Shrimp Stuffed Peppers
Juicy shrimp are stuffed into colorful green peppers with a creamy cheese and wine filling, baked to perfection—ideal for a flavorful, elegant appetizer or light main course.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 6 large green peppers ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dry white wine ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 3/4 cups milk ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 3/4 cup grated Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 2 (4 1/2 oz) cans shrimp ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook macaroni; drain.
- Cut off tops of peppers; remove seeds and membrane.
- Precook peppers in salted water for 5 minutes; drain.
- Cook celery in butter.
- Stir in flour, seasoned salt, and basil.
- Add milk and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cook until thick.
- Add 1/4 cup cheese and wine; stir until cheese melts.
- Stir in shrimp and macaroni.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Add remaining cheese (1/2 cup) atop peppers.
- Bake 3 minutes more.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the Swiss cheese with Gruyère for a richer taste. If you don’t have dry white wine, chicken broth works well as a substitute. To save time, you can use pre-cooked shrimp. Ensure you cook the macaroni al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven. A sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving adds a nice touch.
Serving Suggestions
These shrimp stuffed peppers make a hearty main dish and pair well with a light salad or garlic bread. A side of roasted vegetables can complement the meal nicely. For a seafood-themed dinner, consider serving with Shrimp Cheese Spread (Dip) as an appetizer. A glass of chilled white wine would enhance the flavors beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave them, but the oven helps maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Stuffed Peppers contains roughly 547 calories, with 42g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (108% of the Daily Value), calcium (108% of the Daily Value), and protein (85% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1920mg per serving (83% 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 a different type of seafood instead of shrimp?
Yes, you can substitute shrimp with crab meat or even diced cooked fish for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that any seafood used is pre-cooked to avoid overcooking during baking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed peppers up to the baking step, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are chilled.
What can I do with leftover filling?
Any leftover filling can be used as a delicious pasta sauce. Simply toss it with cooked pasta for a quick meal, or serve it over rice for a different spin. It also works great as a filling for baked potatoes.
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).