Creamy Crab & Tomato Pasta Bake
This delightful Creamy Crab & Tomato Pasta Bake is inspired by my mother's classic macaroni and cheese recipe, infused with the luxurious flavors of fresh Dungeness crab. The combination of chunky crabmeat and juicy tomatoes creates a sumptuous dish that elevates the traditional comfort food experience. While my mom often used bacon or sausage, the crab adds a special sweetness and savory depth that truly shines. Featuring whole-grain rotini for added texture, this baked pasta dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. A sprinkle of sea salt during pasta cooking enhances its flavor, making every bite a delightful surprise. Serve this dish fresh out of the oven for a comforting meal that your family will love!
6
Servings
263
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dungeness crabmeat
1 1/2 cups (Leave as chunky as possible)
Whole tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (Drained and each tomato quartered)
Rotini pasta
1 (13 1/4 ounce) box (Cooked al dente)
Butter
1/4 cup (Melted)
Onion
1/4 cup (Diced)
Flour
1/4 cup (As is)
Milk
2 cups (As is)
Cheese
1 1/2 cups (Shredded)
Salt
To taste (As is)
Pepper
To taste (As is)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
4
Whisk in the flour gradually, stirring constantly, until it forms a thick paste.
5
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and has thickened to a gravy-like consistency.
6
Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste.
7
Fold in the quartered tomatoes and chunked crabmeat gently, ensuring not to break up the crab too much.
8
Combine the cooked rotini with the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat all the pasta.
9
Transfer the mixture into a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
24g
Carbs
13g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Crab & Tomato Pasta Bake?
This dish is a luxurious comfort food meal inspired by a classic macaroni and cheese recipe, elevated with Dungeness crab and juicy tomatoes.
What inspired this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by the author's mother's classic macaroni and cheese, which often featured bacon or sausage.
What type of crabmeat is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 1.5 cups of Dungeness crabmeat.
How should the crabmeat be prepared?
The crabmeat should be left as chunky as possible to maintain its texture in the bake.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a 13.25 ounce box of rotini pasta, preferably whole-grain.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This pasta bake makes approximately 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 263 calories per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving contains 13g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 12g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 24g of carbohydrates.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long should the pasta bake in the oven?
The dish should bake for 30 minutes until it is bubbly and golden.
What size baking dish is needed?
A greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish is required for this recipe.
How should the pasta be cooked before baking?
The rotini should be boiled in salted water until it reaches an al dente texture.
What type of tomatoes are used?
The recipe calls for one 14.5 ounce can of whole tomatoes, drained and quartered.
How do you make the cheese sauce base?
The sauce starts with a roux made of melted butter and flour, followed by milk and shredded cheese.
How much cheese is required?
You will need 1.5 cups of shredded cheese.
What kind of milk is needed for the sauce?
The recipe requires 2 cups of milk to create the gravy-like consistency.
How long should the onions be sautéed?
Diced onions should be sautéed in butter for about 4 to 5 minutes until translucent.
Are there any specific seasonings used?
The dish is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste, and sea salt is recommended for the pasta water.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pasta, crab, macaroni and cheese, baked pasta, comfort food, seafood, tomato, and cheesy.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner and family meal, making it great for weeknights.
How much butter is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of melted butter.
How much flour is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of flour to help thicken the sauce.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I use other seafood?
While this recipe features crab, it is a variation of a mac and cheese that could technically accommodate other proteins.
How do I avoid breaking up the crabmeat?
Gently fold the crabmeat into the sauce along with the tomatoes to keep the pieces chunky.
Is the serving size specified?
The recipe yields 6 servings, though the specific weight of a single serving is not provided.
Does the recipe contain fiber?
While the specific fiber count is not listed, using whole-grain rotini adds more texture and fiber than refined pasta.
When should I serve this dish?
It is best served fresh out of the oven for the most comforting experience.