Stuffed Shells with Crab
Stuffed Shells with Crab is a hearty Italian-American pasta dish where jumbo pasta shells are filled with a creamy mixture of crab meat, ricotta cheese, herbs, and often spinach, then baked in a rich tomato or béchamel sauce. It combines the comfort of classic stuffed shells with the delicate, sweet flavor of crab meat. This dish is a popular variation of traditional Italian-American baked pasta, often served as a celebratory or special-occasion meal.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein from the crab and cheese, and also contains significant fat, particularly from the cheese and any added butter or oil in the sauce. It provides key nutrients like calcium, selenium, and vitamin B12, with a typical serving containing roughly 400-550 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 38 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
| Calcium | 320 mg |
| Selenium | 28 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.1 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 290 mg |
| Zinc | 2.8 mg |
| Vitamin A | 450 IU |
| Iron | 2.2 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it represents a luxurious twist on a humble Italian-American staple, elevating it with seafood for holidays or gatherings. Nutritionally, the crab adds lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, contrasting with the richer dairy components.
