Shellfish Tetrazzini
A rich seafood pasta dish featuring shrimp, crab, or lobster in a creamy white sauce with mushrooms, sherry, and cheese, perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the noodles until tender and drain.
- Drain the liquor from the sliced mushrooms and add enough milk to make 1/2 cup.
- Combine the mushroom liquid mixture with the prepared white sauce and sherry.
- Add cooked seafood, salt, and pepper to the sauce mixture.
- Mix the cooked noodles with the sauce and seafood.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese on top and sprinkle with paprika.
- Bake or serve as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the sauce. If you're short on time, you can substitute fresh seafood with canned seafood; just be sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture. Adjust the type of cheese based on your preference; for a sharper flavor, try using aged Cheddar. This dish also pairs nicely with a side of garlic bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Shellfish Tetrazzini with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors beautifully. For a comforting twist, pair it with garlic bread or breadsticks. This dish also works well as part of a seafood recipes spread, featuring options like Stuffed Soft Crab or Scallops In Wine Cheese Sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Shellfish Tetrazzini can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You may need to add a splash of milk to maintain creaminess as it reheats. This dish does not freeze well due to the noodles becoming mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shellfish Tetrazzini contains roughly 610 calories, with 12g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (44% of the Daily Value), iron (32% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 981mg per serving (43% 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 use different types of seafood in this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, allowing you to mix and match various seafood. Feel free to use shrimp, crab, lobster, or a combination. Just ensure they are cooked beforehand and cut into bite-sized pieces to blend well with the noodles and sauce.
What can I do if I don't have sherry?
If you don't have sherry, you can substitute it with white wine or a splash of lemon juice mixed with water for a non-alcoholic option. The acidity from lemon juice can enhance the dish's flavor, making it a suitable alternative.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Assemble the tetrazzini, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven to bake. Just be mindful that the noodles may absorb some of the sauce, so you may want to add a bit more milk before baking.
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).