Creamy Lobster Shrimp Stuffed Shells baked in a white dish

Creamy Lobster Shrimp Stuffed Shells: The Ultimate Seafood Pasta

ByAnna

Welcome to homeasyrecipes.com—where tradition meets taste. Hello, I’m Anna, the heart behind HomeasyRecipes, a cozy corner dedicated to celebrating timeless recipes and the warmth of shared meals. Inspired by my beloved grandmother Mary, this site is my tribute to her wisdom, love, and the unforgettable flavors she brought to our family table.

If you’re anything like me, you love a good recipe that actually works—the kind that doesn’t leave you drowning in dishes or hunting down ingredients you’ve never heard of. That’s what this site is all about. Real recipes, real life, no fluff. I started homeasyrecipes.com to make home cooking feel less like a chore and more like something to look forward to.

Today, I’m bringing you a showstopper recipe: Creamy Lobster Shrimp Stuffed Shells. This dish combines succulent lobster and tender shrimp, all tucked into jumbo pasta shells and smothered in a decadent Parmesan cream sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving the comforts of the sea, this recipe will transform your kitchen into a five-star dining experience.

You’ll find everything here—from the best cheeses to use, to make-ahead tips, and even side dish suggestions that turn your meal into a feast. So, let’s get cooking.

Baked Stuffed Shells in Velvety Cream Sauce
A classic stuffed shell recipe with a luscious cream sauce that aligns perfectly as an alternative or complement to lobster shrimp stuffed shells.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

The Secret to Perfect Creamy Lobster Shrimp Stuffed Shells Every Time

Choosing the Freshest Seafood for Your Stuffed Shells

The success of creamy lobster shrimp stuffed shells starts with high-quality seafood. Fresh lobster tails should have a clean, ocean-like smell and firm, translucent meat. When shopping for shrimp, opt for raw, deveined varieties for the best texture. Frozen shrimp are fine too, as long as they’re properly thawed and patted dry before cooking.

Pro Tip: For lobster, consider steaming or broiling it lightly before stuffing. This keeps the meat juicy and prevents overcooking in the oven later.

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Creamy Lobster Shrimp Stuffed Shells baked in a white dish

Creamy Lobster Shrimp Stuffed Shells: The Ultimate Seafood Pasta

  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal
Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Lobster Shrimp Stuffed Shells recipe combines tender lobster and shrimp with a rich Parmesan cream sauce, creating a decadent seafood pasta perfect for special occasions or a comforting family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 25 jumbo pasta shells
  • 5 oz. lobster (about 3 medium tails)
  • 2 Tbsp. red pepper, minced
  • 2 Tbsp. onion, minced
  • 1 Tbsp. butter, plus 1/4 cup butter, plus more for lobster
  • 1 pkg. frozen shrimp (71/90 count), thawed
  • 1 1/2 tsp. Old Bay seasoning, plus more for top
  • Freshly grated black pepper and salt
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 4 cups 2% milk
  • Large pinch of nutmeg
  • Few dashes hot sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
  • 1/3 cup ricotta cheese
  • Green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with salted water and cook the pasta shells according to package directions. Drain, rinse, and set aside.
  2. Cut the shells of the lobster tails down the center. Gently pull the lobster meat out, clean, brush with 1 Tbsp. butter, and broil on a baking sheet for 5-7 minutes until just cooked. Cool and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a medium skillet, melt 1 Tbsp. butter. Sauté onion and red pepper for 1 minute, then add shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink. Season with Old Bay and black pepper. Set aside.
  4. In a saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and hot sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
  5. Combine lobster, shrimp mixture, ricotta, mozzarella, and beaten egg in a bowl. Mix gently.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch pan. Stuff each shell with seafood mixture and arrange in the pan. Pour cream sauce over shells and sprinkle with more Old Bay seasoning.
  7. Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and slightly browned. Garnish with green onions if desired and serve hot.

Notes

  • You can assemble the stuffed shells up to a day ahead and refrigerate before baking.
  • Substitute crab meat for lobster as a more budget-friendly alternative.
  • For a spicier kick, add extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream sauce.
  • Freeze unbaked shells tightly wrapped for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before baking.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 2-3 shells with sauce)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 19 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: creamy lobster shrimp stuffed shells, seafood stuffed shells, lobster shrimp pasta, creamy seafood pasta bake, stuffed pasta shells recipe

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The Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this recipe stand out. Each ingredient has a purpose in creating that luxurious creamy texture and depth of flavor:

Ingredient Quantity Notes
Jumbo pasta shells 25 Cook until al dente for easy stuffing
Lobster tails 5 oz (about 3 tails) Broiled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
Shrimp (71/90 count) 1 package (thawed) Sautéed lightly with seasoning
Butter 1 Tbsp + ¼ cup For sautéing seafood and making the sauce
Parmesan cheese 1 ½ cups Freshly grated for rich, nutty flavor
Ricotta cheese ⅓ cup Adds creaminess to the filling
Mozzarella cheese ½ cup (grated) For a gooey, cheesy topping
Old Bay seasoning 1 ½ tsp + extra Classic seafood seasoning
2% milk 4 cups Forms the base of the luscious cream sauce
Flour ¼ cup Thickens the sauce perfectly
Egg 1 large (beaten) Helps bind the filling
Onion & Red Pepper 2 Tbsp each (minced) Adds a sweet, aromatic layer
Nutmeg Large pinch Enhances the cream sauce subtly
Hot sauce Few dashes Optional for a mild kick
Green onions For garnish (optional) Adds freshness and color

Why These Ingredients Work Together

This combination brings balance to the dish. The lobster provides a sweet, tender bite, while the shrimp adds texture. Ricotta and mozzarella give the filling its creamy body, and Parmesan in the sauce deepens the umami flavor. Old Bay seasoning ties it all together with its blend of spices designed for seafood.

