Padre Island Shells Recipe

Name: Padre Island Shells
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: ½ cup chopped green pepper; 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions; 4 tablespoons butter, divided; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 cups milk; 1 large tomatoes, peeled and chopped; 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley; 1 ¼ cups shredded monterey jack pepper cheese or 1 ¼ cups monterey jack cheese, divided; 3 ½ cups medium pasta shells, cooked and drained; 3 (6 ounce) cans crabmeat, drained, flaked and cartilage removed or 1 lb imitation crabmeat, flaked; ½ cup dry breadcrumbs or ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

Servings: persons

½ cup chopped green pepper
2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions
4 tablespoons butter, divided
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups milk
1 large tomatoes, peeled and chopped
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 ¼ cups shredded monterey jack pepper cheese or 1 ¼ cups monterey jack cheese, divided
3 ½ cups medium pasta shells, cooked and drained
3 (6 ounce) cans crabmeat, drained, flaked and cartilage removed or 1 lb imitation crabmeat, flaked
½ cup dry breadcrumbs or ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

1
In a large saucepan, saute green pepper and onion in 2 T butter until tender.
2
Stir in the flour and salt until blended.
3
Gradually stir in milk.
4
Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
5
Stir in tomato and parsley.
6
Remove from the heat; stir in 1 cup of cheese until melted.
7
Stir in pasta and crab.
8
Transfer to a greased shallow 2 1/2 quart baking dish.
9
Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
10
Melt the remaining butter; toss with bread crumbs.
11
Sprinkle over casserole.
12
Top with remaining cheese.
13
Bake, uncovered,, for 5-10 minutes or until golden brown.

1187

kcal

Calories

Fat

180

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: ½ cup chopped green pepper, 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions, 4 tablespoons butter, divided, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, and more.

Yes, Padre Island Shells falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Padre Island Shells

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions