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