Seafood Stuffed Shells with Creamy Garlic Sauce

If you’re craving something comforting yet elegant, seafood stuffed shells are your answer. This baked pasta dish features jumbo shells packed with a savory mix of shrimp, scallops, crab, and creamy ricotta, all nestled under a silky white wine parmesan sauce. It’s rich, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress—without being complicated. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or hosting friends, seafood stuffed shells hit that perfect balance between fancy and homey. One bite of this creamy, cheesy seafood-packed goodness and you’ll know it’s a keeper.

Why You’ll Love This Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe

There’s so much to love about seafood stuffed shells—and here’s why it’ll earn a spot in your dinner rotation:

• Decadent seafood filling: The trio of shrimp, scallops, and crab creates a restaurant-quality flavor.
• Creamy homemade sauce: Made from scratch with wine, parmesan, and cream—it’s rich and dreamy.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prep the entire dish in advance and bake it later.
• Perfect for special occasions: It feels gourmet but is simple enough for a beginner cook.

This is pasta comfort food at its finest—cozy, creamy, and full of flavor.

History or Fun Facts About Seafood Stuffed Shells

This dish might feel like a modern creation, but it’s rooted in culinary tradition:

• Pasta shells (conchiglioni) originated in Southern Italy and are ideal for holding thick, hearty fillings.
• Seafood-stuffed variations are common in American coastal cuisines where fresh seafood is abundant.
• Old Bay seasoning, used in this recipe, has been a seafood staple since 1939 in Maryland.
• The creamy béchamel-style sauce is a nod to French-Italian fusion often seen in upscale pasta bakes.

Combining tradition with luxury, seafood stuffed shells are a modern classic.

Key Ingredients in Seafood Stuffed Shells

Here’s what brings this comforting seafood pasta dish to life:

• Jumbo pasta shells – Create perfect pockets to hold the seafood and cheese mixture.
• Shrimp, scallops, crab meat – A trio of seafood that makes each bite tender and flavorful.
• Ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan – This creamy cheese blend binds the filling and adds gooey texture.
• Spinach – Adds color, nutrients, and balance to the rich seafood and cheese.
• Old Bay seasoning – A classic seafood spice that brings warmth and depth.
• White sauce with wine and cream – A silky, savory base that elevates the entire dish.

How to Make Seafood Stuffed Shells: Step-by-Step

Follow these detailed steps for restaurant-quality results at home.

1. Cook the shells
   Boil 24 jumbo pasta shells in salted water for 7–8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside—don’t overcook.
2. Sauté the aromatics
   In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook minced shallot for 2 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Cook the seafood
   Season shrimp and scallops with Old Bay. Add to the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes until just cooked through. Set aside to cool.
4. Wilt the spinach
   In the same pan, sauté chopped spinach for 1–2 minutes until just wilted. Add it to the seafood bowl and let cool.
5. Mix the filling
   In a bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, ½ cup parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Fold in crab meat and the cooled seafood-spinach mix.
6. Make the white sauce
   In the same pan, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk, cream, and white wine. Simmer until thickened, then stir in 1 cup parmesan.
7. Assemble the dish
   Spread ½ cup sauce in a baking dish. Stuff shells with the seafood mixture and arrange them in the dish. Pour the rest of the sauce on top and sprinkle with ½ cup mozzarella.
8. Bake to perfection
   Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, uncovered, until hot and bubbly. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Seafood Stuffed Shells Tips and Twists

Want to tweak this recipe or make it foolproof? Here’s how:

5 Tips:

• Don’t overboil the shells—they’ll cook more in the oven.
• Use dry white wine for the best flavor, or substitute with chicken stock.
• Let the seafood mixture cool before stuffing to prevent soggy shells.
• Whisk the sauce constantly to avoid lumps.
• Fresh-grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded.

3 Variations:

• Lobster luxe: Replace scallops with chopped lobster for an elevated twist.
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning to the filling.
• Tomato base: Swap white sauce for a seafood marinara for a lighter version.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

Make this dish even more practical with these smart tips:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Reheating: Cover and reheat in a 350°F oven or microwave with a splash of cream or milk.
• Make-Ahead: Assemble the entire dish (uncooked), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

This dish is great for prepping the night before a gathering.

Serving Suggestions for Seafood Stuffed Shells

Here are some delicious pairings to turn this into a well-rounded meal:

• Grilled Vegetables – Add a light, colorful contrast to the creamy shells.
• Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese – Because there’s no such thing as too much cheese.
• Simple Avocado Toast with Egg – Serve a slice for a refreshing, protein-rich side.
• Lemon arugula salad – Tossed with olive oil and parmesan to balance the richness.
• Crisp white wine – Try Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the seafood flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze seafood stuffed shells?
Yes! Freeze unbaked shells in a dish wrapped tightly. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

What’s a good substitute for scallops?
You can use extra shrimp or even white fish like cod or tilapia.

Can I use imitation crab meat?
Yes, but real lump crab gives the best flavor and texture.

Is it okay to skip the wine?
Absolutely—just use chicken broth instead for depth without alcohol.

Can I make this dairy-free?
It’s difficult due to all the cheese and cream, but you can try using plant-based dairy alternatives and vegan cheese blends.

Enjoy Your Seafood Stuffed Shells

You don’t have to dine out to enjoy luxurious seafood pasta—these seafood stuffed shells bring all that indulgence home. Every bite is rich with tender seafood, melty cheese, and silky white sauce. It’s the kind of meal that gets rave reviews at the dinner table, but is easy enough to pull off even on a weeknight. So go ahead, treat yourself (or your guests) to this seafood stunner. You deserve it.

Explore More Recipes You’ll Love

Can’t get enough creamy comfort food? Check out these dishes next:

• Try the decadent Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups for more seafood pasta indulgence.
• Love layers of flavor? This Chicken Alfredo Lasagna is equally comforting.
• Want a hearty weeknight fix? These Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini are packed with bold flavor.
• Add some veggie goodness with Grilled Vegetables as a colorful, healthy side.
• Craving dessert after dinner? Don’t miss these Quick Pecan Pie Cookies—sweet, easy, and totally irresistible!