First, pick up the jumbo pasta shells. These are approximately 3 inches wide. If you can’t find large seashells, you can also make this recipe using manicotti that are about the same size. For the stuffing, prepare crab chunks, fresh shrimp, garlic, lemon, cream cheese, Old Bay seasoning, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Lump crabmeat is usually sold in cans or small containers. What you’re looking for is cooked crab meat. You can also use special crab meat or claw meat, but be sure to remove the shell and coarsely chop it before using.
Be sure to save some parsley, garlic, and pepper flakes, as you’ll be reusing them later. For the sauce, you will need butter, onions, tomato paste, cognac (or brandy), tomato puree and heavy cream. Salt and pepper are needed to season the filling and sauce. Then all you have to do is grab some Parmesan cheese and melt it on top.