Crab Mac and Cheese
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
537 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Crab Mac and Cheese
Description
Crab Mac and Cheese starts by cooking uncooked corkscrew pasta in a mixture of water and milk infused with spices like onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Once the pasta is tender, shredded cheddar and mozzarella are stirred in to melt into a smooth cheese sauce. Fresh crab meat is gently folded in to preserve its delicate texture. The mixture is placed in a baking dish topped with panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a crispy finish when baked.
The resulting dish features creamy, cheesy pasta with a savory seafood note from the crab. The breadcrumb topping adds a crunchy texture that contrasts with the tender pasta beneath. Serving is immediate to maintain meltiness and texture.
For best flavor and texture, fresh crab meat is recommended over canned varieties. Following the method of cooking the pasta in the sauce prevents excess liquid and ensures a creamy consistency.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter divided use
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 4 cups milk I use whole milk
- 1 pound corkscrew pasta UNCOOKED, such as cavatappi or cellentani
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 1/2 cups crab meat plus more for garnish if desired, cooked
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons chives thinly sliced
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 2 or 3 quart baking dish with cooking spray.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the flour, then whisk until combined, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the water and whisk until smooth and just starting to thicken.
- Add the milk and whisk until well combined.
- Stir in the pasta, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Turn the heat to low, then stir in the cheeses. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth.
- Gently fold in the crab meat. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, and stir it into the panko breadcrumbs.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the pasta. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until topping is golden brown.
- Sprinkle with chives and garnish with addition crab if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Using fresh crab meat is preferable for better flavor and texture compared to canned.
- The recipe requires uncooked pasta to cook in the sauce; pre-cooked pasta will affect final consistency.
- Cook the pasta in the seasoned milk and water mixture to achieve optimal creaminess without excess liquid.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 537 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 537kcal | 27% |
| Carbohydrates | 53g | 18% |
| Protein | 29g | 58% |
| Fat | 30g | 46% |
| Saturated Fat | 19g | 95% |
| Cholesterol | 97mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 694mg | 29% |
| Potassium | 360mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 1130IU | 23% |
| Vitamin C | 0.4mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 639mg | 64% |
| Iron | 1.5mg | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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