Ingredients
Scale
For the Stuffed Shells:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 6 oz crab meat (lump or claw meat)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken or seafood broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish (Optional):
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook 1-2 minutes less than package instructions (since they will continue cooking in the oven).
- Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Seafood Filling
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in the lemon zest, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chopped shrimp and crab meat, gently folding everything together. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually pour in the heavy cream and broth, whisking to prevent lumps.
- Add the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Shells
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread ½ cup of the Parmesan sauce on the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- Fill each cooked pasta shell with the seafood mixture and arrange them in the dish.
- Pour the remaining creamy sauce evenly over the shells.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, then serve hot with a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g