Crab Stuffed Manicotti
Crab Stuffed Manicotti combines tender pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of imitation crab, ricotta, mushrooms, and green onions. Topped with flavorful tomato sauce and melted mozzarella, this dish offers a delightful blend of seafood and Italian herbs, perfect for a special dinner or family gathering.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. imitation King crabmeat ⓘ
- 18 manicotti shells ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups fat-free ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 8 oz. can mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cooking wine ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- nonfat cooking vegetable spray
- 15 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 6 oz. can tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 8 oz. grated mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook manicotti shells according to package directions.
- Drain the shells and set aside.
- Combine crabmeat, ricotta cheese, mushrooms, green onions, cooking wine, and lemon juice in a bowl, stirring until blended.
- Stuff the cooked shells with the crabmeat mixture.
- Place the stuffed shells in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch casserole dish that has been sprayed with nonfat cooking vegetable spray.
- Prepare the tomato sauce by combining tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, thyme, basil, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using real crabmeat instead of imitation. If you want a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can substitute the ricotta with cottage cheese for a different texture. If manicotti shells are hard to find, you can use jumbo pasta shells instead, although cooking times may vary.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the crab stuffed manicotti with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A light white wine pairs beautifully with the dish, enhancing the flavors of the seafood. For a delightful twist, consider serving it alongside Italian recipes such as Linguini In Clam Sauce for a seafood-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for about 2-3 minutes, checking for warmth.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab Stuffed Manicotti contains roughly 437 calories, with 23g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (147% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (112% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (100% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. It also contributes 31g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed manicotti and cover it tightly before baking. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use if I can't find manicotti shells?
If manicotti shells are unavailable, substitute with jumbo pasta shells or even cannelloni. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly while keeping an eye on the filling to ensure it's heated through.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled, uncooked manicotti. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time for a delicious, homemade dinner.
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).