🦞 Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells (Lobster or Crab)

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📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Pasta:

• 20–24 jumbo pasta shells

• Salt for boiling water

For the Seafood Filling:

• 1½ cups cooked lobster meat or crab meat (chopped)

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• ½ cup cream cheese (softened)

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 clove garlic (minced)

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• Salt to taste

For the Cream Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1½ cups milk

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping:

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan

• Chopped parsley for garnish

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta Shells

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Cook jumbo shells until al dente (slightly firm).

3. Drain and lay them flat on a tray to prevent sticking.

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2️⃣ Prepare the Seafood Filling

1. In a bowl, combine ricotta, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

2. Add chopped lobster or crab meat.

3. Mix in garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

4. Stir until smooth and creamy.

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3️⃣ Make the Cream Sauce

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Add flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes (do not brown).

3. Slowly whisk in milk and cream.

4. Simmer until thickened (3–5 minutes).

5. Add Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

6. Stir until smooth and creamy.

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4️⃣ Assemble

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Spread a thin layer of cream sauce in a baking dish.

3. Fill each shell generously with seafood mixture.

4. Arrange shells in the dish.

5. Pour remaining cream sauce over the shells.

6. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

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5️⃣ Bake

• Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly.

• Broil 2–3 minutes until golden and slightly crispy on top.

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🍽️ Serving

• Garnish with fresh parsley.

• Serve hot with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

• Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

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🔥 Pro Tips

• Do not overcook the pasta shells before stuffing.

• Use fresh lobster for the best flavor.

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat.

• For extra richness, mix a spoon of mascarpone into the filling.