Crab Mac and Cheese with Gnocchi

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Place a large pot of salted water over high heat. Bring to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions. When it’s done drain the gnocchi and place in a 9X13 inch baking dish. Add the crab meat and mix.

In a large sauce pot (could be the same that you used for pasta) melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for a minute. Then add the garlic and lemon zest. Cook for another minute, then add the half-and-half and whisk until smooth.

Once the mixture is warm, add the cheeses. Stir to blend, then add the salt, pepper and nutmeg. Once smooth and melted, taste for salt (add more if needed) and pour the cheese mixture over the crab and gnocchi. Mix together and smooth the top.

Then melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. Once melted toss the butter with the bread crumbs.

Sprinkle the top of the casserole with the bread crumbs. Bake for 20-30 minutes, until the edges are bubbly and the top is golden.

Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm.