Ingredients
For the Seafood Filling:
- 1 cup lump crabmeat (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 cup cooked shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning (e.g., Old Bay)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
For the Parmesan Cheese Sauce:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk (2% or whole milk preferred)
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of garlic powder (optional)
Optional Toppings:
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (toasted in butter)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente, following package instructions (usually about 9–10 minutes).
- Drain the shells and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Arrange the cooled shells on a greased baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Seafood Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crabmeat, chopped shrimp, mozzarella cheese, mayonnaise, and beaten egg.
- Add the finely chopped celery, green bell pepper, and red onion for texture.
- Season the mixture with seafood seasoning, black pepper, and lemon juice (if desired).
- Mix everything thoroughly until evenly combined.
Step 3: Make the Parmesan Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook until thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using).
Step 4: Assemble the Seafood Stuffed Shells
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Take each cooked shell and stuff it with about 1 tablespoon of the seafood filling.
- Arrange the filled shells snugly in the baking dish.
- Pour the Parmesan cheese sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, ensuring all shells are well-coated.
Step 5: Bake the Dish
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and golden on top.
- If desired, sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs and chopped parsley for garnish before serving.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the seafood stuffed shells cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
- Serve with your favorite side dishes, such as a crisp garden salad or garlic bread, and enjoy!
Notes
- Season Generously: Ensure your filling is well-seasoned to highlight the seafood flavors. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust as you mix the filling.
- Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepared a day in advance. Assemble the stuffed shells, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh when ready to serve.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like ricotta cheese, scallops, or herbs for a personal twist.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the shells while baking to prevent them from drying out. The sauce should be bubbly and slightly golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 3 stuffed shells
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg