CRAB MACARONI & CHEESE

Crab Macaroni & Cheese image

Crab and mushrooms put a deliciously different spin on classic macaroni and cheese. It's an upscale casserole for special occasions...but my family could eat it every day!-Angela Ochoa, Lake Elsinore, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 1h

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 19

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
6 baby portobello mushrooms
2 green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon plus 1/4 cup butter, divided
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon paprika
2-1/2 cups half-and-half cream
1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1-1/2 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese, divided
TOPPING:
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon dried basil
1-1/2 pounds cooked snow crab legs, meat removed
4 thin slices Swiss cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain pasta and rinse in cold water., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute mushrooms and onions in 1 tablespoon butter until tender; set aside., In a large saucepan, melt remaining butter. Stir in flour, mustard, pepper, salt and paprika until smooth; gradually add cream. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in 3/4 cup each mozzarella and cheddar cheeses until blended. Remove from heat; fold in macaroni., Preheat oven to 350°. In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs, butter and basil. Transfer half the macaroni mixture to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Layer with reserved mushroom mixture, remaining macaroni mixture, mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Top with crab and Swiss cheese. Sprinkle with crumb mixture and Parmesan cheese., Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 535 calories, Fat 29g fat (18g saturated fat), Cholesterol 118mg cholesterol, Sodium 534mg sodium, Carbohydrate 42g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 25g protein.