Stuffed Shells With Crab Meat And Cream Cheese
Stuffed shells are a delicious and easy pasta dish that is perfect for any occasion. This dish can be made in a variety of ways, but one of the most popular versions is stuffed shells with crab meat and cream cheese. The combination of the sweet crab meat and creamy cheese creates a flavor explosion that is hard to resist. In this article, we will show you how to prepare this delectable dish, step by step.
Ingredients
To make stuffed shells with crab meat and cream cheese, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound crab meat, cooked and shredded
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
Follow these instructions to prepare stuffed shells with crab meat and cream cheese:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook the pasta shells according to the instructions on the package. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the crab meat and cream cheese mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Bake the stuffed shells for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
Here are some tips to make sure your stuffed shells with crab meat and cream cheese turn out perfectly:
- Use jumbo pasta shells for this recipe so that you have enough room to stuff them with the crab meat and cream cheese mixture.
- Cook the pasta shells until they are just al dente. If they are overcooked, they will be difficult to stuff and will fall apart.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will make it easier to mix and will prevent lumps from forming.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. Dried herbs can be substituted, but they will not have the same flavor as fresh herbs.
- Be careful not to overstuff the pasta shells. If you do, they may burst open during baking.
Conclusion
Stuffed shells with crab meat and cream cheese is a delicious and easy dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet crab meat and creamy cheese creates a flavor explosion that is sure to please. Follow these instructions and tips to make sure your stuffed shells turn out perfectly every time. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, and is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy!
