Go Back
+ servings
Crab Pasta Bake

Crab Pasta Bake: Creamy Comfort That'll Wow Your Guests

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Crab Pasta Bake, a creamy, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
For the Sauce
  • 1/2 cup butter or olive oil for a lighter option
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version
  • 4 cups milk (whole milk recommended; cream can be substituted)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust based on crab's saltiness
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper use freshly cracked for best flavor
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Filling
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter for a richer flavor
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional; replace with chicken or vegetable broth)
  • 1 pound lump crab meat ensure no shells remain
  • 1/2 lemon juice fresh juice is always best
For the Cheese Topping
  • 1 cup Gruyere cheese grated
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/2 cup sharp Cheddar cheese grated
For Garnish
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (optional)

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • Saucepan
  • whisk
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta, cooking until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, sautéing for 5–7 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic for the last minute.
  3. If using, pour in white wine, scrape the bottom to deglaze, and let simmer for about 2 minutes.
  4. Gently fold in crab meat, heat for about 2 minutes, then squeeze lemon juice.
  5. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  6. Whisk in flour into the melted butter, stirring continuously for 2–3 minutes.
  7. Slowly pour in milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Keep stirring until thickened.
  8. Allow the sauce to simmer until it coats the back of a spoon.
  9. Remove from heat and season with salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper.
  10. Combine pasta with crab mixture and béchamel sauce.
  11. Stir in grated cheeses until melted, reserving some for topping.
  12. Pour mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  13. Sprinkle reserved cheese and breadcrumbs on top. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes.
  14. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving and garnish with parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 25gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Enjoy the creamy goodness of Crab Pasta Bake as a comforting dish that's perfect for any occasion.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!