Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells: 7 Irresistible Bites

Name: Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 8 oz lobster meat; 8 oz lump crab meat; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided into 2 portions of ½ cup each); 1 ½ tablespoons butter (divided); 8 oz cream cheese; ½ cup heavy whipping cream; ¾ cup Parmesan Reggiano cheese, grated; Jumbo pasta shells (about 20–24); Aluminum foil

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If you’ve ever wished you could bring restaurant-quality seafood pasta to your dinner table without juggling a dozen pots or spending a fortune, Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells is your new secret weapon. It’s indulgent, comforting, and just a little fancy — yet completely doable on a busy Tuesday night after soccer practice, work deadlines, and that inevitable “what’s for dinner?” chorus.

The best part? The oven and all that glorious cheese do most of the work while you tidy up the kitchen… or sneak in an episode of your favorite show.

Why You’ll Love These Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells

This recipe is the perfect mix of indulgence and simplicity. Jumbo pasta shells are stuffed with a dreamy blend of lobster, crab, and cream cheese, then smothered in a Parmesan-rich sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.

It’s a meal that works in just about any setting:

Weeknight Treat: Because even a regular Tuesday deserves a little magic.
Dinner Party Showstopper: Guests will think you hired a private chef (don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me).

If you love recipes like this, you might also enjoy my Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells with Meat for another cozy, crowd-pleasing pasta night.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Seafood Filling:

8 oz lobster meat
8 oz lump crab meat
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided into 2 portions of ½ cup each)
1 ½ tablespoons butter (divided)
8 oz cream cheese
½ cup heavy whipping cream
¾ cup Parmesan Reggiano cheese, grated

For Baking:

Aluminum foil

Don’t forget: Jumbo pasta shells (about 20–24) — those little pasta pockets just waiting to be filled with cheesy seafood goodness.

Step-by-Step: Making Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells

1. Prepare the Seafood

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt ½ tablespoon butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about one minute — be careful not to burn it). Add lobster and crab meat, cooking for 2–3 minutes to heat through. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the seafood with cream cheese, ½ cup shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy — and yes, a little taste test at this point is highly recommended.

3. Cook the Jumbo Shells

Cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and let cool slightly so they’re easier to handle.

4. Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute. Slowly pour in heavy cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in Parmesan and the remaining mozzarella until the sauce is smooth, thick, and irresistible.

If you love creamy pasta dishes with a little kick, my Crock-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is another great recipe to bookmark.

5. Assemble the Dish

Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Fill cooled shells with seafood mixture and arrange them in the dish. Pour remaining sauce over the top, making sure every shell is generously covered.

6. Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

7. Serve

Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or extra Parmesan. For more cheesy, family-style comfort food, try my Crock Pot Baked Ziti — it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Mounia’s Tips for Success

No Lobster? Swap in shrimp, scallops, or more crab — the flavors still shine.
Soften Cream Cheese: Leave it at room temp for easier mixing.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble earlier in the day, then pop in the oven before dinner.

Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells baked in a white dish, filled with lobster and crab, topped with melted cheese and fresh parsley. — Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells with lobster, crab, and rich cheese sauce — baked to golden perfection for the ultimate comfort food.

FAQs About Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells

Can I freeze these Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells?

Yes — assemble without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15–20 minutes to the cook time.

What’s the best side dish?

Garlic bread and a crisp green salad are perfect. (Because carbs + carbs = happiness.)

Can I lighten it up?

Use light cream cheese and half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but you’ll lose some creaminess.

Bringing It All Together

These Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are more than just dinner — they’re an experience. Each bite is a perfect balance of rich seafood, velvety cheese, and tender pasta, all wrapped in a sauce so good you’ll want to sneak a spoonful straight from the pan. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your home smell like a cozy Italian bistro by the sea, drawing everyone into the kitchen before you’ve even called them to the table.

Whether you’re making it to impress dinner guests, celebrate a special occasion, or simply treat yourself after a long week, this dish delivers comfort and elegance in equal measure. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, meaning you can enjoy all the flavors of a high-end seafood dinner without the price tag — or the stress.

If this recipe has you dreaming about more seafood delights, my Irresistible Creamy Coconut Shrimp is another quick and luxurious option to keep in your back pocket. Together, these recipes prove that you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy something truly special. Sometimes, the celebration is just making something that makes you — and the people you love — happy .