Name: Indulgent Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 20 jumbo pasta shells; 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped; 1 cup cooked scallops, chopped; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 32 reviews

If you are craving a dish that wraps you in a luxurious, comforting hug, look no further than this Indulgent Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe. Imagine tender jumbo pasta shells generously filled with a luscious mix of shrimp, scallops, ricotta, and aromatic herbs, all bathed in a velvety, cheesy cream sauce that bakes into a golden, bubbly masterpiece. Every bite bursts with savory ocean flavors, silky textures, and a touch of herbaceous brightness, making this a perfect meal to savor with family or impress guests on a special occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white plate filled with light pink and white cooked shrimp arranged in a loose pile on the left side. To the right of the shrimp is a clear glass bowl with a smooth, white creamy sauce. Below the shrimp is another clear glass bowl holding small white curds with a bit of yellow on top, likely cheese or cottage cheese. Near the center bottom is a white plate with halved yellow lemons with a smooth texture, and below that is a white plate with a thick, white creamy substance, partly scooped with a small spoon. The middle-right area features a heap of large, pale yellow shell pasta pieces scattered loosely. To the top right are fresh green leafy herbs arranged in a bunch and below them is a small white bowl filled with chopped green herbs. All items lie on a white marble surface, giving a clean and fresh look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, combining simple, fresh elements to create a deeply satisfying dish. From the plump seafood to the creamy cheeses and fragrant herbs, each component brings the perfect balance of taste, texture, and eye-catching color to your plate.

Jumbo pasta shells: These large shells are perfect for cradling the hearty seafood and cheese filling without breaking.
Cooked shrimp (1 cup, chopped): Adds sweet, tender bites of ocean freshness throughout the filling.
Cooked scallops (1 cup, chopped): Their delicate flavor elevates the seafood blend for a more luxurious texture.
Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Creamy and mild, ricotta binds the filling together with smooth richness.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Provides gooey meltiness inside the filling and in the sauce for luscious creaminess.
Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Brings a sharp, nutty depth that enhances the overall cheesy flavor.
Heavy cream (2 cups): The star of the sauce, delivering that sumptuous, velvety texture that makes the dish so irresistible.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used to start the cream sauce with a subtle fruity note and silky consistency.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the filling with aromatic warmth and a savory kick.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds bright, fresh color and herbaceous flavor to lighten the richness.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A classic blend to complement the seafood and cheeses with balanced Mediterranean herbs.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors to life without overpowering.

How to Make Indulgent Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your jumbo pasta shells and cook them until they’re al dente—just tender enough to be pliable but still with a little bite. This prevents them from turning mushy when baked. Once cooked, drain the shells carefully and spread them out to cool slightly so they’re easy to handle when filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Seafood Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped cooked shrimp, and scallops. Add half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and the Italian seasoning. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. This mixture is where the magic happens: creamy, flavorful, and studded with tender seafood goodies.

Step 3: Stuff the Jumbo Shells

Carefully spoon the seafood and cheese mixture into each cooled pasta shell. Fill them generously but avoid overstuffing, which could cause the filling to spill out during baking. Place each filled shell seam-side up in a baking dish that’s been lightly smoothed with a bit of your cream sauce or olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil before pouring in the heavy cream. Let the cream come to a gentle simmer, then add the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir consistently until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a rich, creamy coating. Season with salt and pepper for that perfect balance.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the cream sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to keep the shells moist and flavorful. Arrange your stuffed shells neatly on top. Pour the remaining cream sauce evenly over the shells, ensuring that they’re bathed in that luscious sauce. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling. Serve warm and enjoy every decadent bite!

How to Serve Indulgent Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe

Three large pasta shells are arranged closely on a white plate, each shell filled with a creamy white mixture that has small pink pieces inside, likely shrimp or similar seafood. The shells are yellow with distinct ridges, and the filling looks soft and lightly textured. Small green herb flakes are sprinkled over the filling, adding a touch of color. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with soft light highlighting the shiny and smooth textures of the sauce and shells. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your dish pop visually and add a fresh finish, sprinkle extra chopped fresh parsley over the top just before serving. A light dusting of grated Parmesan adds an inviting savory note. For a little extra zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the creamy richness beautifully without overpowering.

Side Dishes

This rich pasta goes wonderfully with light, crisp sides like a mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted asparagus. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is ideal for mopping up every last bit of that delicious cream sauce, completing the meal with perfect texture contrasts.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, arrange the stuffed shells in a circular pattern or tightly packed rows to showcase their uniform, enticing appearance. Serving individual portions in small oven-safe dishes allows each guest to enjoy a personal indulgence. You can also add a drizzle of bright herb oil or a scattering of microgreens for an elevated touch that’s sure to wow.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover seafood stuffed shells covered tightly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and maintain their creamy texture for up to 3 days, making them perfect for a satisfying next-day meal.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this Indulgent Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe later, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It will keep at its best quality for up to 2 months, allowing you to indulge whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers by warming covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to ensure even warmth and maintain the creamy texture without drying out the seafood or pasta.

FAQs

Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp and scallops work well as long as you thaw and cook them properly before using. This ensures the seafood stays tender and flavorful in the filling.

Is it possible to make a dairy-free version?

While the cream and cheeses are essential for the traditional indulgence, you can experiment by substituting with plant-based ricotta, mozzarella, and cream alternatives. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will differ but still can be delicious.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed shells and prepare the sauce the day before. Just keep everything refrigerated until ready to bake, which makes it a great dish for entertaining.

What if I don’t have jumbo pasta shells?

If jumbo shells are unavailable, large pasta tubes like manicotti work as a substitute. Just adjust filling amounts and baking times slightly to ensure they cook perfectly.

How can I add more flavor to the sauce?

Enhance the cream sauce by sautéing finely chopped shallots or a pinch of red pepper flakes before adding the cream. A splash of white wine can also add a lovely depth to the sauce’s flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the feeling of serving up this Indulgent Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe to your loved ones and watching them delight in every creamy, flavorful bite. It’s a dish that combines comfort, elegance, and pure indulgence effortlessly, making it a treasured addition to your recipe collection. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love just like I did!