Giada Crab and Ricotta Manicotti

Crab and ricotta manicotti is a luxurious, creamy, and flavor-packed Italian-inspired dish that brings elegance to any dinner table. Inspired by the sophisticated touch of Giada De Laurentiis’ coastal Italian cooking, this baked pasta dish blends the delicate sweetness of crab meat with the creamy richness of ricotta cheese, all wrapped in tender manicotti shells and topped with a smooth, herbed tomato cream sauce. It’s a dish that bridges indulgence and comfort, combining seafood finesse with classic Italian pasta tradition in a way that’s truly unforgettable.

Whether you’re cooking for a weekend gathering or planning an elevated weeknight dinner, this crab and ricotta manicotti recipe is a showstopper. The balance of textures—from the creamy filling to the perfectly cooked pasta and the slightly crisp, golden top—makes every bite satisfying. Not only is it hearty and impressive, but it’s also approachable, especially with this step-by-step guide that ensures perfect results every time. If you’re ready to wow your family or guests with an elegant seafood pasta bake, this is the recipe to try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Elegant yet approachable

• Combines gourmet flavors with comforting pasta
• A great choice for special occasions or family dinners

Creamy seafood perfection

• The blend of crab meat and ricotta is rich, smooth, and perfectly seasoned
• The seafood flavor is present but not overpowering—balanced and delicate

Make-ahead friendly

• Prepare it a day in advance and bake when needed
• Ideal for meal prep or planning ahead for a gathering

Customizable and versatile

• Easy to modify with different herbs or cheese blends
• Can be presented in various styles for events or family meals

A crowd-pleaser

• Pleases both seafood lovers and traditional pasta fans
• Great for those who enjoy a lighter twist on traditional stuffed pasta

Preparation Time and Servings:

• Prep time: 35 minutes
• Cook time: 45 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 manicotti shells (serves 6 people)
• Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells per serving

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 425
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 ½ cups whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained and picked over)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 12 manicotti pasta shells
• Salted water for boiling

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the pasta shells

• Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil
• Cook the manicotti shells until al dente, about 7–8 minutes
• Drain and set aside on a tray with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking

2. Prepare the sauce

• In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat
• Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute
• Stir in the crushed tomatoes and crushed red pepper flakes
• Let the sauce simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally
• Add heavy cream and sugar, then season with salt and pepper
• Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, then remove from heat

3. Make the filling

• In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, crab meat, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
• Mix until smooth and fully combined

4. Stuff the shells

• Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each cooked manicotti shell with the crab-ricotta mixture
• Place the stuffed shells in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish

5. Assemble the dish

• Pour half of the sauce over the bottom of the baking dish
• Arrange the filled shells on top, then spoon the remaining sauce over them
• Sprinkle with extra mozzarella and Parmesan if desired

6. Bake the manicotti

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C)
• Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden

7. Garnish and serve

• Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving
• Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm

Ingredient Background

Ricotta cheese

• A soft, creamy cheese made from milk curds, ricotta provides the smooth texture and richness needed for stuffed pasta dishes
• It has a slightly sweet, mild flavor that complements seafood beautifully

Lump crab meat

• A delicate, flaky seafood ingredient with a sweet, succulent flavor
• Ideal for pasta dishes, it adds protein and a gourmet touch without being too heavy

Mozzarella and Parmesan

• These cheeses enhance the flavor and texture of the filling and topping
• Mozzarella melts to form a creamy layer, while Parmesan gives a nutty, salty finish

Herbs and seasoning

• Fresh parsley and basil add freshness, aroma, and visual appeal
• Garlic powder and onion powder enhance savory depth without overpowering the crab

Technique Tips

• Use a piping bag or zip-top bag with the tip snipped for easy filling of the shells
• Avoid overcooking pasta shells to maintain structure during baking
• Stir cream into the sauce gently and avoid high heat after adding to prevent curdling
• Let the dish sit after baking for neater servings and a more cohesive texture
• Taste-test the filling before assembling to adjust seasoning as needed

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Create individual servings in ramekins or mini baking dishes for dinner parties
• Use jumbo pasta shells or cannelloni as an alternative to manicotti
• Plate with a decorative swirl of sauce and a basil leaf garnish for elegant plating
• Top with breadcrumbs or extra cheese before baking for added texture
• Serve in a round baking dish or cast-iron pan for a rustic aesthetic