For more seafood pasta inspiration, check out this Spicy Shrimp Steak in Creamy Alfredo Sauce recipe for a spicy twist on cream sauces.

ding" id="preparing-the-pasta-shells-without-tearing-them">Preparing the Pasta Shells Without Tearing Them

Cook jumbo shells in a large pot of salted water just until al dente. Overcooking leads to tearing when stuffing. Once drained, rinse them with cool water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.

While the pasta cooks, start on the seafood. Broil lobster tails brushed with melted butter for 5-7 minutes until the meat is opaque. Let cool, then chop. Sauté shrimp in butter with minced onion and red pepper until pink. Sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning and set aside.

Crafting the Cream Sauce That Sets This Dish Apart

Mastering a Silky, Flavor-Packed Cream Sauce

A truly memorable creamy lobster shrimp stuffed shells recipe is defined by its sauce. This isn’t just any cream sauce—it’s a rich, velvety Parmesan-based masterpiece that envelopes every shell in pure indulgence.

To start, melt ¼

; cup of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once it bubbles, whisk in ¼ cup flour to create a roux. Cooking this for a full minute ensures your sauce won’t taste floury.

Gradually pour in 4 cups of 2% milk while whisking constantly. This prevents lumps and helps the sauce thicken smoothly. Once it begins to bubble, season with freshly ground black pepper, salt, a pinch of nutmeg, and a few dashes of hot sauce for depth.

Finally, stir in 1 ½ cups of freshly grated Parmesan until fully melted and creamy. The result is a luscious sauce with a nutty, savory backbone that’s perfect for seafood.

tps://homeasyrecipes.com/baked-stuffed-shells-in-velvety-cream-sauce/">Baked Stuffed Shells in Velvety Cream Sauce
A classic stuffed shell recipe with a luscious cream sauce that aligns perfectly as an alternative or complement to lobster shrimp stuffed shells.

Why Parmesan Is the Best Cheese for Seafood Pasta

Parmesan cheese’s umami-rich profile pairs beautifully with delicate lobster and shrimp flavors. It adds just the right amount of saltiness without overpowering the seafood. Combined with ricotta and mozzarella in the filling, it delivers a multi-layered, creamy texture that melts beautifully in the oven.

Looking for alternative creamy sauces? You might enjoy this Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells recipe, which offers a delightful vegetarian option with a similar luxurious mouthfeel.

ding" id="assembling-your-stuffed-shells-like-a-pro">Assembling Your Stuffed Shells Like a Pro

With your sauce ready and seafood filling prepared, it’s time to assemble.

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped broiled lobster and sautéed shrimp mixture. Gently fold in ⅓ cup ricotta cheese, ½ cup grated mozzarella, and 1 beaten egg to bind the filling.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Using a spoon, stuff each cooked shell with about 1 heaping tablespoon of the seafood filling.
  4. Arrange the stuffed shells neatly in your baking dish. Pour the prepared cream sauce generously over the shells, ensuring every piece is coated.
  5. Sprinkle with additional Old Bay seasoning for a hint of spice and extra color.

Pro Make-Ahead Tip for Busy Nights

If you’re short on time, assemble the stuffed shells up to a day in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let the dish come to room temperature for 20 minutes before popping it in the oven.

This makes creamy lobster shrimp stuffed shells an excellent choice for entertaining, as all the prep work can be done ahead.

For more meal prep i

deas, check out Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta for another easy seafood pasta option that’s weeknight friendly.

Baking Your Creamy Lobster Shrimp Stuffed Shells to Golden Perfection

The Art of Baking Seafood Stuffed Shells Without Drying Them Out

When it comes to creamy lobster shrimp stuffed shells, baking is where all the flavors marry into a luscious, bubbling masterpiece. Preheat your oven to 350°F for even cooking. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the top from drying out during the first stage of baking.

Bake for 25 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes uncovered. This allows the mozzarella and Parmesan to melt beautifully and form a light golden crust on top.

To check for donenes

s, look for a bubbly sauce around the edges and slightly browned cheese topping. Overbaking is the most common mistake—lobster and shrimp can become rubbery if left in the oven too long. Pull the dish out as soon as the shells are heated through and the sauce is bubbly.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even the best cooks can stumble with stuffed shells. Here’s how to avoid the most frequent pitfalls:

  • Overcooking seafood: Always pre-cook lobster and shrimp just until done before stuffing. The oven time is only for reheating and melting the cheeses.
  • Torn pasta shells: Cook jumbo shells al dente, and handle gently when stuffing.
  • Watery sauce: Use whole milk or 2% and cook your roux properly to prevent a thin sauce.