Description
Make this creamy Crab Pasta Bake with tender pasta, succulent crab, and a rich sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions!
Ingredients
12 ounces pasta (such as penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
1 pound lump crab meat or imitation crab
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup chopped green onions
Optional: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set it aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly to create a roux. Gradually add the milk while continuing to whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and thickened.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the sour cream, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crab meat, half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, and the chopped green onions. Pour the sauce over the pasta mixture and gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. If using, sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the cheese for extra crunch.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. Let the Crab Pasta Bake rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and make slicing easier.
Notes
One common mistake is overmixing the crab meat. Gently fold it into the pasta and sauce to preserve its tender texture.
Another mistake is using pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Shred your own cheese for the best texture and flavor.
Also, avoid under-seasoning. Even though the crab is naturally flavorful, the sauce needs adequate seasoning to bring the entire dish to life.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: DINNER
- Cuisine: AMERICAIN
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 533
