Ingredients
Scale
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients, especially fresh crab and quality cream. Whenever possible, I choose lump crab meat for its tender texture and natural sweetness, which makes the sauce sing. Fresh garlic and a splash of white wine bring depth, while a squeeze of lemon lifts the whole dish with brightness. I always keep my pantry stocked with good pasta and real butter—it’s those simple, honest ingredients that make a difference.
- 8 ounces linguine or fettuccine pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with chicken broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the liquid to reduce slightly. If skipping wine, use chicken broth instead.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and butter. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the crab meat to the sauce, folding it in carefully to avoid breaking up the lumps. Heat through for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your preferred sauce consistency.
- Finish with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch before serving immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Creamy Crab Pasta, recipe, cooking, food
