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.)

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

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

Description

These Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells are an indulgent pasta dish loaded with tender lobster, sweet crab, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for special occasions or a weeknight treat, this recipe delivers big flavor without complicated steps.

Ingredients

Scale

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
Jumbo pasta shells (about 20–24)

For Baking:

Aluminum foil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Seafood:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt ½ tablespoon of butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add lobster and crab meat, cooking for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.
Make the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine seafood, cream cheese, ½ cup mozzarella, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy and well blended.
Cook Pasta Shells:
Cook shells according to package directions. Drain and let cool slightly.
Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Add flour, whisking for 1 minute. Slowly pour in heavy cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in Parmesan and remaining mozzarella until smooth.
Assemble the Dish:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of sauce in a baking dish. Fill cooled shells with seafood mixture and arrange in dish. Pour remaining sauce over the top.
Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
Serve:
Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with herbs or extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Swap lobster for extra crab, shrimp, or scallops if preferred.
Make-ahead tip: Assemble shells earlier in the day and refrigerate until ready to bake.
For extra flavor, sprinkle Old Bay seasoning over the filling before baking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
Calories: 525 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 680 mg
Fat: 34 g
Saturated Fat: 18 g
Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 29 g
Cholesterol: 145 mg