By the Sea Casserole

Dive into coastal flavors with this indulgent By the Sea Casserole, a creamy and seafood-packed pasta bake that’s sure to transport your taste buds to the shoreline. Juicy shrimp, tender lump crab meat, and al dente penne pasta come together in a rich, velvety sauce made with Parmesan and sharp cheddar cheeses, accented by a touch of lemon for brightness. Topped with golden, crispy panko breadcrumbs, this oven-baked casserole is the ultimate combination of comfort food and gourmet dining. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, this dish is ready in under an hour and serves up to six—a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make yet irresistibly impressive. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot for an unforgettable seafood feast.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound lump crab meat
• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly to create a roux. Cook for 1 minute while stirring.

Step 5

Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.

Step 6

Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cheddar cheese, continuing to whisk until the cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

Step 7

In the prepared casserole dish, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, crab meat, and cheese sauce. Mix gently to incorporate.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.

Step 9

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2114.6 grams (2114.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3899

Total Fat 152.80g	196%
Saturated Fat 73.60g	368%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.00g
Cholesterol 1463mg	488%
Sodium 7548mg	328%
Total Carbohydrate 337.50g	123%
Dietary Fiber 15.30g	55%
Total Sugars 28.30g
Protein 317.90g	636%

Vitamin D 1050IU	5249%
Calcium 2841mg	219%
Iron 23mg	128%
Potassium 4486mg	95%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.4%

Protein: 31.8%

Carbs: 33.8%