Description
Indulge in the flavors of the sea with this delightful Crab Pasta Bake, featuring pasta shells, lump crab meat, and a creamy Alfredo sauce, all baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces pasta shells (such as penne or rigatoni)
- 1 pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- 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.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the lump crab meat to the skillet and gently toss to coat in the garlic butter. Cook for 2-3 minutes, just until heated through. Remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, Alfredo sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.
- Gently fold in the sautéed crab meat, being careful not to break up the crab too much.
- Transfer the crab and pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, if desired, for an extra cheesy crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove the crab pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and crushed red pepper flakes, if desired, for a burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure to pick over the crab meat for any shells before using.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preference.
- For a spicier kick, add more crushed red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Crab Pasta Bake, seafood pasta, Alfredo crab bake