Name: Crab Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup dry white wine; 1/2 lemon, juiced; 8 ounces lump crabmeat (picked over for shells); Salt and pepper to taste; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crab Pasta is a simple yet elegant dish that combines the delicate sweetness of lump crabmeat with the rich, buttery sauce, creating a luxurious meal that’s full of flavor. The subtle zing from lemon, the savory depth from garlic and Parmesan, and the hint of heat from red pepper flakes make every bite a perfect balance of taste. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish is perfect for special occasions or a weeknight treat when you’re craving something a little more indulgent.

Ingredients

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/2 lemon, juiced
8 ounces lump crabmeat (picked over for shells)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine or spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
Sauté the garlic: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to brown the garlic.
Add wine and lemon juice: Pour in the dry white wine and lemon juice. Increase the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer until the liquid has reduced by about half, around 2-3 minutes.
Add the crab: Gently stir in the lump crabmeat and cook for 1-2 minutes, just to warm it through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet, along with the Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, adding some of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and help coat the pasta.
Finish and serve: Sprinkle the pasta with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes, if desired, for a bit of heat. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Spicy Crab Pasta: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
Creamy Crab Pasta: For a richer sauce, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream along with the wine and lemon juice.
Garlic Butter Crab Pasta: Increase the amount of butter to 3 tablespoons for a richer, buttery flavor.
Vegetable Add-ins: You can sauté spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes and toss them in for extra texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to bring back some of the moisture. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen crabmeat instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen lump crabmeat. Just be sure to thaw it properly and drain any excess water before using it in the recipe.

2. Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! This dish works well with any long pasta like fettuccine, bucatini, or spaghetti.

3. How can I prevent the crabmeat from overcooking?

Be gentle when stirring the crabmeat into the sauce, and only warm it through. Overcooking can cause the crab to become tough and rubbery.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and crab mixture ahead of time, then just heat it up and toss with the pasta when ready to serve.

5. What can I substitute for dry white wine?

If you don’t have dry white wine, you can substitute it with a splash of chicken or vegetable broth, or use a little white wine vinegar diluted with water.

6. Can I add more cheese to the dish?

Yes! Feel free to add extra Parmesan or other cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier flavor.

7. How do I make sure the pasta is al dente?

Be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking time, but check the pasta a minute or two before the recommended time to ensure it’s al dente—firm to the bite but not hard.

8. Can I add other seafood to the pasta?

Yes! Shrimp or scallops would be great additions to this dish. Just be sure to cook them separately and add them in with the crab.

9. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon?

While fresh lemon juice is always recommended for the best flavor, bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch.

10. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the linguine or spaghetti with gluten-free pasta, and the rest of the recipe remains the same.

Conclusion

Crab Pasta is a delicious and easy dish that brings together the best of seafood and pasta in one flavorful bowl. The combination of sweet crab, buttery garlic sauce, tangy lemon, and Parmesan cheese makes for a satisfying meal that feels both light and indulgent. Perfect for a special dinner or a simple weeknight treat, this dish is sure to impress anyone who loves seafood pasta!

Maggie