Cheesy Shrimp Stuffed Crispy Cannelloni

Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the Filling

• 12 oz (340 g) medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp green onions, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning

• ¼ tsp paprika

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Shells

• 8 cannelloni pasta tubes (or large manicotti shells)

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Creamy Garlic Dip

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup sour cream

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tbsp chopped parsley

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1 – Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Cook the cannelloni or manicotti shells until just al dente.

3. Drain and rinse under cold water.

4. Set aside.

Step 2 – Prepare the Filling

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.

2. Sauté the garlic for 30 seconds.

3. Add the chopped shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until just pink.

4. Let cool slightly.

5. Mix together:

   • Cream cheese

   • Cooked shrimp

   • Mozzarella

   • Parmesan

   • Green onions

   • Parsley

   • Old Bay seasoning

   • Paprika

   • Salt and pepper

Step 3 – Fill the Shells

1. Spoon or pipe the shrimp mixture into each pasta tube.

2. Arrange in a lightly greased baking dish.

Step 4 – Add Cheese

1. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the stuffed pasta.

2. Finish with grated Parmesan.

Step 5 – Bake

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

For a golden crust, broil for 2–3 minutes.

Step 6 – Make the Garlic Dip

Whisk together:

• Mayonnaise

• Sour cream

• Lemon juice

• Garlic

• Parsley

• Salt

• Pepper

Chill until ready to serve.

Chef's Tips

• Use freshly grated mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.

• Avoid overcooking the shrimp before baking to keep them tender.

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

• Mix in chopped crab meat or lobster for a more luxurious filling.

• Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These cheesy shrimp cannelloni pair perfectly with:

• Caesar salad

• Garlic butter asparagus

• Roasted broccoli

• Lemon wedges

• Garlic bread

• Chilled Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~560 kcal

• Protein: 34 g

• Fat: 34 g

• Carbohydrates: 29 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 3 g

• Sodium: 760 mg

Serving Description

Golden baked pasta shells are generously stuffed with a rich mixture of tender shrimp, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, then baked until the cheese is perfectly melted and lightly browned. Served with a cool, creamy garlic-herb dipping sauce, these Cheesy Shrimp Stuffed Crispy Cannelloni make an irresistible appetizer or satisfying main course that's creamy, cheesy, and packed with seafood flavor in every bite.