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Baked Crab Pasta

Creamy Baked Crab Pasta: Comfort Food Made Easy

Indulge in this Baked Crab Pasta, a creamy dish that's an easy yet impressive option for dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 16 oz Barilla Penne Any pasta shape can be used.
For the Crab Mixture
  • 16 oz Lump Crab Meat Canned crab works too, drain it well.
  • 14 oz Sour Cream Daisy recommended for best results.
  • 1 Bell Pepper Diced; red or green pepper can be substituted.
  • 1 Onion Diced; shallots or green onions are great substitutes.
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter Kerrygold preferred; can be replaced with olive oil.
For Seasoning
  • 3/4 tsp Oregano Fresh oregano is a wonderful substitute.
  • 3/4 tsp Garlic Powder Fresh garlic (1 clove minced) can be used.
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Pepper
  • 1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika May be omitted or switched for regular paprika.
For Topping
  • 4 oz Swiss Cheese Grated fresh; can be swapped for Gruyère or mozzarella.
  • 4 oz Cheddar Cheese Grated fresh; any melty cheese can be substituted.
  • Green Onion For garnish.

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • skillet
  • large pot
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by dicing one onion and one bell pepper, setting the colorful veggies aside for later. Grate 4 oz each of Swiss and cheddar cheese, preparing your creamy topping. In a separate pot, boil salted water for cooking your 16 oz of Barilla penne pasta.
  2. Once the water is at a rolling boil, add the penne pasta and cook it until just al dente, about 9-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside in a large bowl to cool slightly.
  3. In a skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and bell peppers, sautéing for about 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. In the large bowl with your cooled pasta, gently fold in the sautéed vegetable mixture, along with the lump crab meat and sour cream. Mix until everything is well combined.
  5. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish, then carefully transfer the combined pasta mixture into it. Top with the grated Swiss and cheddar cheeses.
  6. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the Baked Crab Pasta for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
  7. After baking, remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 550mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Undercook the pasta by 2 minutes to avoid mushiness. Drain crab well to prevent excess moisture. Distribute sour cream evenly to avoid dry spots. Cover with foil for the first 15 minutes if browning too quickly. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

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