This casserole is everything a cozy family dinner should be: rich, cheesy, and full of comfort. Tender shrimp and sweet crab get folded into a velvety Parmesan cream sauce with pasta, then baked under a blanket of golden mozzarella. It’s the kind of dish that has everyone going back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Two seafoods, one creamy bake. Shrimp and crab both shine in this rich Parmesan sauce.
- Comfort food at its best. Pasta, cream sauce, and melted cheese make this an instant family favorite.
- Great for feeding a crowd. Serves 6, making it perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.
- That golden cheesy top. The final layer of mozzarella bakes up bubbly and irresistible.
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or small pasta shells
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz lump crab meat, checked for shells
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Seafood Bake
1. Cook the pasta. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the shrimp. Melt 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until just pink. Remove and set aside.
3. Start the cream sauce. Add the remaining butter to the skillet. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1 minute.
4. Make it creamy. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and whole milk. Add the Parmesan, ½ cup mozzarella, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.
5. Add the seafood. Gently fold the shrimp and crab meat into the Parmesan sauce, keeping the crab pieces as intact as possible.
6. Assemble the bake. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread the cooked pasta in a greased baking dish and pour the creamy seafood sauce evenly over the top.
7. Add the cheese. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella over the seafood casserole.
8. Bake until golden. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the creamy seafood bake is hot, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
9. Garnish and serve. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Parmesan Seafood Bake
- Cook the pasta just to al dente. It will continue softening slightly in the oven, so slightly firm pasta holds up best.
- Whisk the flour and liquids together gradually to avoid lumps in the cream sauce.
- Fold the crab in gently. A light hand keeps those lump pieces intact instead of shredding them into the sauce.
- Cover loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly before the center is fully heated through.
What to Serve with Creamy Parmesan Seafood Bake
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs nicely, cutting through the richness of the casserole. Garlic bread on the side is also a great addition for scooping up any extra sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use imitation crab?
Yes, imitation crab works well here and is a more budget-friendly option.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate, unbaked, for up to a day. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if going in cold.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well after baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat covered in the oven until warmed through.
Creamy Parmesan Seafood Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until just pink. Remove and set aside.
- Add the remaining butter to the skillet. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and whole milk. Add the Parmesan, 1/2 cup mozzarella, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Gently fold the shrimp and crab meat into the Parmesan sauce, keeping the crab pieces as intact as possible.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread the cooked pasta in a greased baking dish and pour the creamy seafood sauce evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella evenly over the seafood casserole.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the creamy seafood bake is hot, bubbling, and lightly golden around the edges.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
