Are you craving a restaurant-quality meal but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen? Then this creamy crab meat pasta recipe is for you! This dish is surprisingly easy to make, bursting with fresh flavors, and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect healthy meal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant homemade cooking masterpiece.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound linguine or fettuccine pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with chicken broth)
- 1 (10-ounce) can lump crab meat, drained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
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Deglaze (Optional): If using white wine, add it to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off. If substituting with broth, add it now.
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Add the Crab Meat and Cream: Stir in the drained crab meat and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened.
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Combine and Season: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the creamy sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and parsley. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste. Add a little pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
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Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and a lemon wedge.
Cooking Tips for the Best Creamy Crab Pasta:
- Don't overcook the garlic: Overcooked garlic can become bitter. Cook it just until fragrant.
- Use high-quality crab meat: The flavor of the crab meat is key to this dish, so using lump crab meat will make a big difference.
- Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for a little longer. For a thinner sauce, add more pasta water.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Seasoning is crucial. Taste the sauce before adding the pasta and adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to your preference.
Variations:
- Spicy Crab Pasta: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Lemon-Garlic Crab Pasta: Add the zest of one lemon along with the garlic for a brighter, more citrusy flavor.
- Creamy Tomato Crab Pasta: Stir in 1/2 cup of crushed tomatoes along with the heavy cream for a richer, more complex sauce.
- Add vegetables: Sautéed spinach, asparagus, or bell peppers would make delicious additions.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This easy recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want a delicious and healthy meal. Enjoy your homemade, restaurant-quality creamy crab pasta! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!