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–+ servings
Crab Pasta Bake

Irresistible Crab Pasta Bake for Your Cozy Dinner Nights

Experience the delicious blend of lump crab meat and creamy béchamel in this Crab Pasta Bake, perfect for cozy dinners.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Pasta (penne or rigatoni) or preferred pasta shape
For the Aromatics
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil or butter for richer flavor
  • 1 medium Onion finely chopped, can substitute with shallots
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced, fresh preferred
For the Sauce
  • 4 tbsp Butter or margarine for lighter version
  • 4 tbsp Flour gluten-free flour is an option
  • 3 cups Milk whole milk or almond milk for lighter version
  • 0.5 cups White Wine optional, swap with vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
  • 0.25 tsp Nutmeg
  • 0.25 tsp Cayenne Pepper adjust to taste
For the Main Ingredient
  • 1 cup Lump Crab Meat shell-free and high-quality
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice or vinegar for acidity
For the Cheese Blend
  • 1 cup Gruyere Cheese or milder cheese
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese do not skip for extra flavor
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese experiment with different types
For the Topping
  • 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs for optional topping
  • 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley or chives/cilantro as alternatives

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • Saucepan
  • mixing bowl
  • Baking Dish

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, add penne or rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add onion, sauté until translucent, then add garlic.
  3. Deglaze the Pan (Optional): Add white wine and scrape the pan, letting it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  4. Incorporate the Crab: Fold in lump crab meat and lemon juice, warming for a minute.
  5. Make the Roux: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour for 2–3 minutes until golden.
  6. Add Milk Gradually: Pour in milk while whisking until thickened, season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne.
  7. Simmer Sauce: Continue to simmer béchamel on low heat for 3–5 minutes.
  8. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, combine pasta and crab mixture, then stir in the béchamel sauce.
  9. Add Cheese: Incorporate Gruyere, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese, mixing well.
  10. Transfer & Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), pour into a greased baking dish, top with cheese and breadcrumbs.
  11. Rest & Garnish: Let it rest for 5–10 minutes after baking, then garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure to adjust seasonings as per your taste, and it's ideal to prepare in advance for best results.

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