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!
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 9x13 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.