Crab Stuffed Shells
Creamy crab-stuffed pasta shells feature tender shells filled with crabmeat, ricotta, parsley, and horseradish, baked in a savory sauce for a comforting seafood dish suitable for entertaining or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook pasta shells according to package directions.
- Drain and cool the cooked shells.
- In a large bowl, stir together crabmeat, ricotta cheese, chopped parsley, and horseradish.
- Stuff each shell with about 1 tablespoon of the mixture.
- Pour 1 cup of sauce on the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the pan and cover with remaining sauce.
- Cover the pan with foil.
- Bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the ricotta. If you're short on crabmeat, imitation crab can work well as a substitute. Fresh herbs like dill can also complement the flavors nicely. Make sure to cook the shells al dente to prevent them from splitting during baking. For a twist, add some shredded cheese to the filling for extra richness.
Serving Suggestions
These crab stuffed shells are perfect as a main dish paired with a light salad or steamed vegetables. A crisp white wine or a refreshing lemon iced tea complements the seafood flavors beautifully. For a complete meal, consider serving with garlic bread or a side of roasted asparagus. They also pair well with other seafood recipes like a classic Fish And Chip Bake.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover the dish with foil to maintain moisture and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also freeze the unbaked stuffed shells for up to 2 months; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab Stuffed Shells contains roughly 157 calories, with 3g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g 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 use a different type of seafood in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the crabmeat with shrimp, scallops, or even a mix of different seafood for a unique flavor. Just ensure that whatever seafood you choose is cooked and chopped into small pieces before mixing with the cheese and herbs.
Is it necessary to use fresh parsley?
While fresh parsley adds a vibrant flavor, you can use dried parsley if fresh isn't available. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so use about a third of the amount. However, fresh herbs will enhance the overall taste and presentation of the dish.
Can I prepare 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 or foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making them even more delicious when baked.
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).