Best Amazing Crab Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipes

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CREAMY SEAFOOD-STUFFED SHELLS



Creamy Seafood-Stuffed Shells image

Inspired by my love of lasagna, pasta shells and seafood, I created this recipe that's easy to make but special enough to serve company. I serve it with garlic bread and a salad. -Katie P. Sloan, Charlotte, North Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h10m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

24 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
1 tablespoon finely chopped green pepper
1 tablespoon chopped red onion
1 teaspoon plus 1/4 cup butter, divided
2 cans (6 ounces each) lump crabmeat, drained
1 package (5 ounces) frozen cooked salad shrimp, thawed
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons plus 4 cups 2% milk, divided
1-1/2 teaspoons seafood seasoning, divided
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1-1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. , Meanwhile, in a small skillet, saute green pepper and onion in 1 teaspoon butter until tender; set aside., In a large bowl, combine crab, shrimp, egg, mozzarella cheese, mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning, pepper and green pepper mixture., Preheat oven to 350°. Drain and rinse pasta; stuff each shell with 1 rounded tablespoon of seafood mixture. Place in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. , In a small saucepan, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and coarsely ground pepper; gradually whisk in remaining milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese., Pour over stuffed shells. Sprinkle with remaining seafood seasoning. Bake, uncovered, 30-35 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 448 calories, Fat 23g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 148mg cholesterol, Sodium 710mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 29g protein.

SEAFOOD-STUFFED SHELLS RECIPE



Seafood-Stuffed Shells Recipe image

These rich stuffed shells are packed with a mixture of crabmeat, shrimp, and scallops, then baked with a creamy sauce and golden, buttery bread crumbs. It's like a crab cake stuffed into pasta.

Provided by Daniel Gritzer

Categories     Entree     Mains     Pasta

Time 1h20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 17

Kosher salt
6 ounces dry jumbo pasta shells (about 25 shells; 170g) (see note)
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling and greasing the baking dish
8 ounces (225g) peeled and deveined shrimp
1 pound (450g) lump crabmeat, picked over for shells
8 ounces (225g) dry-packed sea scallops, cut into small pieces (see note)
2 tablespoons (30ml) Dijon mustard
1/2 cup (120ml) mayonnaise
Dash of Old Bay seasoning
1 medium shallot (about 2 ounces; 60g), minced
Small handful minced flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish
Freshly ground black pepper
3 1/2 tablespoons (50g) unsalted butter, divided
1 1/2 tablespoons (12g) all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups (360ml) milk
1 bay leaf
1 cup panko bread crumbs (about 3 1/2 ounces; 100g)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and set rack to middle position. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook shells according to package instructions for baked shells. (Many packages of jumbo shells will give a specific boiling time for dishes that are to be subsequently baked; if yours does not, cook shells for 3 minutes less than the package's recommended cooking time.) Using a spider, slotted spoon, or mesh strainer, carefully transfer shells to a large bowl of cold water until cooled slightly, then drain. (Reserve pasta-cooking water for next step.) Drizzle shells very lightly with oil and toss to coat. Set aside.
  • Fill a large bowl with ice water. Poach shrimp in same pot of pasta water until just barely cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes. Drain, chill in ice bath, then drain again. Chop shrimp into small pieces.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine crabmeat with shrimp, scallops, Dijon, mayo, Old Bay, shallot, and parsley. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
  • In a small saucepan, melt 1 1/2 tablespoons (20g) butter over medium-high heat (do not allow it to brown). Add flour and whisk to form a paste. Continue to cook, stirring, until raw flour scent is gone, about 1 minute. Whisking constantly, add milk in a thin, steady stream, or in increments of a couple of tablespoons at a time, whisking thoroughly and getting into all corners of pan to maintain a homogeneous texture. The sauce will initially be very thick, then get very thin once all the milk is added. Add bay leaf.
  • Heat, stirring, until sauce comes to a simmer and begins to thicken slightly. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring, until sauce is thick enough to lightly coat the back of a wooden spoon, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Discard bay leaf.
  • Spoon remaining 1 cup (240ml) béchamel sauce on top of shells. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons (30g) butter and toss with bread crumbs in a small bowl; season with salt. Sprinkle bread crumbs all over shells.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 593 kcal, Carbohydrate 42 g, Cholesterol 190 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 36 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, Sodium 1482 mg, Sugar 6 g, Fat 31 g, ServingSize Serves 4 to 6, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

AMAZING CRAB PASTA SHELLS



Amazing Crab Pasta Shells image

Oh Baby! I love large pasta shells with filling. They are so neat and fun to prepare and eat. I have made cheese fillings in them such as lasgna filling, meat fillings with beef covered by a sauce, however, these will be filled with shrimp and imitation crab meat or you can use the real thing, up to you! "Pasta shells take a...

Provided by Susan Cutler

Categories     Seafood

Time 2h40m

Number Of Ingredients 11

36 jumbo pasta shells
2 oz neufchatel cheese
1 lb imitation crabmeat
6 oz cooked tiny shrimp
1 onion, minced
2 stalks celery, chopped
1/3 c mayonnaise
2 Tbsp white sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp lemon juice

Steps:

  • 1. 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil, and add pasta shells; boil until al dente. Drain well.
  • 2. 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, crab, shrimp, onion, celery, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, pepper and lemon juice; mix well.
  • 3. 3. Stuff cream cheese mixture into the jumbo pasta shells. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
  • 4. EXPLANATION AND TIP FROM TASTE OF HOME; Neufchatel cheese is a soft unripened cheese that originates in France. The American version, which is similar to cream cheese, is made from pasteurized milk and cream. American Neufchatel is slightly lower in calories than cream cheese and has slightly more moisture. Regular cream cheese can be substituted for Neufchatel cheese, especially in recipes for dips and spreads, with good results. You may notice a slightly different texture in cooked products.

STUFFED SHELLS III



Stuffed Shells III image

This recipe is a hit wherever you go. It is a very rich and cheesy meal and looks like a deep-dish pizza when done. I altered what I was originally given because I did not like cottage cheese and added other ingredients that I thought it deserved.

Provided by Renee

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Stuffed Main Dish Recipes

Time 1h30m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (12 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells
2 eggs, beaten
1 (32 ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
8 ounces grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 tablespoon dried parsley
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (28 ounce) jar pasta sauce
8 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • In a large bowl, mix eggs, ricotta, half the mozzarella, half the Parmesan, parsley, salt and pepper until well combined. Stuff cooked shells with ricotta mixture and place in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • In a medium bowl, stir together pasta sauce, mushrooms and reserved mozzarella and Parmesan. Pour over stuffed shells.
  • Bake in preheated oven 45 to 60 minutes, until edges are bubbly and shells are slightly set.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 549.7 calories, Carbohydrate 43.7 g, Cholesterol 115.6 mg, Fat 24.5 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 37.7 g, SaturatedFat 13.9 g, Sodium 1544.2 mg, Sugar 9.3 g

CRAB-STUFFED MANICOTTI



Crab-Stuffed Manicotti image

I love pasta, and my husband loves seafood. I combined them to create this dish, and he raved that it's the best meal ever. -Sonya Polfliet, Anza, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 uncooked manicotti shells
1 tablespoon butter
4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1 cup fat-free milk
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup lump crabmeat, drained
1/3 cup reduced-fat ricotta cheese
1/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/4 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
Minced fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Cook manicotti shells according to package directions; drain. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in Parmesan cheese., In a small bowl, combine crab, ricotta, mozzarella, lemon-pepper seasoning, pepper and garlic powder. Stuff shells with crab mixture. Spread 1/4 cup sauce in an 8-in. square baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with stuffed manicotti. Pour remaining sauce over top. , Bake, covered, until heated through, 25-30 minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle with parsley and, if desired, additional grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 359 calories, Fat 12g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 98mg cholesterol, Sodium 793mg sodium, Carbohydrate 38g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

CRAB STUFFED SHELLS



Crab Stuffed Shells image

This is a great recipe for seafood lovers. If two cups of crab meat is over your budget you can use 1 c. of crab and 1 cup of shredded sealegs... but why not splurge!! =)

