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    Home » Recipes » Pasta

    Crab Pasta Bake

    By: Jessica · Posted: Feb 5, 2023 · Updated: Jan 24, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

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    Jump to Recipe 9 comments
    5 from 20 votes
    Crab pasta bake in baking dish with text on image.

    Crab Pasta Bake: This delicious combination of pasta, Alfredo, cheeses, and crab, create a delicious casserole that’s easy enough for a quick dinner idea!

    The Old Bay Seasoning adds the perfect Cajun kick, and the comforting Alfredo flavors are a great combination with the spices. (You’ll also love this Blackened Chicken Alfredo if you love a good “kick” in flavor.)

    Crab casserole being lifted out of baking dish.

     

    We absolutely love using imitation crab meat at home because of its flavor and because of how easy it is to add to dishes. We used it in this crab salad recipe, this Copycat Subway Crab Sandwich, and even in this crab bisque!

    Although you can use real crab in this crab pasta bake, imitation crab can be more affordable and easier to find. So feel free to use either lump crab meat or imitation for this hearty casserole.

    Jump to:
    • Why This Recipe Works
    • Ingredients Needed
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • How to Make this Crab Pasta Bake
    • Recipe Pro Tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Storage
    • More Casserole Recipes You’ll Love
    • Recipe
    • Comments

    Why This Recipe Works

    • Quick Recipe: With the easy ingredients this recipe uses, they come together quickly and before you know it, you can put it in the oven for baking and then it’s ready to serve!
    • Double Recipe for Freezer Meals: If you love meal prepping, you can make a double batch of this, and freeze the second casserole if desired.

    Ingredients Needed

    I’ve highlighted a couple of ingredients with some relevant notes. Aside from this, the ingredients needed are pretty basic.

    Ingredients on table for baked crab pasta recipe
    • Cajun Seasoning – We use Old Bay Seasoning for this crab pasta bake but feel free to use your favorite brand of cajun or creole seasonings. Then if you’re looking for a way to use that extra Old Bay Seasoning, try this air fryer shrimp!
    • Mozzarella – We love shredding our own mozzarella because it creates a more creamy texture. Store-bought, pre-shredded mozzarella cheese usually has a powdery substance on it that can make the cheese not as creamy.
    • Butter – You can use salted or unsalted butter. However, keep in mind when adding additional salt to the recipe if you used salted butter or unsalted.

    Substitutions

    Sometimes substitutions are necessary because of ingredients that are unavailable or needed for dietary restrictions. Here are some suggestions that can help:

    • Pasta – Although we use penne pasta for this, you can use your favorite shape of pasta for this recipe! Angel hair pasta, bowtie pasta, pasta shells, are just a few examples of what may be delicious in this recipe too!
    • Crab – fresh crab is of course a tastier option, however, it can be expensive and hard to find. So keeping imitation crab on hand can be a great substitute.
    • Cheese – This recipe uses 2 different kinds of cheese for topping: mozzarella and shredded parmesan. If you prefer to use a different cheese for the mozzarella and shredded parmesan for the topping, you can! Swiss cheese, Monterey jack cheese, white cheddar cheese, and mild cheddar, are great choices to use if needed.

    Variations

    Want to make this crab casserole recipe but looking to change some things up? Go for it! Here are some suggestions:

    • Seafood – if you want to make this recipe but are not a fan of crab, you can make a similar seafood pasta bake using shrimp, salmon, scallops, or other types of fish! We love shrimp recipes, so if you do too, make sure you see this reader favorite, fried shrimp and this shrimp baked potato!
    • Seasoning – Cajun seasonings can be switched out for Italian seasonings if it’s too spicy for you, and it will become more of an Italian pasta dish.

    How to Make this Crab Pasta Bake

    This delicious recipe is broken into 3 components:

    • cooking the pasta
    • making the creamy sauce
    • baking the casserole dish

    While your pasta is boiling, gather the rest of the ingredients for easy prep later!

    *Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list & instructions!*

    STEP 1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

    Cook Pasta

    Pasta in pot of water.
    Image 1
    Cooked pasta in colander
    Image 2

    STEP 1. Cook pasta. You’ll begin by cooking your pasta, and depending on the type of pasta you’re using, could depend on how long it takes for it to come to al dente. Follow the package directions for cooking (Image 1) usually about 10 minutes of cook time, then drain, rinse, and set aside (Image 2).

    Tip: Cook pasta until it is JUST al dente. You don’t want overcooked pasta. Then, rinse pasta in cool water to stop the cooking process. Make sure to drain well so the water does not make your baked casserole watery.

