Overnight Seafood And Macaroni Casserole
A creamy overnight casserole blending seafood, pasta, and vegetables with cheesy goodness, perfect for a comforting family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. imitation crab, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can condensed cream of celery or cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 cup small elbow macaroni or shell pasta ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. minced fresh or freeze-dried chives
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar or American cheese (4 oz.) ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) package frozen peas and carrots, thawed ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish with cover, combine all ingredients except peas and carrots; mix well.
- Cover dish and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake, covered, for 45 minutes.
- Stir in peas and carrots.
- Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until set.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating a splash of lemon juice or a dash of garlic powder into the mix. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked pasta or even swap in another type of seafood, like shrimp or scallops. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses; gouda or mozzarella can also work well in this casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole warm, garnished with fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Aunt Frances' Party Crackers for an extra crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until heated through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. This dish can also be frozen for up to two months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Overnight Seafood And Macaroni Casserole contains roughly 402 calories, with 17g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (321% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (165% of the Daily Value), and iron (64% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 646mg per serving (28% 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 fresh seafood instead of imitation crab?
Yes, you can substitute fresh crab or shrimp for the imitation crab. Make sure to adjust the cooking time if using larger pieces of seafood, as they may need additional time to cook through.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the casserole overnight?
While it's not strictly necessary, refrigerating the casserole overnight allows the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb the liquid, resulting in a creamier texture. If you're short on time, refrigerating for at least 4 hours can still yield good results.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta. Ensure that the cream of celery or mushroom soup is also gluten-free, or make your own using gluten-free ingredients for a delicious alternative.
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).