Provided by Aroostook

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 50m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 (12 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 (15 ounce) can plum tomatoes, in juice,chopped
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste
2 cups cooked crabmeat
2 cups ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon chopped parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375ºF.
  • Cook pasta shells according to the package directions.
  • Drain and rinse with cool water.
  • Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  • Stir in the tomatoes, red pepper, and oregano and lower heat to medium-low.
  • Cover the pan and simmer the mixture 15 min.
  • Stir in the salt.
  • Combine crab, ricotta cheese, egg, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, parsley, and black pepper.
  • l.
  • Stuff each pasta shell with some of the ricotta mixture.
  • Lay the stuffed shells in a baking dish Add tomato sauce.
  • Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
  • Bake 20 min or so until sauce is bubbly.

CRAB-STUFFED MANICOTTI



Crab-Stuffed Manicotti image

Manicotti shells stuffed with crab meat and covered with Alfredo sauce make a great meal for family or company.

Provided by Brandee

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Seafood Main Dish Recipes     Crab

Time 55m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 12

8 manicotti shells
1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
1 (6 ounce) can lump crabmeat
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon grated onion
1 (16 ounce) jar Alfredo pasta sauce
½ cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon white sugar
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried marjoram
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
⅛ teaspoon dried thyme

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add manicotti shells and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until tender but not mushy. Drain.
  • In a medium bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, crab, parsley and onion. Spoon into the manicotti shells. Place in a buttered 11x7 inch baking dish.
  • In a saucepan, stir together the Alfredo sauce and chicken broth. Season with sugar, basil, marjoram, garlic powder and thyme. Heat until warm over medium heat. Pour over the shells in the baking dish.
  • Bake uncovered for 30 minutes in the preheated oven. Let stand for about 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 617.8 calories, Carbohydrate 35.9 g, Cholesterol 110.4 mg, Fat 41.1 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 28.6 g, SaturatedFat 17.3 g, Sodium 1494.6 mg, Sugar 6.4 g

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What Makes Crab-Stuffed Pasta Shells Amazing

If you're a seafood lover and a pasta aficionado, you're sure to appreciate the amazing blend of flavors and textures that crab-stuffed pasta shells can offer. These delicious dishes can be prepared in countless ways, but the best ones typically have a few key features in common. Here are some of the elements that can make crab-stuffed pasta shells truly amazing:
1. The Pasta Shell
The foundation of any good stuffed pasta dish is, of course, the pasta shell itself. For crab-stuffed shells, you want a pasta shape that can hold plenty of filling, but that's also sturdy enough to stand up to baking without falling apart. Most recipes call for jumbo pasta shells, which have a wide, concave shape that's perfect for holding a generous scoop of stuffing.
2. The Crab Meat
The star of the filling, of course, is the crab meat. Fresh crab is always best, but canned or frozen crab can work in a pinch. The meat should be picked over carefully to remove any bits of shell or cartilage, and lightly seasoned to let the natural sweetness of the crab shine through. Some recipes call for lump crab meat, which has large, moist chunks that add texture and flavor to each bite.
3. The Cheese
To help bind the filling and add richness, most crab-stuffed pasta shell recipes call for cheese. Ricotta is a popular choice, as it's creamy and mild, but other soft cheeses like goat cheese or cream cheese can also work well. Some recipes also call for Parmesan or another hard cheese to add a salty, nutty contrast to the sweet crab.
4. The Seasoning
Crab meat has a delicate, slightly sweet flavor that can be enhanced with a variety of herbs and spices. Popular choices include garlic, basil, parsley, and chives, as well as a touch of lemon zest or juice for brightness. Some recipes also call for a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to add a bit of heat.
5. The Sauce
For an extra layer of flavor and moisture, many crab-stuffed pasta shell recipes are baked in a flavorful sauce. Tomato sauce is a classic choice, and can be jazzed up with garlic, onion, and herbs for extra complexity. Cream sauces can also be delicious, adding richness and warmth to the dish. A few recipes even call for a broth-based sauce, with white wine and seafood stock adding depth to the flavors.

