Creamy Seafood Casserole
A creamy seafood casserole featuring crab and cheese, layered with pasta and herbs, perfect for comforting family dinners or special occasions with rich flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shell macaroni ⓘ
- 3 ounces Neufchatel cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup plain low-fat yogurt ⓘ
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped green onion ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried whole basil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz.) jar diced pimiento (undrained) ⓘ
- vegetable cooking spray ⓘ
- 1 pound crabmeat, flaked
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine Neufchatel cheese, yogurt, ricotta cheese, chopped green onion, dried basil, garlic powder, and diced pimiento in a bowl.
- Coat a 2-quart baking dish with vegetable cooking spray.
- Place half of the cooked shell macaroni in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the flaked crabmeat over the macaroni.
- Spoon half of the cheese mixture over the crabmeat.
- Repeat layers with remaining macaroni, crabmeat, and cheese mixture.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the casserole and bake an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute the Neufchatel cheese with cream cheese or use Greek yogurt instead of plain low-fat yogurt. If you don’t have crabmeat, shrimp or a mix of seafood can work well, making this a versatile dish. Enhance the flavor by adding a squeeze of lemon juice or some Old Bay seasoning. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy seafood casserole is best served warm, garnished with additional chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. It also complements well with crusty bread for a satisfying meal. For a seafood-themed dinner, consider serving it alongside dishes like Cabbage And Shrimp Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Seafood Casserole contains roughly 330 calories, with 13g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value) and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 580mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute the shell macaroni with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli. Just make sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook when baked in the casserole.
Is it possible to prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of crabmeat?
If you don’t have crabmeat on hand, shrimp or a mix of seafood like scallops and fish can be used instead. Just ensure that the seafood is cooked before adding it to the casserole for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).