### Crawfish Stuffed Manicotti Pasta Recipe: A Festive Italian-American Dish
Looking to add an exciting twist to your next family dinner or a festive gathering? Try our Crawfish Stuffed Manicotti Pasta recipe! This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a blend of creamy pasta and the flavorful, meaty crawfish. Follow these detailed steps to create this delicious meal.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 pound manicotti shells
- 2 pounds raw crawfish tails, peeled and deveined
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups heavy cream
- 1 pound ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
#### Equipment:
- Large pot for boiling pasta and crawfish
- Large skillet for cooking the filling
- Mixing bowl
### Step-by-Step Guide:
**1. Prepare the Manicotti Shells:**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the manicotti shells and cook according to package instructions until tender but still firm.
- Drain the shells and set them aside.
**2. Cook the Crawfish:**
- In the same pot used for cooking the manicotti, add enough water to cover the crawfish tails. Bring to a boil and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until they turn bright pink.
- Remove from heat and let the crawfish cool slightly before peeling off their heads and deveining them if necessary.
**3. Prepare the Filling:**
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms (if using) to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Drain any excess liquid from the crawfish tails and add them to the skillet. Stir in heavy cream, salt, pepper, thyme, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
**4. Mix Ricotta Cheese:**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, remaining mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
**5. Assemble the Manicotti:**
- Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the crawfish mixture into each manicotti shell.
- Place the filled shells seam-side down in a baking dish or individual ramekins.
- Spread the remaining filling over the shells, ensuring they are well coated.
**6. Top and Bake:**
- Cover with shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle extra Parmesan for added flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
**7. Serve and Enjoy:**
- Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
#### Tips for Success:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting to prepare them.
- For a richer flavor, use crawfish heads in the filling if they're available.
- To make this dish even more festive, consider adding red pepper flakes or paprika.
By following these detailed steps and using high-quality ingredients, you can create a delicious Crawfish Stuffed Manicotti Pasta that is sure to impress your guests. This recipe is perfect for celebrating any occasion with its delightful combination of flavors and textures.
**SEO Keywords:** crawfish stuffed manicotti pasta, crawfish recipes, Italian-American cuisine, creamy pasta dishes, seafood pasta, stuffed shells, mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, heavy cream, baked pasta dishes