Seafood Stuffed Jumbo Shells with Creamy Cheese Sauce

If you’re looking for a dish that will impress and satisfy, then you’ve come to the right place! This Seafood Stuffed Jumbo Shells with Creamy Cheese Sauce is one of my all-time favorites. It’s a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that make every bite a delight. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or just treating your family on a busy weeknight, this dish is sure to become a cherished recipe in your kitchen.

The combination of tender jumbo shells filled with succulent lobster and crab, all enveloped in a rich cheese sauce, makes this dish feel both elegant and comforting. Trust me, every time I serve it, the compliments come pouring in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The mix of lobster and crab creates an indulgent taste that elevates dinner to something extraordinary.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike rave about these stuffed shells, making it ideal for family gatherings.
• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, this recipe is simple enough for even novice cooks to master.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance and bake when you’re ready for an effortless meal.
• Versatile Dish: You can easily customize the filling or sauce to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create a delicious meal. Gather them up and let’s get cooking!

Seafood Filling:

• 8 oz lobster meat
• 8 oz lump crab meat
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided into 2 portions of ½ cup each)
• 1 ½ tablespoons butter (divided)
• 8 oz cream cheese
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• ¾ cup Parmesan Reggiano cheese, grated

For Baking:

• Aluminum foil

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to play around with the ingredients according to your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: If seafood isn’t your thing, try using chicken or vegetables like spinach and artichokes for a different twist!
• Add some spice: Toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it an extra kick.
• Use different cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese like Gouda or Fontina for unique flavor profiles.
• Make it lighter: Substitute the heavy whipping cream with half-and-half or use low-fat cream cheese for a healthier version.

How to Make Seafood Stuffed Jumbo Shells with Creamy Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Seafood

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt ½ tablespoon of butter. Adding minced garlic at this stage will bring out its fragrant flavor—sauté it for about 1 minute until it’s aromatic. Then, add in the lobster and crab meat. Cook this mixture for about 2-3 minutes until it’s heated through. Once done, remove from heat and set aside; this step ensures our seafood filling is bursting with flavor!

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine your cooked seafood mixture with cream cheese, ½ cup of shredded mozzarella, salt, and pepper. Mixing them together until smooth is key here; it ensures that every shell gets that creamy goodness packed inside.

Step 3: Cook the Jumbo Shells

Now it’s time to cook those pasta shells! Follow the package instructions until they’re al dente. Drain them well and let them cool slightly before filling—this prevents any burns when we stuff those delicious goodies inside.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

Using the same skillet from before (no need to dirty another pan!), melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for about 1 minute while constantly stirring; this forms our roux which thickens up our sauce beautifully. Gradually whisk in heavy cream until smooth; this is where we create our luscious base! Finally, stir in grated Parmesan and remaining mozzarella until everything is creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of your cheese sauce on the bottom of your baking dish—this will help prevent sticking! Stuff each cooled pasta shell generously with your seafood filling and place them snugly in the dish. Pour any remaining cheese sauce evenly over those stuffed shells; who wouldn’t want extra cheesy goodness?

Step 6: Bake

Cover your dish with aluminum foil and pop it into the oven for about 20 minutes. After that time, remove the foil and allow it to bake for an additional 10 minutes until everything is bubbly and golden brown on top—a visual delight!

Step 7: Serve

Let your masterpiece cool slightly before serving—it’s hard to resist diving right in! You can garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if you like. Serve warm and enjoy every delicious bite!

This Seafood Stuffed Jumbo Shells with Creamy Cheese Sauce is sure to be loved by everyone at your table!

Pro Tips for Making Seafood Stuffed Jumbo Shells with Creamy Cheese Sauce

Making this dish is a delightful journey, and with a few handy tips, you can elevate your seafood stuffed jumbo shells to perfection!

• Use Fresh Seafood: Opting for fresh lobster and crab meat enhances the flavor and texture of your filling. Fresh seafood brings a sweetness that frozen varieties may lack.

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the jumbo shells al dente ensures they hold their shape when baked. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and difficult to stuff.

• Let the Filling Cool: Allowing the seafood filling to cool slightly makes it easier to handle when stuffing the shells. This also helps prevent the cream cheese from melting too quickly.

• Whisk the Sauce Vigorously: When making your cheese sauce, whisk continuously to keep it smooth and prevent clumps. This will give you that creamy consistency we all love!

• Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese into your sauce! Adding some sharp cheddar or Gruyère can give an extra depth of flavor that complements the seafood beautifully.

How to Serve Seafood Stuffed Jumbo Shells with Creamy Cheese Sauce

When it comes to serving these seafood stuffed jumbo shells, presentation is key! This rich dish deserves a beautiful display on your table, making it perfect for special occasions or family gatherings.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, cutting through the richness of the dish.

• Lemon zest: A light dusting of lemon zest just before serving provides a bright citrus note that complements the seafood perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any leftover creamy sauce. It’s an easy addition that everyone loves!

• Mixed green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta dish.

• Steamed asparagus: Tender asparagus spears provide a vibrant green side that’s not only healthy but also adds an elegant touch to your meal.

• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots bring color and natural sweetness that balances out the richness of the stuffed shells.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to create an unforgettable dining experience with your seafood stuffed jumbo shells! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Seafood Stuffed Jumbo Shells with Creamy Cheese Sauce is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade dinner with minimal fuss on busy nights. Whether you’re making it ahead for a special occasion or simply want leftovers for the week, here’s how to store and reheat your culinary creation.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• For best taste, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil before refrigerating.

Freezing

• To freeze, allow the baked shells to cool completely.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just remember to label them!

Reheating

• To reheat from the refrigerator, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• If reheating frozen shells, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-40 minutes, keeping them covered until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delightful seafood dish!

Can I make Seafood Stuffed Jumbo Shells with Creamy Cheese Sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed shells and sauce ahead of time. Simply assemble everything and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake!

What seafood works best in Seafood Stuffed Jumbo Shells with Creamy Cheese Sauce?

While this recipe features lobster and crab, you can also use shrimp or scallops in place of or alongside these options. Just ensure they are cooked properly before mixing into the filling.

How long does Seafood Stuffed Jumbo Shells with Creamy Cheese Sauce last in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I use a different type of cheese in the sauce?

Certainly! You can substitute other cheeses like Gouda or cheddar if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Are there any substitutes for heavy whipping cream?

Yes! You can replace heavy whipping cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative like coconut cream for a lighter option that still adds richness.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Seafood Stuffed Jumbo Shells with Creamy Cheese Sauce! This recipe is not only comforting but also impressively elegant – perfect for sharing with friends and family. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite seafood combinations, and enjoy every cheesy bite! Happy cooking!