Seafood Stuffed Shells

Posted on January 16, 2026

Easy Seafood Stuffed Shells That Feel Like a Hug

Let’s be real—life gets hectic. Between juggling work, family, and trying to squeeze in a semblance of a personal life, who has the time to whip up extravagant meals? But what if I told you that you can impress your friends or family with a stunning dish that is not only easy but feels like a warm hug on a plate? Enter the world of seasonal Seafood Stuffed Shells.

I still vividly remember the first time I set out to make this dish. It was a chilly evening in late fall, when the leaves were a kaleidoscope of orange and gold and the air was filled with a sense of nostalgia. I had a friend coming over, and we were in dire need of a cozy night filled with good food and laughter. I stumbled across a recipe for stuffed shells in a well-worn cookbook. With a bag of large pasta shells streaming into my grocery cart, I felt the spark of culinary adventure ignite.

I naively thought stuffing shells would be simple enough. I mean, how hard could it be? I happily made a mess in my kitchen, mixing seafood and cheese, convinced I was on my way to culinary stardom. Little did I know, I would later question all my life choices when I realized I had an assembly line of cracked pasta shells—oops! To be fair, things got a little chaotic in my tiny kitchen, and let’s just say I had to embrace a bit of imperfection. However, when my friend arrived and got a whiff of the bubbling marinara sauce topped with melted cheese, it was pure heaven.

This dish quickly became a staple in my home—a comforting reminder of friendship and togetherness that fits any season or occasion. Rich, delicious, and filled to the brim with delightful seafood goodness, these seafood stuffed shells are not just a quick family meal; they are a celebration of coziness that speaks to the heart.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: Seriously, you’ll be shocked at how simple this whole process is. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners!
Flavor Explosion: The combination of lobster, crab, and shrimp paired with creamy cheeses creates a mouthwatering flavor profile.
Leftover Delight: Got some left? These shells taste even better the next day after the flavors have melded together—goodbye, bland lunches!
Picky-eater Approved: Perfectly cheesy and surprisingly light; even the fussiest eaters will be begging for more.
Healthy Comfort Food: With the lean seafood and rich cheeses, it’s a healthy twist on comfort food, making it one of my go-to high protein meals.
Make it Your Own: The recipe is flexible enough that you can easily adapt it for your taste or dietary needs.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

The unique blend of seafood in the stuffing adds an air of sophistication, elevating a simple dish into something special. I often joke that it’s like a beach vacation on a plate—minus the sand in your sandwich! The creamy ricotta mixed with the succulent chunks of lobster, crab, and shrimp creates a rich filling that is hard to resist. When these shells bake in the marinara sauce, their flavors meld into something extraordinary.

Whenever I make these, the warm, cheesy aroma wafts through my house, and I can see the anticipation on my family’s faces. I mean, who doesn’t appreciate melted cheese bubbling away? Each bite is a delightful combination of savory and creamy, with just the right amount of zest from the garlic and onion powder. It’s cozy, filling, and, best of all, evokes those memories of gathering around the table with loved ones.

Ingredients

For the Seafood Stuffed Shells, you will need:

12 large pasta shells: These will be the edible vessels for your seafood treasure.
1 cup cooked lobster meat, chopped: Adds a touch of luxury and sweetness.
1 cup cooked crab meat, chopped: The crab balances perfectly with the lobster.
1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped: Gives a lovely texture and briny flavor.
1 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy and rich, it holds everything together.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey, melty star of this dish!
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: To enhance the umami flavors.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because garlic elevates everything—amen to that!
1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness that complements the seafood.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for flavor adjustment.
2 cups marinara sauce: Store-bought or homemade; either works in a pinch.
Chopped parsley for garnish: Because we eat with our eyes first!

Now, let’s break down why I chose each ingredient.

The pasta shells are ideal because they have deep pockets that hold in all that gooey goodness. Don’t even think about using anything smaller; trust me, your filling will just end up everywhere.
Lobster, crab, and shrimp are all stars here—each providing a distinct texture and flavor. I prefer using fresh, cooked seafood for the best taste, but canned varieties can work if you’re in a pinch. Just make sure to drain them well!
Ricotta cheese is a must—it brings creaminess and binds everything without making it too dense. The mozzarella and Parmesan create that beautiful cheesy crust on top, which is my favorite part.
Garlic and onion powder are like the best friends of the dish—they enhance flavors without overpowering the subtle seafood. And don’t even get me started on the marinara sauce. I’ve experimented with lots, and I honestly find that a simple store-bought sauce works. Just pick the one you love!

Now, for some tips: always taste as you go! Adjusting the seasonings can make or break your dish. And whatever you do, don’t skip the parsley—its freshness finishes off the dish beautifully.

How to Make It Step-by-Step

Okay, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making these heavenly shells. I promise you this is going to be a lot easier than it sounds!

