Description
This luxurious seafood-stuffed shells recipe combines shrimp, crab, and scallops with a creamy béchamel sauce, all nestled in jumbo pasta shells. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish is rich, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
12 oz lump crabmeat
8 oz fresh shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
6 oz scallops, chopped
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1 tbsp butter
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
20 jumbo pasta shells
1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 tsp Old Bay seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Topping:
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the jumbo pasta shells for about 4 minutes, until slightly undercooked.
Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
Prepare the Filling:
In a pan, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
Add shrimp and scallops, cooking until just opaque (about 2-3 minutes).
Remove from heat and mix with crabmeat, Parmesan, heavy cream, Old Bay, salt, and pepper.
Make the Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour to create a roux; cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
Cook until thickened (about 5 minutes), then stir in Parmesan, Old Bay, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Dish:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of sauce at the bottom of a greased baking dish.
Stuff each shell with seafood filling and place in the dish.
Pour remaining sauce over the shells.
Prepare the Topping & Bake:
Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and melted butter.
Sprinkle over stuffed shells.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and broil for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
Serve:
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Use fresh seafood for the best flavor.
Adjust seasoning to taste.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: seafood stuffed shells, creamy seafood pasta, shrimp and crab stuffed shells