If you’re craving a luxurious, seafood twist on a classic Italian favorite, Creamy Crab Fettuccine Alfredo is the dish for you. With tender fettuccine coated in a rich and velvety Alfredo sauce, this recipe is elevated by the sweet, delicate flavor of crab meat. It’s perfect for a cozy date night, a special family dinner, or anytime you want to indulge in something truly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Rich and Elegant: Creamy Alfredo sauce paired with succulent crab makes this dish feel restaurant-worthy.
Easy to Prepare: Comes together in under 30 minutes.
Versatile: Works as a romantic dinner or an impressive dish for guests.

Ingredients

12 oz fettuccine
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 oz lump crab meat
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

The full list of ingredients and their measurements are provided below.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add the Crab

Gently fold in the lump crab meat, being careful not to break it apart too much. Let it heat through for 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta

Toss the cooked fettuccine with the sauce, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to adjust the consistency.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Choose Quality Crab: Use fresh or high-quality canned lump crab meat for the best flavor.
Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: It helps bind the sauce to the pasta for a silky texture.
Adjust Consistency: If the sauce gets too thick, thin it out with a bit more cream or reserved pasta water.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Add Vegetables: Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and texture.
Cheese Swap: Try Pecorino Romano or Gruyère for a different cheesy twist.
Protein Options: Substitute crab with shrimp, lobster, or even grilled chicken.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This creamy dish pairs wonderfully with:

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
A fresh side salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette for dipping into the sauce.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to maintain the creamy consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use imitation crab?
Yes, imitation crab can be used as a budget-friendly alternative, but fresh or canned lump crab provides the best flavor.

2. What other pasta works for this recipe?
Linguine, spaghetti, or pappardelle are great substitutes for fettuccine.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time, combining them just before serving.

4. Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Alfredo sauces don’t freeze well, as they can separate when reheated. It’s better to enjoy this dish fresh.

Conclusion

Creamy Crab Fettuccine Alfredo is a decadent, comforting meal that brings a touch of sophistication to your table. It’s the kind of dish that impresses with its flavors yet remains simple enough to whip up on a busy evening. Give it a try, and you’ll have a new seafood favorite in your recipe collection!

Creamy Crab Fettuccine Alfredo

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Author: Jake
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Creamy Crab Fettuccine Alfredo is a luxurious, rich dish that combines the delicate flavor of crab with the creamy goodness of Alfredo sauce. Perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight indulgence, this dish will elevate your pasta experience with its indulgent and smooth texture.

Instructions

Cook the Fettuccine:
1. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. Save about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.
Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
3. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cream cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce gets too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Combine Crab and Pasta:
1. Add the cooked crab meat to the sauce and stir gently to combine, warming the crab through.
2. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
Toss the Fettuccine:
1. Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy crab Alfredo sauce. If needed, add more pasta water to help coat the pasta evenly.
Serve:
1. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can use garlic-infused olive oil instead of butter.
If you prefer, you can substitute the crab with shrimp or scallops.
This dish is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 620
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 43g
Saturated Fat: 21g
Unsaturated Fat: 19g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 39g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 125mg