If you’re looking to elevate your pasta night with something rich, comforting, and just a little bit luxurious, these Crab-Stuffed Shells are exactly what you need. Tender jumbo pasta shells are filled with a creamy, savory crab mixture and baked to perfection in a velvety sauce. It’s the kind of dish that feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly simple to make right at home.
What makes this recipe stand out is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the crab pairs beautifully with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and a hint of garlic and lemon. Whether you choose a rich Alfredo sauce or a lighter marinara, every bite is packed with comforting, cheesy goodness that seafood lovers will absolutely crave.
These Crab-Stuffed Shells are also incredibly versatile, making them ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Serve them as a cozy family meal, or present them at a dinner party when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. They pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or even a crisp glass of white wine.
Best of all, this recipe can be easily customized to suit your taste. Add spinach for extra color and nutrition, spice things up with a dash of Cajun seasoning, or mix in shrimp for a seafood twist. No matter how you make them, these Crab-Stuffed Shells are guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
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Crab-Stuffed Shells
Crab-Stuffed Shells are a rich, comforting seafood twist on classic stuffed pasta. Jumbo shells are filled with a creamy crab and cheese mixture, then baked in a luscious Alfredo or light marinara sauce until bubbly and golden. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive dish for guests.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
20-24 jumbo pasta shells
1 lb lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups Alfredo sauce (or marinara if preferred)
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
Cook the Shells:
Boil pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water. Set aside.
Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, mix ricotta, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Gently fold in the crab meat to keep chunks intact.
Assemble the Dish:
Spread 1 cup of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Stuff each shell with the crab mixture and place in the dish.
Top & Bake:
Pour remaining sauce over shells and sprinkle with extra mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
Serve:
Garnish with extra parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Cooking Tips
- Use lump crab meat for the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t overmix the filling—keep the crab in chunks.
- Slightly undercook shells so they don’t tear when stuffing.
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth.
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add Cajun seasoning or extra red pepper flakes.
- Lighter Option: Use low-fat ricotta and reduced-fat cream cheese.
- Seafood Mix: Combine crab with shrimp or scallops.
- Marinara Style: Swap Alfredo for marinara for a brighter, tangy flavor.
- Spinach Addition: Mix in sautéed spinach for added color and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420–480
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 22g




