Ultimate Crab and Spinach Manicotti with Parmesan Cheese Sauce

Treat your taste buds to a luxurious twist on pasta night with the *Ultimate Crab and Spinach Manicotti with Parmesan Cheese Sauce*. This elevated comfort dish boasts tender manicotti shells generously stuffed with a rich blend of lump crab meat, sautéed fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, and mozzarella, creating a perfectly balanced filling. Topped with a velvety homemade Parmesan cheese sauce enhanced by a hint of nutmeg, and baked to golden, bubbly perfection, this recipe is as indulgent as it is satisfying. Perfect for dinner parties or a special family meal, this seafood-inspired baked pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. Bursting with flavor and made with simple ingredients, this crab manicotti is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 pieces Manicotti shells
• 1 pound Lump crab meat
• 4 cups Fresh spinach
• 1 cup Ricotta cheese
• 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large Egg
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons Butter
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Whole milk
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Cook manicotti shells in a large pot of salted boiling water for 6-7 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine crab meat, cooked spinach (squeezed of excess water), ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, egg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well.

Step 5

Using a small spoon or piping bag, carefully stuff each manicotti shell with the crab and spinach mixture and place in the prepared baking dish.

Step 6

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in milk and continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 7

Stir in 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Whisk until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 8

Pour the Parmesan cheese sauce evenly over the stuffed manicotti shells in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 9

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 10

Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2202.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4379.2

Total Fat 185.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 97.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.2g
Cholesterol 1008.6mg	0%
Sodium 5432.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 419.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.5g	0%
Total Sugars 37.0g
Protein 269.3g	0%

Vitamin D 277.4IU	0%
Calcium 4331.8mg	0%
Iron 19.7mg	0%
Potassium 3337.5mg	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: 37.7%

Protein: 24.4%

Carbs: 37.9%