Creamy Lobster Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe
Looking for the ultimate creamy seafood pasta recipe that’s elegant enough for special occasions but easy enough for a weeknight dinner? These Lobster Stuffed Jumbo Pasta Shells are loaded with tender lobster meat, ricotta cheese, and a velvety white Parmesan sauce. Perfect for seafood lovers craving a restaurant-style seafood pasta bake at home!
Ingredients for Lobster Stuffed Shells:
Jumbo Pasta Shells:
18 jumbo pasta shells (16 for stuffing + 2 extras in case of breakage)
Seafood Filling:
2½ cups cooked mixed seafood (lobster, crab, shrimp, scallops, or surimi)
1 cup ricotta cheese
¼ cup sweet red pepper, finely diced
¼ cup fresh parsley, minced
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Juice of ½ lemon (about 2 Tbsp) + zest from lemon peel
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp white pepper
Creamy White Parmesan Sauce:
¼ cup butter
¼ cup finely diced shallots or onions
1 garlic clove, minced
2 Tbsp flour
2¼ cups milk
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp white pepper
Optional Crispy Topping:
2 Tbsp panko breadcrumbs
2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp melted butter
½ tsp lemon zest
Instructions for Creamy Lobster Shells:
1. If using raw seafood, steam or gently boil until just cooked. Cool and chop into bite-sized pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked seafood, ricotta, red pepper, parsley, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Add lemon juice and stir well. Reserve the zest for topping.
2. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool on a towel.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté shallots until soft. Add garlic, cook for 1 minute, then stir in flour. Cook 1 more minute to remove flour taste. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened and smooth. Stir in Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and pepper. Optionally, stir a few tablespoons into the seafood mixture for extra creaminess.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of white sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish. Stuff each shell with seafood filling and place them in the dish. Pour remaining sauce over the shells.
5. Combine panko, Parmesan, melted butter, and lemon zest. Sprinkle on top of the shells for a golden, crispy finish.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes. Remove foil and broil for 2–3 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Why You’ll Love This Lobster Pasta Bake:
Rich and Creamy: Indulgent white Parmesan sauce complements the sweet lobster meat.
Perfect for Entertaining: Looks gourmet, but easy to prep ahead.
Customizable: Swap in shrimp, scallops, or crab if preferred.
Great for Special Occasions: Date nights, holidays, or seafood dinners.
Health & Nutritional Benefits:
1. Rich in Lean Protein
Lobster and other seafood (like shrimp, scallops, or crab) provide high-quality protein that’s low in saturated fat.
2. Packed with Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Lobster and shellfish are great sources of omega-3s, which support heart and brain health.
3. Calcium Boost
The Parmesan cheese and milk in the white sauce contribute to your daily calcium needs, promoting strong bones and teeth.
4. Vitamin-Rich
Red bell peppers and fresh parsley offer antioxidants like Vitamin C and Vitamin A, supporting immunity and skin health.
5. Portion-Controlled
Stuffed shells help with portion control each one is a flavorful bite-sized serving.
Lobster Stuffed Shells, Seafood Pasta Bake, Creamy Lobster Recipe
