Description
Cheesy Crab Pizza Bake is a rich and comforting seafood casserole that combines the flavors of a creamy crab pizza with a bubbly baked pasta-style dish. Loaded with lump crab meat, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, and a creamy sauce, this crowd-pleasing bake is perfect for family dinners or entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lump crab meat, drained and picked over
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in cream cheese, heavy cream, and sour cream until smooth.
- Add Italian seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Mix in 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Fold in the cooked pasta and crab meat gently.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Broil for 1-2 minutes if desired for a golden top.
- Garnish with green onions and parsley before serving.
Notes
- Lump crab meat gives the best texture and flavor.
- Do not overmix the crab to keep the pieces intact.
- Add chopped spinach or artichokes for extra flavor.
- Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion