Noodles And Crab
Creamy crab and cheese noodles combined with tender crab meat and pimiento, baked to perfection, ideal for satisfying family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook noodles in salted boiling water until tender; drain.
- Put butter and cubed processed Cheddar cheese in a double boiler and heat over boiling water until melted.
- Stir in light cream or half and half, chopped pimiento, and flaked crab meat.
- Mix the crab sauce with the cooked noodles and salt to taste.
- Turn the mixture into a 3-quart greased casserole dish.
- Bake in a moderately hot oven (375°F) for 25 minutes or until bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and adding a dash of Old Bay seasoning to the crab mixture. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute the light cream with a mixture of Greek yogurt and milk. You can also swap the crab meat for shrimp or even chicken if seafood isn't available. Ensure the noodles are al dente for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a delightful contrast, serve with a chilled white wine or a light beer. You can also consider adding a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness of the noodles and crab.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Noodles and Crab in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover to maintain moisture, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Noodles And Crab contains roughly 820 calories, with 7g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value) and calcium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 588mg per serving (26% 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 frozen crab meat instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen crab meat, but make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the dish. Fresh crab will provide a better texture and flavor, but frozen is a convenient alternative when fresh isn't available.
What type of noodles work best for this recipe?
Medium egg noodles or fettuccine are ideal for this recipe due to their ability to hold the creamy crab sauce well. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, try using rice noodles or gluten-free pasta, which will still pair nicely with the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake at 375°F, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
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).