Crab And Pasta Shells
Creamy crab and cheese stuffed pasta shells offer rich flavors and a satisfying texture, perfect for seafood lovers and special dinners alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the shredded mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, flaked crabmeat, and minced garlic together.
- Stuff the mixture into the cooked and drained jumbo pasta shells.
- Place the stuffed shells in a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the cheese mixture. If you’re short on crabmeat, shredded cooked chicken can serve as a substitute. To enhance flavor, sauté the garlic before mixing it in, or use roasted garlic for a sweeter taste. Don’t forget to season the filling with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these crab and pasta shells with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A drizzle of lemon juice over the top can brighten the flavors. For a seafood feast, pair with a side of Linguini tossed in olive oil and garlic or explore more Italian recipes that complement this dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab And Pasta Shells contains roughly 2838 calories, with 61g protein, 344g carbohydrates, and 143g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (134% of the Daily Value), protein (123% of the Daily Value), and calcium (109% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 951mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells a day in advance. Assemble them in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and cook as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
What can I use instead of crabmeat?
If you're not a fan of crab or need a more budget-friendly option, cooked shrimp or even flaked imitation crab can be used as a substitute. For a vegetarian version, consider using sautéed spinach and ricotta cheese for a delightful filling.
How do I prevent the shells from sticking together?
To prevent the shells from sticking, make sure to rinse them in cold water after boiling. You can also toss them lightly in olive oil before stuffing. Spreading a thin layer of sauce in the baking dish before adding the shells can also help keep them separated.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).