Lobster Stuffed Pasta Shells

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lobster Stuffed Pasta Shells are the perfect indulgent dish for a special occasion or a luxurious dinner at home. The combination of tender pasta shells filled with a rich, creamy lobster mixture and baked with marinara sauce and melted cheese is absolutely irresistible. This recipe brings the delicious flavors of lobster into an easy-to-make pasta dish that will wow your guests or treat yourself to a fancy meal!

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 lb lobster meat (fresh or frozen, cooked and chopped)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Pasta:

• 20-25 large pasta shells (jumbo shells)

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Pasta:

1. Boil the Pasta Shells:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside to cool.

Make the Lobster Filling:

2. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the lobster meat, ricotta cheese, mascarpone (or cream cheese), Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is well combined and creamy.

Stuff the Pasta Shells:

3. Stuff the Shells:
   • Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with a generous amount of the lobster filling. Set the stuffed shells aside.

Assemble the Dish:

4. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a small saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. Stir in red pepper flakes if using.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish (a 9×13-inch dish works well). Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the baking dish.
6. Top with Sauce and Cheese:
   • Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Bake the Dish:

7. Bake:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted. For a golden top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Serve:

8. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious lobster stuffed pasta shells!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy Version: For an extra cheesy flavor, add more shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese to the filling before stuffing the shells.
• Herb Variations: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or tarragon to the filling for a more aromatic flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the lobster with cooked spinach and ricotta for a vegetarian alternative.
• Lobster Tail Filling: Use lobster tails for a more upscale version of the dish. Just cook and chop the tails before adding them to the filling mixture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Lobster Stuffed Pasta Shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for quicker reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen lobster?

Yes, you can use frozen lobster meat. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before using it in the filling.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells and refrigerate them (covered) for up to a day before baking. Just bake when ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

You can use other soft cheeses like ricotta or cream cheese instead of mascarpone, and swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.

Can I freeze these stuffed shells?

Yes, you can freeze the stuffed shells before baking. Assemble the dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Can I make the sauce from scratch?

Yes, you can make your own marinara sauce using tomatoes, garlic, onion, and Italian herbs if you prefer homemade sauce.

Conclusion

Lobster Stuffed Pasta Shells are a decadent and flavorful dish that combines the luxury of lobster with the comfort of pasta. This dish is perfect for special occasions, holiday dinners, or when you want to impress guests with a delicious and beautiful meal. With a rich lobster filling, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, every bite is pure indulgence!

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