This Crab Macaroni and Cheese combines creamy, cheesy pasta with the sweet, delicate flavor of crabmeat for a truly indulgent dish. It's the perfect comfort food and ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

This seafood mac and cheese dish is great for holidays, birthdays, or any time you have a special occasion to celebrate.
It can be served as a main course with a side of Air Fried Asparagus and goes great with a glass of buttery chardonnay!
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Why You'll Love Crab Macaroni & Cheese
Creamy comfort food: The rich cheese sauce coats every bite for ultimate comfort.
Perfect for any occasion: Great as a family dinner or a show-stopping party dish.
Make-ahead friendly: Prepare in advance and bake when ready!
Ingredients
Crab Meat: I buy crab legs at the grocer. I never use imitation crabmeat because it is processed imitation seafood with ingredients I don't want to add to my diet.
Pasta: Cavatappi (affiliate link) is my choice. I love how it curls and just looks special.
Old Bay Seasoning (affiliate link): Old Bay is a perfect seasoning for seafood. The slight spice in the Old Bay compliments the sweetness of the crab in this mac and cheese deliciously.
Cheese: I used a pre-shredded Queso cheese (affiliate link). Hubby likes his mac and cheese recipe creamy and smooth. Normally when I make regular homemade mac and cheese I will use cheddar. That would work here also.
See recipe card below for ingredient amounts and instructions.

Substitutions
Many have asked me if they could make this recipe low carbohydrate friendly, below are some ways to do so along with other substitution suggestions.
Low carb mac and cheese: To make this recipe low carb friendly, use the Shirataki Penne (affiliate link) or 4 cups steamed cauliflower pieces, sub crushed pork rinds for the crackers, and 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder for the flour.
Cheese alternatives: Swap Gruyère or Gouda for queso for a different flavor profile.
Crab replacements: Use shrimp, or lobster in place of the crabmeat.
Variations
Spicy Crab Mac and Cheese: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Garlic Herb Version: Mix in minced garlic and fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Panko Topping: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
Equipment Needed
- Wooden spoon (for mixing)
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large pot (for making the sauce)
- Whisk (to ensure a smooth cheese sauce)
- Baking dish

Top Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Don’t over bake: If baking, stop when the top is golden and bubbly to avoid drying out the pasta.
Fresh crab is best: Use fresh lump crab meat for optimal flavor, but canned crab works in a pinch.
Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can affect the sauce’s texture, for the creamiest cheese, grate your own.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad or Pan Roasted Tomatoes for a balanced meal.
- Serve alongside crusty garlic bread to scoop up every drop of cheesy sauce.

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When you make this crab macaroni and cheese recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
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📖 Recipe

Crab Macaroni and Cheese
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces Cavatapi pasta
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup diced onion
- 4 large garlic cloves , minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 3 cups milk
- 3 cups shredded queso cheese divided
- 1½ cup crab meat
- ½ cup crumbled buttery crackers
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