Indulge in a culinary symphony of flavors with crab-stuffed shells, a delectable dish that marries the sweetness of crab with the aromatic essence of peas and leeks. This seafood sensation is encased in delicate pasta shells, creating a harmonious union of textures and tastes. The creamy filling, enriched with a blend of cheeses, tantalizes the palate with every bite. Embark on a culinary journey with this comprehensive guide, featuring three enticing recipes: a classic rendition, a vegetarian delight, and a gluten-free variation. Discover the art of crafting these stuffed shells, from selecting the freshest ingredients to mastering the perfect cooking techniques. Prepare to impress your loved ones with this exquisite dish that elevates any occasion to a memorable feast.
Let's cook with our recipes!
SEAFOOD-STUFFED SHELLS RECIPE
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and set rack to middle position. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook shells according to package instructions for baked shells. (Many packages of jumbo shells will give a specific boiling time for dishes that are to be subsequently baked; if yours does not, cook shells for 3 minutes less than the package's recommended cooking time.) Using a spider, slotted spoon, or mesh strainer, carefully transfer shells to a large bowl of cold water until cooled slightly, then drain. (Reserve pasta-cooking water for next step.) Drizzle shells very lightly with oil and toss to coat. Set aside.
- Fill a large bowl with ice water. Poach shrimp in same pot of pasta water until just barely cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes. Drain, chill in ice bath, then drain again. Chop shrimp into small pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine crabmeat with shrimp, scallops, Dijon, mayo, Old Bay, shallot, and parsley. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
- In a small saucepan, melt 1 1/2 tablespoons (20g) butter over medium-high heat (do not allow it to brown). Add flour and whisk to form a paste. Continue to cook, stirring, until raw flour scent is gone, about 1 minute. Whisking constantly, add milk in a thin, steady stream, or in increments of a couple of tablespoons at a time, whisking thoroughly and getting into all corners of pan to maintain a homogeneous texture. The sauce will initially be very thick, then get very thin once all the milk is added. Add bay leaf.
- Heat, stirring, until sauce comes to a simmer and begins to thicken slightly. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring, until sauce is thick enough to lightly coat the back of a wooden spoon, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Discard bay leaf.
- Spoon remaining 1 cup (240ml) béchamel sauce on top of shells. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons (30g) butter and toss with bread crumbs in a small bowl; season with salt. Sprinkle bread crumbs all over shells.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 593 kcal, Carbohydrate 42 g, Cholesterol 190 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 36 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, Sodium 1482 mg, Sugar 6 g, Fat 31 g, ServingSize Serves 4 to 6, UnsaturatedFat 0 g
CREAMY SEAFOOD-STUFFED SHELLS
Inspired by my love of lasagna, pasta shells and seafood, I created this recipe that's easy to make but special enough to serve company. I serve it with garlic bread and a salad. -Katie P. Sloan, Charlotte, North Carolina
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h10m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. , Meanwhile, in a small skillet, saute green pepper and onion in 1 teaspoon butter until tender; set aside., In a large bowl, combine crab, shrimp, egg, mozzarella cheese, mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning, pepper and green pepper mixture., Preheat oven to 350°. Drain and rinse pasta; stuff each shell with 1 rounded tablespoon of seafood mixture. Place in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. , In a small saucepan, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and coarsely ground pepper; gradually whisk in remaining milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese., Pour over stuffed shells. Sprinkle with remaining seafood seasoning. Bake, uncovered, 30-35 minutes or until bubbly.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 448 calories, Fat 23g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 148mg cholesterol, Sodium 710mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 29g protein.
CRAB STUFFED SHELLS
This is a great recipe for seafood lovers. If two cups of crab meat is over your budget you can use 1 c. of crab and 1 cup of shredded sealegs... but why not splurge!! =)
Provided by Aroostook
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 50m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375ºF.
- Cook pasta shells according to the package directions.
- Drain and rinse with cool water.
- Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in the tomatoes, red pepper, and oregano and lower heat to medium-low.
- Cover the pan and simmer the mixture 15 min.
- Stir in the salt.
- Combine crab, ricotta cheese, egg, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, parsley, and black pepper.
- l.
- Stuff each pasta shell with some of the ricotta mixture.
- Lay the stuffed shells in a baking dish Add tomato sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
- Bake 20 min or so until sauce is bubbly.
Tips:
- Choose High-Quality Crab: Opt for fresh or frozen crab meat with a sweet, briny flavor. Avoid imitation crab, as it won't provide the same authentic taste.
- Prepare the Crab Properly: If using frozen crab, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water. Remove any shells or cartilage from the crab meat before cooking.
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh peas and leeks add sweetness, color, and texture to the stuffing. Choose vibrant green peas and firm, white leeks for the best results.
- Season the Filling Generously: Don't be afraid to season the crab filling liberally with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices. This will enhance the natural flavors of the crab and vegetables.
- Cook the Shells Al Dente: Boiling the pasta shells until they are al dente (slightly firm to the bite) will prevent them from becoming mushy when baked.
- Don't Overfill the Shells: Stuff the pasta shells with enough filling to fill them without overpacking, as this can cause them to burst during baking.
- Use a Bechamel Sauce: A creamy, flavorful bechamel sauce adds richness and moisture to the dish. Make sure to cook the sauce until it's thick and smooth, without any lumps.
- Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake the stuffed shells until the tops are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. This typically takes around 20-25 minutes in a preheated oven.
Conclusion:
Crab-stuffed shells with peas and leeks are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make for a memorable meal. By following these tips, you can create a dish that is both visually appealing and packed with delicious flavors. Whether served as an appetizer or main course, these stuffed shells are sure to impress your family and guests. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more.
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