Additional Tips for Success

• Always use fresh or well-drained crab meat to avoid watery filling
• Grate cheese yourself for better melt quality and richer flavor
• Sprinkle extra herbs on top before serving for a vibrant presentation
• If reheating, cover with foil and heat in the oven to retain moisture
• Add a touch of lemon zest or a pinch of nutmeg for a subtle depth of flavor
• Allow plenty of space between shells in the dish to avoid overcrowding
• Serve with light, fresh side dishes to balance the creamy pasta

Recipe Variations

• Swap crab with shrimp or a firm white fish for a twist on the filling
• Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a veggie-loaded version
• Use a red sauce without cream for a lighter, tangier finish
• Replace ricotta with goat cheese or mascarpone for a more tangy profile
• Try whole wheat pasta shells to increase fiber and nutritional value
• Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika for a gentle kick

Freezing and Storage

Storing

• Keep leftovers refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best texture and flavor

Freezing

• Assemble the dish (uncooked), cover tightly with foil and freeze up to 2 months
• Bake directly from frozen, covered, for 1 hour at 375°F (190°C), then uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes
• Alternatively, freeze individual portions for easy reheating

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella to reduce overall fat
• Substitute cream with light evaporated milk or a cashew-based alternative
• Load the filling with vegetables like spinach, shredded carrots, or chopped kale
• Use whole grain or gluten-free pasta shells for dietary preferences
• Top with a reduced amount of cheese or skip the topping cheese entirely
• Serve with a light salad instead of heavier side dishes

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Perfect as a main course for holiday dinners, seafood nights, or romantic meals
• Pair with arugula or citrus-dressed salads for contrast
• Complement with breadsticks, focaccia, or garlic rolls
• Offer a fresh fruit spritzer, citrus-infused sparkling water, or non-alcoholic grape juice
• Begin the meal with a light antipasto platter or soup starter
• Serve on a large platter with fresh basil for buffet-style presentation

Special Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Mixing bowls
• Piping bag or zip-top bag
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Medium saucepan
• Foil for baking cover
• Cheese grater
• Serving spatula or spoon

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use imitation crab in this recipe?

• Yes, imitation crab can be used if real crab is unavailable. While the flavor differs slightly, it still provides a delicious and affordable alternative in the filling.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

• Definitely. Prepare and assemble the manicotti up to a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and bake just before serving. Increase bake time slightly if starting from cold.

3. What kind of crab meat is best?

• Lump crab meat is ideal for its sweet, tender texture. Backfin or claw meat are also acceptable options and offer a more budget-friendly alternative.

4. How can I prevent the shells from tearing?

• Cook the pasta until just al dente and toss with olive oil after draining. Handle carefully during stuffing to keep the shells intact.

5. Can I freeze this dish?

• Yes. You can freeze before baking or after. Freezing prior to baking preserves the best texture. Bake straight from frozen following proper reheating guidelines.

6. Is this recipe family-friendly?

• Absolutely. Kids enjoy the mild, creamy flavors. You can omit spicy elements like red pepper flakes to make it even more kid-appropriate.

7. Can I use other seafood?

• Yes, shrimp, scallops, or even flaky white fish like cod can be used. Make sure the seafood is cooked and well-drained before adding to the filling.

8. What’s the best way to reheat these patties?

• Reheat in a skillet, oven, or air fryer until warmed through. Avoid the microwave, which can make them rubbery or dry.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Chicken Patties bring together the fresh, aromatic flavors of the Mediterranean in a simple yet satisfying dish that’s both nourishing and versatile. Whether served with vibrant salads, tucked into warm wraps, or paired with dips and grains, these patties offer endless ways to elevate your everyday meals. Their balance of lean protein, herbs, and savory elements makes them an ideal staple for anyone seeking wholesome, flavor-forward cooking.

This recipe is easy enough for beginners yet rewarding enough for seasoned home cooks. With tips on variations, storage, and presentation, you’ll have plenty of inspiration to enjoy this dish in new and exciting ways each time. Prepare a batch today, and let your kitchen come alive with the warmth and richness of Mediterranean cuisine.

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