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish, placing them close together but not overcrowded.
  5. Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour your choice of marinara or white wine sauce over and around the shells in the baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top, followed by an additional light sprinkling of Parmesan.
  6. Bake Until Bubbling: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the stuffed shells for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the filling is heated through. Allow to cool briefly before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh or quality frozen seafood for best flavor.
  • Do not overcook pasta shells; they will finish cooking in the oven.
  • Gently fold ingredients to keep crab chunks intact.
  • Drain seafood and cheeses well to avoid watery filling.
  • Let the baked shells rest for a few minutes before serving for easier slicing and better presentation.
  • Customize the cheese blend by mixing mozzarella, provolone, or gouda to your liking.

Nutrition

Keywords: crab stuffed shells, shrimp stuffed shells, seafood pasta, baked stuffed shells, easy seafood recipe, family-friendly seafood, gluten free seafood dish

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/crab-shrimp-stuffed-shells/