Decadent Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Pasta Shells
These Decadent Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Pasta Shells are a delightful twist on traditional stuffed pasta. Packed with a creamy, flavorful filling made from rich cream cheese, tender crabmeat, and succulent baby shrimp, they make for an impressive appetizer or main dish. The addition of scallions and a hint of lemon adds a refreshing taste that beautifully balances the richness of the seafood. Ideal for special occasions like Easter, these shells can be prepared in advance, making them convenient for entertaining. Fill them generously, chill, and then serve to guests who won't be able to resist going back for seconds—these shells are a satisfying and comforting food experience that everyone will love. For a lighter option, consider using smaller pasta shells, and enjoy the same amazing flavors in a more bite-sized portion.
N/A
Servings
267
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Baby Shrimp
1 (8 ounce) package (thawed)
Crabmeat
2 cans or 1 (8 ounce) package (chopped)
Scallions
2 (minced)
Pasta Shells
1/2 package (large)
Mayonnaise
1/3 cup
Sugar
1 tablespoon
Lemon Juice
1 teaspoon
Cayenne Pepper
1 teaspoon
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or food processor to beat together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sugar, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2
Gently fold in the chopped crabmeat, baby shrimp, and minced scallions until everything is evenly incorporated.
3
Prepare the large pasta shells by cooking them according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and allow them to cool slightly.
4
Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the crab and shrimp mixture, ensuring they are generously filled.
5
Arrange the stuffed shells on a serving platter and cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
6
Refrigerate the stuffed shells for at least 1 hour before serving, or up to 12 hours to let the flavors meld.
7
Before serving, consider cutting the shells in half to make them more manageable and to create attractive bite-sized portions.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
5g
Carbs
18g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Pasta Shells?
They are a creamy seafood-filled pasta dish featuring crabmeat, baby shrimp, and cream cheese, served as an appetizer or main course.
What seafood is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of thawed baby shrimp and 8 ounces (or 2 cans) of chopped crabmeat.
Should the cream cheese be softened?
Yes, for a smooth and creamy texture, use 8 ounces of softened cream cheese.
How should I cook the pasta shells?
Cook the large pasta shells according to package instructions until they reach an al dente texture.
Can I prepare these shells in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate them for up to 12 hours before serving, which helps the flavors meld.
What is the minimum refrigeration time?
The stuffed shells should be refrigerated for at least 1 hour before serving.
Is there a spicy element in this dish?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to add a hint of heat.
How do I make the filling smooth?
Use a hand mixer or food processor to beat the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sugar, and seasonings together until smooth.
Can I use smaller pasta shells?
Yes, using smaller shells is a great option for creating bite-sized portions or a lighter appetizer.
What size package of pasta shells is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 of a standard package of large pasta shells.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 267 calories.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
The dish contains 14g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in the stuffed shells?
There are 18g of protein per serving, largely from the crab and shrimp.
Should the scallions be cooked?
No, the 2 minced scallions are folded into the cream cheese mixture raw for freshness.
How do I present these for a party?
Arrange them on a platter and consider cutting the large shells in half to make them more manageable for guests.
What type of crabmeat should I use?
You can use either two cans of crabmeat or one 8-ounce package of fresh or imitation crabmeat, chopped.
Does the recipe contain sugar?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 tablespoon of sugar to balance the savory and tangy flavors.
What helps bind the filling together?
A combination of cream cheese and 1/3 cup of mayonnaise serves as the binder for the seafood.
Is lemon juice required?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice is used to add a refreshing acidity to the rich seafood filling.
Can I use fresh shrimp instead of baby shrimp?
Yes, but ensure they are cooked and chopped into small pieces to match the texture of the filling.
Should I cover the shells while they refrigerate?
Yes, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent them from drying out in the fridge.
Is this a warm or cold dish?
This specific recipe is designed to be chilled and served cold.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include seafood, crab, shrimp, appetizer, main dish, creamy, and comfort food.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 11 ingredients required for this recipe.
Is the recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is specifically mentioned as being ideal for special occasions like Easter.
How do I prep the baby shrimp?
If using a frozen package, ensure they are fully thawed and drained before adding them to the mixture.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the pasta be rinsed after cooking?
The instructions suggest draining them and allowing them to cool slightly so they are easy to handle for stuffing.
How do I season the filling?
Season with cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to taste.
Can I use a food processor for the whole recipe?
Use the processor only for the cream cheese base; the seafood and scallions should be gently folded in by hand to keep their texture.