The Ultimate Seafood Pasta Bake – No-Fail Creamy Shells

Ingredients

For the Shells & Filling:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped

• ½ lb lump crab meat

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• ½ cup cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Sauce & Topping:

• 1½ cups Alfredo sauce

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan (for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1⃣ Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2⃣ Cook the Seafood

In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

Add chopped shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, until pink and just cooked through.

Remove from heat.

3⃣ Make the Filling

In a large bowl, mix together:

• Ricotta

• Cream cheese

• Mozzarella

• Parmesan

• Egg

• Parsley

• Old Bay

• Salt and pepper

Fold in the cooked shrimp and crab meat.

4⃣ Stuff the Shells

Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell with the seafood-cheese mixture and arrange in the prepared baking dish.

5⃣ Add Sauce & Cheese

Pour Alfredo sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.

Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

6⃣ Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.

7⃣ Garnish & Serve

Let cool for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Serve warm with crusty bread or a green salad.

Tips & Variations

Want it spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce.

Extra creamy? Mix some Alfredo into the filling before stuffing.

No crab? Sub with extra shrimp or chopped scallops.

Lighter option? Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Serve with:

• Garlic bread or toasted baguette

• A side of roasted broccoli or a Caesar salad

• A refreshing drink like:

 Blueberry Lemonade – balances the richness beautifully

Pair with:

•  Garlic Butter Shrimp and Spinach Rigatoni – double the seafood comfort

•  Sheet Pan Quesadillas – for an easy party spread

•  Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites – small, sweet finish

•  No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie – cool and creamy contrast

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days

• Reheat: Cover and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through

• Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unbaked shells and sauce separately; assemble and bake from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to bake time