Preheat the oven: First things first, fire up that oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready by the time you finish prepping the shells.
Cook the pasta shells: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Toss those shells in and follow the package instructions for cooking. You want them slightly al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Drain them and set them aside on a clean kitchen towel to cool.
Prepare the seafood filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped lobster, crab, and shrimp. Add in your ricotta, half of the mozzarella, and Parmesan. Then sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until combined. The mixture should feel fluffy and flavorful—yum!
Stuff the shells: Now for the fun part—stuff each shell with that fabulous seafood mixture. I usually use a spoon, but if you’re feeling fancy, a piping bag might work too. It’s okay if they overflow a little; trust me, that’s where the magic happens!
Arrange in a baking dish: Grease a large baking dish (I use olive oil) and place the shells open-side up in a single layer. Don’t worry about spacing too much, they can get cozy.
Add the sauce and cheese: Pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Go generous; we want a warm bath for our delicious filling. Top with the remaining mozzarella—don’t be shy! Cover the dish with aluminum foil; this helps cook the shells evenly without drying them out.
Bake: Pop the covered dish in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes. The smell will be AMAZING! After that, remove the foil and let it bake an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Your patience is about to pay off!
Garnish and serve: Take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving. And there you have it—listening to the slight bubbling sound of leftover marinara sauce never felt so good!

Now that you’re basking in the glory of your recently baked masterpiece, let’s talk about some practical tips for the best results.

Tips for Best Results

Don’t overcook the shells: Overcooked shells can break apart, and nobody wants that disaster on their plate. Aim for al dente; it will give the cannoli a pleasant texture.
Infuse flavors: To spice it up, consider adding a bit of lemon zest or fresh herbs like basil or dill to the seafood mixture. It brightens everything up wonderfully!
Experiment with fillings: You don’t have to stick to seafood. Sometimes I have leftover chicken or mushrooms that I toss in as well—it’s always a surprise!
Prepare ahead: You can prep the seafood mixture ahead of time, which makes dinner feel like a breeze on busy nights.
Use quality marinara: The sauce makes a massive difference. While I usually grab a jar from the store, find one that has fresh ingredients without too many preservatives.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

This recipe is versatile; if you’re cooking for dietary needs or personal tastes, you’ve got options:

For a lighter twist: Substitute half of the ricotta with Greek yogurt. You’ll still keep that creaminess while adding high protein benefits!
No seafood? No problem!: Use a mix of roasted vegetables for a vegan version, like zucchini, spinach, and bell peppers combined with creamy cashew cheese.
Cheese swaps: If you want a more robust flavor, use feta instead of ricotta or mix in some goat cheese for a tangy surprise.
Gluten-free?: Use gluten-free shells. They taste surprisingly good when done right!

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the lobster, crab, shrimp, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Stuff each shell with the seafood mixture and place them in a greased baking dish.
Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)

Let’s not skip the sides or drinks! These stuffed shells pair beautifully with a light salad (try arugula with lemon vinaigrette) that adds a refreshing crunch. And if you’re feeling extra, a slice of garlic bread could never hurt!

For drinks, opt for a chilled white wine like pinot grigio, or keep it simple with sparkling water infused with lemon. If you’re going alcohol-free, an elderflower soda will bring a sweet, floral touch that complements the seafood beautifully.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Leftovers? Yes, please! Just transfer any uneaten stuffed shells into an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days.

To reheat, pop them in the oven for about 15-20 minutes at 350°F for that freshly baked vibe. If you’re in a rush, you can use the microwave, but be warned—the texture may not be as delightful!

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

Heaven knows we all can use less stress when it comes to weeknight dinners! You can prep the stuffing a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Alternatively, assemble the shells in their baking dish, cover well, and freeze before baking; just defrost in the fridge overnight and bake the following day. You’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overstuffing the shells: It sounds tempting to pack them to the brim, but too much filling will spill over in the oven.
Skipping the foil: That foil is your friend! It keeps everything moist. Remove it too early, and heaving dry pasta is your reward.
Ignoring resting time: Letting the dish rest allows the flavors to mingle and settle. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use fresh seafood instead of cooked?
Absolutely! However, ensure you cook it first, as the shells have limited bake time in the oven.

What’s the best way to freeze stuffed shells?
Just assemble, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and cover with foil before freezing.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the seafood entirely and load up on different vegetables mixed with cheeses instead.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to tackle this delightful dish:

A large pot for boiling pasta
A colander for draining
Mixing bowls for your stuffing
A 9×13 baking dish
Aluminum foil
A spatula for mixing and stuffing

Final Thoughts

These Seafood Stuffed Shells truly hold a special place in my heart, and they are more than just a meal; they are a gesture of love and warmth. It reminds me to stop for a moment, enjoy the gathering, and let the culinary chaos envelope me with happiness.

I’m genuinely excited for you to try this recipe for yourself. If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend! What are you waiting for? Dive into the flavors, make a mess if you must, and celebrate the art of being perfectly imperfect in the kitchen!

Seafood Stuffed Shells