Savory Crab and Spinach Stuffed Manicotti with Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Savory Crab and Spinach Stuffed Manicotti, a decadent dish that effortlessly elevates your dinner table. With the option to use authentic crab or convenient imitation crabmeat, this recipe showcases perfectly manicured pasta shells filled with a delightful mixture of crabmeat, fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, and a generous blend of Parmesan cheeses. Embrace the richness of a velvety Parmesan cheese sauce, complemented by the aromatic bite of green onions and the subtle heat of Tabasco. This versatile dish can be prepared in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you relax and enjoy the company of friends and family. Whether you choose to serve it with a luscious Parmesan sauce or switch it up with a zesty red sauce, this crowd-pleaser is bound to be a favorite at any gathering.
15
Servings
233
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/4 cup (unsalted, melted)
flour
1/4 cup (all-purpose)
milk
1 cup (full-fat)
half-and-half cream
1 1/2 cups (regular)
parmesan cheese
1 cup (grated)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Tabasco sauce
to taste (optional)
crabmeat
1 lb (flaked (fresh or imitation))
frozen spinach
20 ounces (cooked and well-drained)
ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups (whole milk)
parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups (grated (adjust to taste))
green onions
2 large (chopped)
egg
1 large (beaten)
shredded mozzarella cheese
to taste (for topping)
manicotti shells
15 pieces (cooked to firm-tender)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the creamy Parmesan sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, stirring continuously.
2
Once the butter has melted, add the flour and whisk for approximately 3 minutes to create a smooth roux.
3
Gradually pour in the full-fat milk and half-and-half cream, whisking constantly until the mixture is bubbling and thickened.
4
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese along with salt, pepper, and Tabasco sauce to taste. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully incorporated and melted.
5
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
6
Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
7
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked crabmeat, well-drained spinach, ricotta cheese, additional Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, beaten egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
8
Stuff each cooked manicotti shell with the crab and cheese filling, using your hands for precision and to avoid tearing the shells.
9
Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer within the prepared baking dish.
10
Drizzle the creamy Parmesan sauce over the stuffed shells; it is not necessary to completely cover them.
11
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top according to your taste preference.
12
Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake!
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
13g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The dish is Savory Crab and Spinach Stuffed Manicotti with Creamy Parmesan Sauce.
Can I use imitation crabmeat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either authentic flaked crab or convenient imitation crabmeat.
What type of pasta is required?
The recipe requires 15 pieces of manicotti shells, cooked to firm-tender.
What are the primary cheeses used in the filling?
The filling uses a mixture of ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How long should the manicotti bake?
Bake the dish uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 15 servings.
What are the nutritional statistics per serving?
Each serving contains 233 calories, 12g of fat, 13g of carbohydrates, and 15g of protein.
How do I prepare the spinach for the filling?
The frozen spinach should be cooked and well-drained before being mixed with other ingredients.
What kind of sauce is served with this dish?
It is served with a creamy Parmesan sauce made from butter, flour, milk, half-and-half, and Parmesan cheese.
Can I substitute the white sauce with something else?
Yes, you can switch it up with a zesty red sauce if preferred.
What is used to thicken the Parmesan sauce?
A roux made from equal parts butter and all-purpose flour is used to thicken the sauce.
Is there any spice or heat in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding Tabasco sauce to taste for a subtle heat.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with butter to prevent the shells from sticking.
What topping is added before baking?
Shredded mozzarella cheese is sprinkled over the top according to your taste preference.
Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be prepared in advance to allow flavors to meld before baking.
How many eggs are needed for the filling?
One large beaten egg is required for the crab and cheese mixture.
What aromatic vegetables are included in the stuffing?
Two large chopped green onions are included in the stuffing mixture.
What type of milk is recommended for the sauce?
Full-fat milk and half-and-half cream are used for a rich, velvety texture.
How long should I cook the roux?
Whisk the butter and flour for approximately 3 minutes to create a smooth roux.
Should the manicotti shells be completely covered in sauce?
No, it is not necessary to completely cover the stuffed shells with the Parmesan sauce.
What is the best way to stuff the shells without tearing them?
The recipe suggests using your hands for precision to avoid tearing the cooked shells.
Is the Parmesan cheese in the filling the same as in the sauce?
Both use grated Parmesan cheese, but they are added at different stages of the process.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and an Italian-style seafood dish.
How much crabmeat is required?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of flaked crabmeat.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A standard 13 x 9-inch baking dish is recommended.
What kind of ricotta cheese should I use?
The recipe specifies using whole milk ricotta cheese.
Are there any specific seasonings for the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with salt, black pepper, and Tabasco sauce to taste.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The nutritional data for fiber is not provided, though the recipe contains spinach.
How should the crabmeat be prepared?
The crabmeat should be flaked before being mixed into the filling.