Sea Shell Crab Casserole

Dive into the comfort of coastal cuisine with this indulgent Sea Shell Crab Casserole—an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknights or special gatherings. Tender pasta shells are combined with succulent crab meat and enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, parmesan, and a hint of cream. Infused with bright lemon zest, aromatic garlic, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this casserole is then topped with golden, crispy panko breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch. Baked to perfection in just 25 minutes, this seafood-inspired casserole is a harmonious blend of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 8 oz medium pasta shells
• 12 oz crab meat (lump or claw, fresh or canned)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups whole milk
• 0.5 cups heavy cream
• 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cups parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 cups yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp parsley, freshly chopped
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 0.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp paprika (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish and set aside.

Step 2

Cook the pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.

Step 5

Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened.

Step 6

Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and lemon zest.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta shells and crab meat to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine. Fold in 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley.

Step 8

Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it into an even layer.

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, remaining 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese, and a pinch of paprika (if using). Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 10

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with the remaining parsley before serving.

Step 12

Serve warm and enjoy your Sea Shell Crab Casserole!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1441.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3058.9

Total Fat 163.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 91.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.4g
Cholesterol 629.8mg	0%
Sodium 5919.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 230.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.3g	0%
Total Sugars 31.0g
Protein 165.2g	0%

Vitamin D 201.5IU	0%
Calcium 2449.2mg	0%
Iron 10.5mg	0%
Potassium 2222.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.2%

Protein: 21.6%

Carbs: 30.2%