Sometimes I like to challenge myself to create a new recipe using an out of the ordinary list of ingredients. Utilizing pantry items and commonly found items in refrigerator, I decided to take it for a twist and create Creamy Lemon & Herb Crab Stuffed Shells. Pasta Shells stuffed with a mixture of Crab & Stuffing, a Creamy filling and a light Lemony sauce that is to die for.

Stuffed Shells

Stuffed Shells are traditionally made with a creamy Ricotta filling and served with a pasta sauce. People have began to explore stuffing shells with all sorts of fillings ranging from a variety of proteins, vegetables and fillings. In a previous recipe Chicken Stuffed Shells, I utilized Shredded Chicken, Stuffing, Cream Cheese mixture and a homemade Chicken Gravy which has since become a family favorite. Out of the ordinary but absolutely delicious. This time around, I decided to explore with Crab meat and a Lemony & Herb Cream Sauce which will make a great option for someone looking for a seafood alternative that will be the conversation piece on your dinner table.

Crab

People tend to enjoy the favorite option of breaking open Crab legs and dipping it into a rich buttery sauce. Enjoying the sweet and succulent meat it provides. Let’s talk a little about the meat the comes from the Crab’s claws. The meat from the Claw tends to be stronger in taste profile and cheaper on the budget. It is a great option to use in prepared sauces and allows the flavor to not be overpowered. Claw meat delivers the sweetness on the palate but tends to be fishier than the legs. While creating the Creamy Lemon & Herb Crab Stuffed Shells recipe, the claw meat was a perfect option. Delivering a bit of the ocean wrapped up in a pasta shell. Served in a bright cream sauce that can be enjoyed on date night with a glass of White Wine.

Creamy Lemon & Herb Crab Stuffed Shells

Pasta Shells stuffed with a mixture of Crab and Stuffing with a Lemon & Garlic Herb Cream Sauce served right over top.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Equipment

  • Baking Dish
  • Sauce Pot
  • Colander

Ingredients
  

Seafood

  • 16 oz Crab Meat May use Lump or Claw Meat. Using your fingers, break up into pieces and remove any missed shell pieces that may have been left behind.

Produce

  • 1 Lemon
  • 1/4 cup Scallions/Green Onion Sliced.

Dairy

  • 16 oz Sour Cream
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese Room Temperature.
  • 16 oz Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese May substitute for any other option you choose.
  • 3 cups Heavy Cream

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp Garlic Herb Seasoning No Salt.
  • 1 tsp Lemon & Herb Old Bay Seasoning May add more if needed.
  • Tajin Seasoning Optional
  • Salt
  • Black Pepper

Pantry/Canned Goods

  • 1 box Herb Flavored Stuffing Prepared
  • 1 can Cream of Mushroom Can substitute for any other variety you choose.

Pasta

  • 1 box Medium Pasta Shells Prepared Al Dente – will continue to cook in oven.

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven

  • Preheat Oven to 350°F.

Crab and Stuffing Preparation

  • Place prepared Stuffing and Crab meat into a bowl. Mix to incorporate ingredients together being sure crab is distributed well. Set aside.

Prepare Cream Filling

  • Place 3/4 softened Cream Cheese, 3/4 of Sour Cream and a pinch of Salt and Black Pepper into a small bowl. Stir together until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Stuffed Shells Preparation

  • Spray your baking dish with non stick cooking spray.
  • Take one prepared pasta Shell and gently open it up with your fingers.
  • Scoop 1/2 a teaspoon of Sour Cream & Cream Cheese filling and place into bottom of Shell.
  • Using your fingers, grab some Crab Stuffing mixture and fill the rest of Shell with it being sure to pack it in pretty good. Don't worry if the cream mixture starts to ooze out some, just push it into or over stuffing.
  • Place into prepared baking dish. Continue the process of stuffing Shells until all are completed. If you have leftover Stuffing mixture or Cream mixture, you can just place it in between shells for added goodness.
  • Slice the Lemon in half and squeeze the juice over the prepared Shells.
  • Sprinkle 1/2 of Shredded Cheese over the top being sure to cover Shells.

Lemon & Herb Cream Sauce

  • Place 3 cups of Heavy Cream, Cream of Mushroom, Garlic Herb Seasoning, Lemon & Herb Old Bay Seasoning, a pinch of Salt & Pepper into a pot. Heat on Medium/High stirring consistently until all ingredients are incorporated and sauce begins to thicken, approximately 5-7 minutes. Cooking time will depending on your stove and temperature.
  • Add the remaining Shredded Cheese into the cream sauce and continue stirring for additional 2-3 minutes or until cheese is completely melted. At this point, taste to see if additional seasonings are needed. Remove from heat.

Bring it together…

  • Gently pour the Sauce over the prepared Shells. Be sure the Sauce gets in between the Shells and covers the Cheese. Any remaining Sauce can be added prior to serving if more sauce is needed.
  • Place in oven and bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is completely melted and all is heated through.
  • Prior to serving, give a light sprinkle of Tajin seasoning and sliced Green Onion garnishment for added flavor and beautiful presentation. Enjoy!!!
Keyword crab, Lemon Garlic Herb Sauce, Stuffed Shells