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    HOME » Recipes » Pasta & Rice

    Published: Nov 20, 2014 · Modified: Feb 19, 2021· This website generates income via ads ·

    Crab Stuffed Shells with Pesto

    Jump to Recipe

    Dungeness crab season is underway on the Pacific coast, inspiring me to get in the kitchen and cook. The result is this recipe for Crab-Stuffed Pasta Shells with White Cheese Sauce and Pesto. Whether served individually as an appetizer, or as a main dish, they are delicious.

    Crab Stuffed Shells with Pesto at theeggfarm.com
    Crab Stuffed Shells with Pesto at theeggfarm.com

    The shells are stuffed with ricotta and crab meat, then nestled in a white cheese sauce for baking. Before serving, they are drizzled with a fresh green pesto sauce. I popped them under the broiler to get them a little brown before adding the pesto.

    Crab Stuffed Shells with Pesto at theeggfarm.com

    This dish makes as easy appetizer as the components can be made ahead of time, then assembled and popped in the oven before serving.

    I love the presentation in the clam shell baking dishes. These are genuine clam shells that do well in the oven and even under a hot broiler for a short period of time. I wash them in the dishwasher after using and they are ready to go the next time I need them. They are usually available at kitchen stores or you can get them through Amazon, of course!

    Here is my recipe for Crab Stuffed Shells.

    Crab Stuffed Shells with Pesto

    Pasta shells stuffed with crab in a cheese sauce.
    PRINT Pin
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 514 kcal

    Equipment

    • Large pot
    • Medium bowl
    • Small saucepan
    • Baking dish

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ pound extra-large pasta shells

    For the filling:

    • ¾ cups whole milk ricotta cheese
    • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
    • ⅓ cup Mozzarella grated
    • 6 ounces crab meat

    For the sauce:

    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 1 tablespoon flour
    • 1 cup whole milk
    • ¾ cup Gouda or Gruyère cheese grated
    • 1 teaspoon white pepper
    • ½ teaspoon salt

    For the garnish:

    • 4 tablespoons prepared pesto homemade or jarred
    • Chopped fresh parsley
    • Additional grated Parmesan cheese

    Instructions
     

    • Boil the pasta shell in water until al dente. Do not overcook or they will fall apart when you try to stuff them. Drain and set aside to cool

    For the filling:

    • Drain the crab meat on paper towels until any excess moisture is removed.
    • To a medium bowl add the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Mozzarella cheese. Stir with a spoon until combined.
    • Gently fold in the crab meat. Set aside.

    For the sauce:

    • Melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for one minute stirring constantly.
    • Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Cook for 2-3 minus. Remove from stove.
    • Add the cheese, white pepper and salt. Stir until the cheese is completely melted.
    • Pour the cheese sauce into the bottom of a casserole dish or into individual, oven proof baking dishes.
    • Spoon the filling into the pasta shells, dividing it equally. You'll have to estimate how much to put in each shell.
    • Place the filled shells on top of the white sauce and bake in a 350 degree oven until hot, bubbly and heated through.
    • Pop under the broiler for more color and a little crust.

    For the garnish:

    • Sprinkle with chopped parsley, extra cheese and drizzle with pesto sauce.

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Crab Stuffed Shells with Pesto
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    514
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    32
    g
    49
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    17
    g
    85
    %
    Trans Fat
     
    1
    g
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    7
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    103
    mg
    34
    %
    Sodium
     
    1144
    mg
    48
    %
    Potassium
     
    278
    mg
    8
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    25
    g
    8
    %
    Fiber
     
    1
    g
    4
    %
    Sugar
     
    4
    g
    4
    %
    Protein
     
    31
    g
    62
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    1138
    IU
    23
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    3
    mg
    4
    %
    Calcium
     
    587
    mg
    59
    %
    Iron
     
    2
    mg
    11
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Approximate nutrition information is provided as a convenience and courtesy only. You are encouraged to do your own calculations if precise data is required.

    Keyword crab, sauce, shells, stuffed
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    I am Mary, the blogger behind "Oh That's Good!" I am a former nurse, former hobby farm blogger, former vintage shop owner, and current food blogger. I live with my husband and our little mutt Tucker in a lovely retirement community. I am cooking for two and taking inspiration from old cookbooks, magazines, and memories of watching my mother and grandmother cook. I like reducing my food waste and exorbitant grocery bills! I am busy rewriting my recipes for two servings with the option of adjusting the recipe up to four or six servings with just one click.

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