Types of Crab-Stuffed Pasta Shell Recipes

Now that you know what goes into making an amazing crab-stuffed pasta shell dish, here are some examples of different recipes you might try:
1. Classic Crab-Stuffed Pasta Shells
A simple and delicious recipe, classic crab-stuffed pasta shells typically combine crab meat, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan with herbs and spices. The shells are boiled, filled with the mixture, and baked in a tomato sauce until bubbly and golden. This recipe can be a great way to showcase the sweet, tender flavor of the crab without overwhelming it with other flavors.
2. Crab-Stuffed Shells with Cream Cheese and Bacon
For a richer, more indulgent take on crab-stuffed pasta shells, try adding cream cheese and bacon to the filling. The cream cheese adds a tangy, silky texture, while the bacon adds salty, smoky flavor. These shells are typically bathed in a cream sauce or a butter sauce for extra decadence.
3. Southwestern-style Crab-Stuffed Shells
For a spicy twist on the classic dish, try adding some Southwestern flair to your crab-stuffed pasta shells. Chopped jalapeno, cilantro, and cumin can add a zesty kick, while a smoked tomato sauce gives the dish an earthy, smoky flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the crab.
4. Crab-Stuffed Shells with Pesto and Pine Nuts
For a lighter, fresher take on the dish, try using pesto as the sauce for your crab-stuffed pasta shells. The bright, herbaceous flavors of the pesto complement the sweetness of the crab, while toasted pine nuts add crunch and nuttiness. This dish can be the perfect choice for a summer dinner party or a light lunch.

The Bottom Line

Crab-stuffed pasta shells are a versatile, delicious dish that can be adapted to suit a wide range of tastes and occasions. Whether you prefer a classic recipe or something more adventurous, the key to making a great version is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients, and to balance the flavors and textures carefully. So next time you're in the mood for pasta and seafood, why not try making crab-stuffed shells and see what amazing flavors you can create?

Valuable Tips When Making Amazing Crab Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipes

Making amazing crab stuffed pasta shells recipes is not only delicious but also a creative way to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. If you are a seafood lover, there is nothing better than enjoying a delicious pasta dish with fresh and succulent crab meat. Here are some valuable tips that can help you create the most amazing crab stuffed pasta shells recipes:
1. Choose The Right Pasta
Choosing the right pasta type can make a huge difference in the final outcome of your crab stuffed pasta shells recipe. It is best to use jumbo shells, which are larger in size and can accommodate more filling. This type of pasta is perfect for stuffing with a rich and creamy mixture.
2. Cook The Pasta Al Dente
Overcooking the pasta can lead to a mushy and unappetizing dish. Therefore, it is important to cook the pasta shells al dente, which means that it is cooked but still firm to the bite. This will help the pasta shells hold their shape when stuffed and baked.
3. Use Quality Crab Meat
The key ingredient in this recipe is the crab meat, so it is important to select fresh and high-quality crab meat. You can opt for canned or fresh crab meat, depending on your preference and availability. However, fresh crab meat is always the best option, as it has a sweeter and more delicate flavor.
4. Add Complimentary Ingredients
To enhance the flavor of the crab stuffed pasta shells, it is important to add complimentary ingredients such as garlic, shallots, lemon zest, and herbs like parsley, basil, and thyme. These ingredients will not only add flavor but also balance the richness of the crab meat.
5. Create A Rich And Creamy Filling
To create a rich and creamy filling, it is important to add ingredients like cream cheese, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. These ingredients will provide a creamy texture to the filling and make the crab stuffed pasta shells irresistible.
6. Add A Crunchy Topping
To add a crunchy texture to the crab stuffed pasta shells, it is best to top them with panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. This will create a golden brown and crispy topping that will add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
7. Garnish With Fresh Herbs
To add a pop of color and freshness to the crab stuffed pasta shells, it is best to garnish them with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. This will not only make the dish look beautiful but also add a subtle fragrance and flavor to the dish. In conclusion, creating amazing crab stuffed pasta shells recipes is all about selecting the right ingredients, cooking the pasta al dente, creating a rich and creamy filling, adding a crunchy topping, and garnishing with fresh herbs. With these valuable tips and tricks, you can easily create a delicious and impressive crab stuffed pasta shells recipe that will leave your guests wanting more!

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