Luscious Crab Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe: Seaside Pasta Magic

Creamy crab fettuccine alfredo dances with luxurious marine flavors that promise pure indulgence.

Pasta lovers recognize this classic dish as a coastal dream come true.

Seafood enthusiasts crave the delicate sweetness of fresh crab mingling with rich, velvety sauce.

Silky noodles provide the perfect canvas for succulent crab meat and parmesan’s sharp notes.

Mediterranean kitchens inspire this elegant recipe that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Chefs know the secret lies in selecting premium ingredients and mastering subtle cooking techniques.

Let’s unlock the magic of this restaurant-quality meal you can craft right at home.

Crab Fettuccine Alfredo with Creamy Sauce

• Craft Gourmet Magic: Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that impresses without complicated techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Swap crab for shrimp or chicken, making this recipe versatile for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Luxury Meal: Prepare a decadent dinner in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous date nights.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy, rich sauce and tender pasta create a universally loved dish that delights both kids and adults.

Ingredients for Crab Fettuccine Alfredo

• Fettuccine Pasta: Classic Italian pasta that serves as the hearty base for this creamy seafood dish.

• Lump Crabmeat: Delicate, sweet seafood that adds a luxurious texture and ocean-fresh flavor to the pasta.

• Butter, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy ingredients that create a rich, smooth Alfredo sauce with a deep, cheesy flavor.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a warm, pungent base for the sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that adds a fresh, light garnish and subtle herbal note.

How to Cook Crab Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Boil Fettuccine Pasta

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Bring the water to a rolling boil and add a pinch of salt.

Drop the fettuccine into the bubbling water and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Once done, carefully drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside, ready for its creamy transformation.

Step 2: Craft Aromatic Garlic Base

Heat a spacious skillet over medium flame. Melt the butter until it’s golden and shimmering.

Sprinkle in the minced garlic and let it dance in the butter, releasing its incredible fragrance. Stir gently for a couple of minutes until the garlic becomes soft and tantalizingly aromatic.

Step 3: Create Silky Cream Sauce

Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic butter. Let the mixture simmer and bubble gently, stirring occasionally.

Watch as the cream transforms into a luxurious, velvety base that will soon become your spectacular Alfredo sauce.

Step 4: Melt Parmesan Magic

Shower the grated Parmesan cheese into the simmering cream.

Whisk with passion until the cheese completely melts, creating a smooth, rich sauce that clings beautifully to your pasta. The sauce should look glossy and feel incredibly creamy.

Step 5: Introduce Succulent Crab

Carefully fold the lump crabmeat into the creamy sauce. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Gently stir to distribute the delicate crab pieces throughout the sauce, ensuring each bite will be a delightful seafood experience.

Step 6: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked fettuccine directly into the skillet with the crab Alfredo sauce.

Use tongs or a pasta fork to lovingly toss and coat every single strand of pasta. Ensure the noodles are completely embraced by the creamy, luxurious sauce.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the crab fettuccine Alfredo to warm serving plates. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and a hint of fresh herbaceous flavor.

Serve immediately while the dish is piping hot and irresistibly creamy.

Tips for Perfect Crab Alfredo Every Time

• Choose high-quality, fresh lump crabmeat for the best flavor and texture in your Alfredo dish.
• Simmer cream slowly to prevent separation and achieve a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats the pasta.
• Add Parmesan gradually and stir continuously to ensure smooth integration without clumping.
• Cook fettuccine al dente and drain immediately to maintain a perfect tender-firm texture before mixing with sauce.
• Fold crabmeat delicately into the sauce to preserve its delicate texture and prevent breaking the meat into small pieces.

Variations on Crab Fettuccine Alfredo

• Spicy Seafood Fusion: Replace crabmeat with a mix of shrimp, scallops, and crab, adding red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Herb Garden Crab: Incorporate fresh basil, thyme, and chives into the sauce for an aromatic herbal flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Crab Pasta: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Truffle Luxury Edition: Drizzle white truffle oil over the finished dish and add sautéed wild mushrooms for an elegant gourmet upgrade.

Pairings That Complement Crab Alfredo Pasta

• Pair Chilled Chardonnay: Crisp white wine with buttery notes perfectly complements the rich, creamy crab fettuccine alfredo, balancing its luxurious texture and seafood flavor.
• Serve Garlic Crostini: Toasted bread slices with a hint of garlic provide a crunchy contrast to the smooth pasta, adding textural excitement and enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Match Fresh Arugula Salad: Light, peppery greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette cut through the alfredo's richness, refreshing the palate and adding a bright, zesty counterpoint to the creamy dish.
• Recommend Sparkling Water with Lemon: Effervescent drink cleanses the palate between bites, helping to reset taste buds and prevent the dish from feeling too heavy.

Proper Storage for Crab Alfredo Pasta

Store leftover crab fettuccine alfredo in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor integrity.

Pack the pasta in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks to preserve texture and taste.

Place portion on microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Warm at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.

Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding splash of cream or milk to restore sauce’s creamy consistency. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

FAQs

• Can I use imitation crab instead of real crab meat?

Yes, you can substitute imitation crab, but the flavor and texture will be different. Real lump crab meat provides a more authentic and richer taste.

• How do I know if the Alfredo sauce is the right consistency?

The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and look smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a little pasta water to thin it out. If too thin, continue simmering to reduce.

• What type of Parmesan cheese works best for this recipe?

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block, not pre-grated cheese. Fresh Parmesan melts better and provides a more intense flavor compared to packaged options.

Crab Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy crab fettuccine alfredo delivers coastal elegance on your plate, blending succulent seafood with silky pasta. Rich parmesan sauce and delicate crab meat create a luxurious Italian-inspired dinner you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 1 cup lump crabmeat

Pasta:

• 8 ounces (225 grams) fettuccine pasta

Dairy and Sauce Components:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Parsley

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Instructions

1. Boil fettuccine in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, ensuring a tender yet firm texture. Carefully drain and reserve.
2. Create a flavor base by melting butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat, introducing minced garlic and sautéing for 1-2 minutes until aromatic and translucent.
3. Gently stream heavy cream into the skillet, allowing it to simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes while stirring intermittently to prevent scorching.
4. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the cheese dissolves completely, creating a silky, uniform sauce.
5. Delicately introduce lump crabmeat into the creamy mixture, using gentle folding motions to prevent breaking the delicate meat. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
6. Transfer the cooked fettuccine directly into the skillet, tossing meticulously to ensure each pasta strand is luxuriously coated with the rich, velvety sauce.
7. Plate the dish immediately while piping hot, sprinkling freshly chopped parsley on top for a vibrant, herbaceous garnish that adds both color and fresh flavor.

Notes

• Customize the crabmeat selection between fresh, canned, or imitation based on budget and availability without compromising flavor intensity.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for superior melting and richer taste compared to pre-packaged cheese alternatives.
• Prevent sauce separation by maintaining medium-low heat and stirring continuously during cheese incorporation to ensure smooth, creamy consistency.
• Adjust sauce thickness by adding pasta water or reducing cream duration if sauce appears too thin or thick during cooking process.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg