Crab and Ricotta Manicotti

This creamy, comforting pasta is an easy dinner that feels fancy but comes together quickly. Crab and Ricotta Manicotti balances delicate crab meat with tangy Parmesan and melty mozzarella for a weeknight-worthy main that also shines for special occasions. For a lighter plate, serve alongside a simple stir-fry like beef and broccoli stir-fry.

Why You’ll Love This Crab and Ricotta Manicotti

• Elegant, restaurant-style flavor with minimal effort.
• Comforting, creamy filling that’s family-friendly.
• Great for meal prep and reheats beautifully for leftovers.
• Uses pantry marinara and store-bought shells for speed.
• Crowd-pleasing option for casual dinners or small celebrations.

Ingredients Needed

• Pasta
  • 12 manicotti shells
• Dairy & Eggs
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Protein
  • 1 cup crab meat, cooked and shredded
• Sauce
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
• Seasoning & Garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions 5

1. Preheat the oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the shells

Cook the manicotti shells according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

3. Make the filling

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, crab meat, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

4. Fill and assemble

Carefully fill each manicotti shell with the crab and ricotta mixture. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish, place the filled shells in the dish, and cover with remaining marinara sauce.

5. Bake and finish

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions Crab and Ricotta Manicotti

• Serve with a crisp green salad and lemon vinaigrette for contrast.
• Add garlic bread or focaccia to soak up extra sauce.
• Top with extra chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
• Pair with a simple pasta side like beef and noodles for a heartier family meal.
• Offer a chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

Tips for Success Crab and Ricotta Manicotti

• Don’t overcook shells; slightly firm (al dente) keeps the shells intact during filling.
• Drain crab well and pat dry to avoid a watery filling.
• Cover with foil for most of the bake to keep moisture, then uncover to brown the cheese.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• For a protein-packed dinner, serve alongside marinated grilled chicken like honey soy marinated chicken.

Variations

Here are a few easy ways to change it up:

• Swap crab for cooked shrimp or lump white fish for a different seafood twist.
• Add finely chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the filling for extra veggies.
• For a spicy kick, stir in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the ricotta mix.
• Make it vegetarian by using roasted cauliflower or artichoke hearts instead of crab.

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