    Make Alfredo Sauce

    Cream, butter and cream cheese in stock pot.
    Image 3
    Seasonings added to cream mixture.
    Image 4

    STEP 2. Make Alfredo. In a medium saucepan, add butter, heavy cream, and cream cheese, and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the butter and cream cheese have melted (Image 3). Or you can choose to make my homemade Alfredo sauce recipe.

    STEP 3. Add seasonings. When melted, add in the Old Bay Seasoning, minced garlic, salt and pepper (Image 4). Stir to combine.

    Grated parmesan added to cream mixture in stock pot.
    Image 5
    Alfredo poured over cooked pasta.
    Image 6

    STEP 4. Add grated parmesan. Whisk in grated parmesan cheese in to the cream mixture, turn heat to low, and whisk and cook over low heat to simmer for 2-3 more minutes (Image 5).

    STEP 5. Pour creamy sauce on pasta. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the pasta and stir to combine (Image 6).

    Crab added to alfredo pasta mixture.
    Image 7
    Crab mixed in to alfredo pasta in stock pot.
    Image 8

    STEP 6. Add crab. Next, pour the crab meat over pasta (breaking larger pieces in to the smaller pieces if needed) and stir to combine (Images 7 & 8).

    Assemble Pasta Bake Casserole

    Half of the pasta and crab mixture poured in to baking dish.
    Image 9
    Shredded mozzarella poured on top of crab alfredo pasta.
    Image 10

    STEP 7. Assemble Layers. Pour half of the creamy Alfredo mixture in to a 9×13 ovenproof dish or casserole dish (Image 9).

    STEP 8. Top with half of mozzarella. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese, spreading it evenly over the top of the pasta in the dish (Image 10).

    More alfredo crab pasta poured on top of mozzarella.
    Image 11
    Mozzarella and shredded parmesan spread out on top of the crab casserole.
    Image 12

    STEP 9. Add remaining pasta. Layer remaining pasta on top of the mozzarella cheese in the baking dish (Image 11).

    STEP 10. Add remaining cheese. Sprinkle on remaining mozzarella cheese and shredded parmesan cheese, spreading it evenly over the casserole (Image 12).

    Baked crab alfredo casserole in baking dish.
    Image 13
    Fresh parsley sprinkled on top of crab Alfredo bake.
    Image 14

    STEP 11. Bake. Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes until heated through and the cheese is a light golden brown on top (Image 13).

    STEP 12. Optional. If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for color (Image 14).

    Crab pasta bake being pulled up out of dish with tongs.

    Recipe Pro Tips

    • More Mix-in Ideas: This crab pasta bake recipe is delicious as suggested, however if you’re looking to add more items to this recipe, you may want to try green onions, green pepper, red bell pepper, bread crumbs or crushed Ritz crackers to sprinkle on top before baking.

    Recipe FAQs

    Why is my pasta bake so dry?

    Sometimes baking a pasta casserole uncovered can result in a dry casserole. If this is the case, you can cover the casserole with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes and then remove foil to allow the cheese to become golden brown.
    Or, if you have leftover pasta and it is reheated and it comes out dry, it could be because the pasta has absorbed some of the sauce. You can add a little heavy cream to moisten it back up if desired.

    Should you rinse pasta after boiling?

    We rinse our pasta after boiling to stop the cooking process. For this recipe, I do recommend rinsing with cool water, as the pasta will heat back up in the oven.

    Why is my pasta bake watery?

    This could be because your pasta wasn’t drained as much as it should have been.

    Storage

    Refrigerator: If you have leftovers of this crab pasta bake, allow the pasta to cool, and then place in the refrigerator in an airtight container, or cover with plastic wrap, for up to three days.

    Freezing: If you want to freeze leftovers, or you have made a double batch, you can freeze the baked pasta. Simply make sure it’s in a freezer safe dish, and freeze up to 3 months.

    Meal Prep: If you’re making a second batch, you can freeze the pasta before baking. When ready to eat, thaw in refrigerator overnight and then bake according to recipe directions.

    Thaw: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and pop back in the oven at 350 degrees to warm through. (You may want to cover it with aluminum foil so the top does not burn before heating through.)

    More Casserole Recipes You’ll Love

    A baked pasta is a dinner that can be so comforting. This baked ravioli pasta is another great dish for an easy, comforting dinner. Or, if you love easy casserole recipes like this crab pasta bake, we think you’re really going to love these too:

    • Close up photo of a spoonful of a creamy chicken and cheese casserole topped with crispy browned tater tots
      Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
    • french onion beef casserole scooped up out of white dish
      French Onion Beef Casserole
    • doritos chicken casserole on plate
      Doritos Chicken Casserole
    • Chicken Pot Pie Casserole in white baking dish
      Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

    Did you make this? I’d be so grateful if you left a “star” rating below to let me know what you thought! Then, the next time you need a quick and easy recipe, come back to Fantabulosity to browse all of my easy recipes!

