Description
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of creamy seafood stuffed shells, a decadent dish filled with lobster, crab, and a rich cheese sauce. Perfect for special occasions or a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
- Prepare the Seafood: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt ½ tablespoon of butter. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the lobster and crab meat, cooking for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked seafood with the cream cheese, ½ cup shredded mozzarella, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
- Cook the Jumbo Shells: Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and let them cool slightly before filling with the seafood mixture.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add the heavy cream, whisking to combine. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and remaining shredded mozzarella, continuing to stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the cheese sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Stuff the cooled pasta shells with the seafood filling and place them in the baking dish. Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs for added flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Handle the cooked pasta shells gently to prevent breaking while stuffing.
- Pair with a fresh side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 598
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 915mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 212mg