New England Cheddar and Crab Manicotti

Delight in coastal comfort with New England Cheddar and Crab Manicotti, a savory fusion of rich, cheesy goodness and tender seafood. This elevated pasta dish combines delicate manicotti shells stuffed with a creamy blend of fresh crab meat, sharp white cheddar, ricotta, Parmesan, and aromatic garlic, enhanced by a hint of fresh parsley. A luscious homemade white sauce, seasoned with nutmeg, blankets the stuffed shells, while a topping of golden panko breadcrumbs and melted cheddar adds irresistible texture. Perfectly baked to bubbling perfection, this crowd-pleasing recipe pairs indulgence with sophistication, making it ideal for family dinners or special occasions. Easy-to-follow instructions and bold flavors promise a memorable dining experience that's as satisfying as it is impressive.

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces Manicotti shells
• 1 pound Fresh crab meat
• 2 cups Sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large Egg
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 3 tablespoons Butter
• 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Whole milk
• 0.25 teaspoon Nutmeg, freshly grated
• 0.5 cup Panko breadcrumbs

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined. Set aside.

Step 4

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 5

Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Stir in the nutmeg and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6

Spread 1/2 cup of the white sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 7

Carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the crab filling using a spoon or piping bag, and arrange them in the baking dish in a single layer.

Step 8

Pour the remaining white sauce evenly over the manicotti shells, making sure they are well coated.

Step 9

Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and the panko breadcrumbs over the top.

Step 10

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and golden brown on top.

Step 11

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving warm. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1960.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3981.8

Total Fat 189.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 109.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.5g
Cholesterol 998.9mg	0%
Sodium 10233.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 317.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.5g	0%
Total Sugars 33.3g
Protein 253.2g	0%

Vitamin D 323.2IU	0%
Calcium 3788.1mg	0%
Iron 14.4mg	0%
Potassium 3039.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.7%

Protein: 25.4%

Carbs: 31.9%