    Recipe

    Crab pasta bake being lifted out of baking dish with tongs.

    Crab Pasta Bake

    Jessica Burgess
    Crab Pasta Bake: This delicious combination of pasta, Alfredo, cheeses, and crab, create a delicious casserole that's easy enough for a quick dinner idea!
    5 from 20 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 50 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American, Italian
    Servings 6 people
    Calories 1016 kcal

    Ingredients

    • 14 ounces imitation crab meat
    • 16 ounces penne pasta + water for boiling
    • 1 pint heavy cream
    • ½ cup butter 1 stick
    • 4 ounces cream cheese half of a block
    • 1 teaspooon Old Bay Seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 cup grated parmesan
    • 2 cups mozzarella shredded
    • ¼ cup shredded parmesan

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

    Boil Pasta

    • Cook pasta. You'll begin by cooking your pasta, and depending on the type of pasta you're using, could depend on how long it takes for it to come to al dente (usually about 10 minutes.) Follow the package directions for cooking, then drain, rinse, and set aside.

    Make Alfredo Sauce

    • Melt. In a medium saucepan, add butter, heavy cream, and cream cheese, and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the butter and cream cheese have melted.
    • Add seasonings. When melted, add in the Old Bay Seasoning, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
    • Add grated parmesan. Whisk in grated parmesan cheese in to the cream mixture, turn heat to low, and whisk and cook over low heat to simmer for 2-3 more minutes.
    • Pour creamy sauce on pasta. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the pasta and stir to combine.
    • Add crab. Next, pour the crab meat over pasta (breaking larger pieces in to the smaller pieces if needed) and stir to combine.

    Layer the Casserole

    • Assemble Layers. Pour half of the creamy Alfredo mixture in to a 9×13 ovenproof dish or casserole dish.
    • Top with half of mozzarella. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese, spreading it evenly over the top of the pasta in the dish.
    • Add remaining pasta. Layer remaining pasta on top of the mozzarella cheese in the baking dish.
    • Add remaining cheese. Sprinkle on remaining mozzarella cheese and shredded parmesan cheese, spreading it evenly over the casserole.

    Bake the Casserole

    • Bake. Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes until heated through and the cheese is a light golden brown on top.
    • Optional. If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for color.

    Notes

    Tips:
    Make sure to cook the pasta until it is JUST al dente. You don’t want overcooked pasta.
    Rinse the pasta in cool water to stop the cooking process.
    Make sure to drain the pasta well so the water does not make your baked casserole watery.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 1016kcal | Carbohydrates: 75g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 66g | Saturated Fat: 40g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 203mg | Sodium: 1268mg | Potassium: 340mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 2320IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 479mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.

    Keywords casserole recipes, crab recipe, easy pasta recipe, easy seafood recipes
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Comments

      5 from 20 votes (14 ratings without comment)

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    1. Sherry B says

      March 23, 2025 at 4:50 pm

      5 stars
      I made this for dinner tonight and it was delicious!

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        March 24, 2025 at 9:04 am

        I’m so glad you liked it Sherry, thank you so much!

        Reply
    2. Brandy says

      November 26, 2024 at 8:16 am

      5 stars
      Great recipe! For my own taste buds I added more Old Bay seasoning, spinach and a chopped sautéd onion.

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        November 26, 2024 at 8:48 am

        I love Old Bay a lot too, so I like to add more too, haha! Thank you for sharing!

        Reply
    3. Chris says

      February 17, 2024 at 5:39 pm

      5 stars
      I doubled the garlic and added a big of frozen peas and carrots ( so the grandkids would get some veggies). Freakin’ delicious!

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        February 17, 2024 at 6:46 pm

        That’s amazing!! I love that you added peas and carrots! I’ll have to do that too! 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and the 5-stars!

        Reply
    4. Jessica Bailey says

      March 29, 2023 at 2:56 pm

      5 stars
      Okay this was so dang good! The whole family loved it and we can’t wait to make it again!

      Reply
    5. April says

      March 29, 2023 at 2:10 pm

      5 stars
      My kids LOVE imitation crab meat! This was so good – they absolutely gobbled it up!

      Reply
    6. Jenn says

      March 29, 2023 at 2:04 pm

      5 stars
      This was amazing!!!!! My family loved it, even the kids. I will definitely be making this again and again!

      Reply

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