Seafood Stuffed Shells – Creamy, Flavorful, and Delightfully Light

Seafood Stuffed Shells are a deliciously elegant twist on a classic pasta dish. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a creamy mixture of fresh seafood, herbs, and cheese, then baked in a light tomato sauce for a meal that’s both comforting and refined. This recipe balances indulgence with lighter ingredients, making it perfect for a special dinner or anytime you crave a satisfying seafood pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh Seafood Flavor – A mix of crab, shrimp, or your favorite seafood creates a rich, savory filling.
Creamy yet Light – Uses part-skim cheeses and light cream for a luscious texture without heaviness.
Healthy Tomato Sauce – A homemade sauce with fresh herbs adds brightness and depth.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble in advance and bake just before serving.

Ingredients

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
• 1 cup cooked crab meat, chopped
• 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• ½ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 cups marinara sauce (low-sodium, homemade or store-bought)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

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, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine chopped shrimp, crab meat, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Mix gently until well combined.

3. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

4. Assemble the Dish
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Stuff each pasta shell with the seafood mixture and place them in the dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.

5. Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

6. Serve
Garnish with extra parsley if desired and serve warm.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 280
Protein: 28g
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Sugar: 6g
Fiber: 3g

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook Pasta – Cook shells just until al dente to prevent them from getting mushy when baked.
• Use Fresh Seafood – Fresh or thawed seafood adds the best flavor and texture.
• Homemade Sauce – A simple marinara sauce with fresh herbs can elevate the dish even more.
• Make Ahead – Assemble the dish a few hours before baking and keep covered in the fridge.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe highlights the fresh taste of seafood combined with light cheeses and a vibrant tomato sauce. The mixture stays creamy and flavorful without heaviness, while jumbo shells provide a perfect vehicle for the filling. It’s a refined, balanced dish that feels indulgent but fits a mindful eating approach.

Seafood Stuffed Shells are an elegant, flavorful meal that offers the best of the sea and comfort food in one dish. With creamy filling, fresh herbs, and a bright tomato sauce, this lighter version makes for a perfect dinner that’s both satisfying and nourishing.