Seafood Stuffed Shells in a Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Introduction to Seafood Stuffed Shells in a Creamy Alfredo Sauce
When it comes to indulgent comfort food with a gourmet touch, Seafood Stuffed Shells in a Creamy Alfredo Sauce take the spotlight. This recipe marries the richness of the sea with the coziness of pasta and the velvety depth of Alfredo. Large pasta shells cradle a luscious filling of lobster, shrimp, or a combination of both, blended with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, fresh herbs, and a hint of garlic. Once nestled into a baking dish and smothered in Alfredo sauce, the shells transform into a show-stopping meal that feels both comforting and luxurious.
Whether you are preparing a romantic dinner, a holiday feast, or simply want to impress family and friends, Seafood Stuffed Shells in a Creamy Alfredo Sauce deliver elegance without being overly complicated.
Why This Recipe Works
The beauty of Seafood Stuffed Shells in a Creamy Alfredo Sauce lies in balance and technique. Each element is carefully chosen to create harmony between flavors and textures:
The Pasta Shells: Jumbo shells provide the perfect vessel for holding the creamy seafood mixture. They bake up tender yet sturdy enough to maintain structure.
The Filling: Lobster or shrimp (or both) are finely chopped and mixed with ricotta for creaminess, mozzarella for stretch, and Parmesan for savory depth. Fresh parsley and garlic keep the filling lively, while a pinch of Old Bay seasoning or paprika offers a subtle warmth.
The Alfredo Sauce: Luxuriously smooth, the Alfredo ties everything together. Its butter, cream, and Parmesan foundation adds richness, while also keeping the shells moist as they bake.
The Bake: Baking allows the cheeses to melt and bind, the sauce to seep into the shells, and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Altogether, Seafood Stuffed Shells in a Creamy Alfredo Sauce work because they balance luxury with approachability—rich but not overwhelming, impressive but achievable for the home cook.
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
To prepare Seafood Stuffed Shells in a Creamy Alfredo Sauce, you’ll need a few simple but high-quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown:
For the Shells:
20 jumbo pasta shells – boiled until al dente and cooled for easy stuffing.
1 lb lobster meat (or shrimp, or a mix) – cooked and chopped. Lobster adds decadence, while shrimp is more budget-friendly.
1 cup ricotta cheese – creamy and mild, it binds the filling.
½ cup shredded mozzarella – provides that melty, stretchy texture.
¼ cup grated Parmesan – adds salty, nutty depth.
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped – for brightness and color.
1 egg – helps the filling hold together.
1 garlic clove, minced – enhances flavor.
Salt and black pepper – to taste.
Optional: Old Bay seasoning or paprika – for a gentle kick.
For the Alfredo Sauce (if making from scratch):
4 tablespoons butter
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste
(You can also use store-bought Alfredo if you’re pressed for time.)
How To Make Seafood Stuffed Shells in a Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Creating Seafood Stuffed Shells in a Creamy Alfredo Sauce is a multi-step process, but each step is straightforward:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook jumbo shells until al dente—firm enough to hold filling without tearing. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, combine lobster/shrimp, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and optional Old Bay/paprika. Mix until creamy and cohesive.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in cream, stirring gently. Simmer until slightly thickened, then whisk in Parmesan until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Assemble the Shells
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of Alfredo in the bottom of a baking dish. Stuff each shell generously with the seafood mixture and place in rows. Pour remaining Alfredo over the top. Sprinkle extra mozzarella or Parmesan if desired.
Step 5: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the shells rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set. Garnish with parsley for a fresh touch.
Tips + Tricks & More For Recipe Success
To ensure your Seafood Stuffed Shells in a Creamy Alfredo Sauce come out perfectly every time, keep these pro tips in mind:
Cook Pasta Just Right: Al dente shells hold their shape best. Overcooked shells will tear when stuffing.
Use Fresh Seafood if Possible: Fresh lobster or shrimp elevates the dish, but high-quality frozen seafood works too.
Dry the Seafood: Excess moisture can make the filling watery. Pat seafood dry before mixing.
Don’t Skimp on Parmesan: It adds essential salty-nutty flavor to both filling and Alfredo.
Make Ahead Friendly: You can stuff shells a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add sauce just before baking.
Freeze for Later: Assemble and freeze unbaked shells with sauce. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Upgrade with Crab or Scallops: Feel free to mix in crabmeat or small scallops for variety.
How to Serve Seafood Stuffed Shells in a Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Presentation matters when serving Seafood Stuffed Shells in a Creamy Alfredo Sauce. Arrange shells neatly in a baking dish so each serving scoops out intact. Drizzle extra Alfredo over the top for a decadent finish, and garnish with fresh parsley or chives for color contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Side Salad: A crisp Caesar salad or arugula with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.
Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up extra Alfredo sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini add freshness.
Wine Pairing: A buttery Chardonnay or crisp Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the seafood and cream.
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
In under an hour, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish ready to serve.
Final Thoughts on Seafood Stuffed Shells in a Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Few recipes capture the essence of indulgence as well as Seafood Stuffed Shells in a Creamy Alfredo Sauce. The combination of tender pasta, creamy cheese filling, succulent seafood, and velvety Alfredo makes every bite luxurious. It’s a recipe that feels equally at home for a weeknight treat or a centerpiece for celebrations.
Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or simply love trying new pasta bakes, making Seafood Stuffed Shells in a Creamy Alfredo Sauce is a rewarding experience. This recipe isn’t just about feeding—it’s about creating memories around the table with a dish that wows.
