Creamy Crab Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe: Seafood Pasta Bliss

Whipping up a delectable crab fettuccine alfredo brings pure culinary magic to your dinner table.

Creamy sauces pair perfectly with delicate seafood flavors that dance across your palate.

Pasta lovers often seek comfort in rich, indulgent dishes like this one.

Classic Italian techniques merge seamlessly with fresh ocean ingredients for an unforgettable meal.

Succulent crab meat nestles into silky fettuccine, creating a luxurious experience that feels both elegant and approachable.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures and tastes that will make you the star of any gathering.

Prepare to savor every incredible moment of this restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen.

What Makes Crab Fettuccine Alfredo So Creamy and Delicious

• Elevate Date Night: Transform an ordinary dinner into a luxurious romantic experience with this restaurant-quality seafood pasta that impresses without complex techniques.
• Speedy Gourmet Meal: Prepare a sophisticated dish in less than 20 minutes, perfect for busy professionals craving a delicious and elegant dinner without extensive cooking skills.
• Seafood Comfort Classic: Combine the rich, creamy texture of Alfredo sauce with tender crab meat, creating a comforting yet sophisticated meal that satisfies sophisticated and simple palates alike.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Craft an extraordinary dish using just a few pantry staples and fresh crab, proving that exceptional meals don't require complicated shopping lists or advanced culinary knowledge.

Ingredients for Crab Fettuccine Alfredo

• Fettuccine: A classic Italian pasta that serves as the perfect base for this creamy seafood dish.
• Lump Crabmeat: Fresh, delicate seafood that adds a sweet and luxurious flavor to the pasta.

• Butter: Provides a rich, smooth foundation for the Alfredo sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a silky and indulgent texture for the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty, and nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Minced garlic adds depth and aroma, while salt and pepper balance and elevate the flavors.

• Parsley: Fresh chopped herbs that bring a bright and fresh finish to the creamy pasta.

How to Prepare Crab Fettuccine Alfredo

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook fettuccine in a large pot of salted boiling water until it reaches al dente perfection. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside, ready to soak up the delicious sauce.

Step 2: Awaken Garlic Flavors

Melt butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and let it dance and sizzle for about a minute, releasing its aromatic magic and filling your kitchen with an irresistible fragrance.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

Pour heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow the cream to bubble softly and thicken for 2-3 minutes, creating a luxurious foundation for your sauce.

Step 4: Blend Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety masterpiece. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to elevate the flavor profile.

Step 5: Introduce Succulent Crab

Carefully fold in tender lump crabmeat, letting it warm through for about 2 minutes. The delicate seafood will infuse the sauce with its sweet, oceanic essence.

Step 6: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Gently toss the cooked fettuccine into the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is lavishly coated with the rich, decadent mixture.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the crab fettuccine to serving plates and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while the dish is piping hot, ready to delight your taste buds.

Pro Tips for Creamy Crab Alfredo

• Select fresh, high-quality crabmeat for the most delicious and authentic flavor profile.
• Prevent sauce from separating by keeping heat low and stirring continuously while adding cheese.
• Control pasta texture by cooking fettuccine al dente to maintain a perfect bite and prevent mushiness.
• Enhance dish with optional white wine or lemon zest for added depth and brightness to the creamy sauce.
• Balance rich sauce by serving with a light side salad or steamed vegetables to create a complete meal.

Variations to Customize Crab Fettuccine Alfredo

• Seafood Symphony: Replace crabmeat with a mix of shrimp, scallops, and calamari for a luxurious ocean-inspired pasta experience.
• Spicy Coastal Kick: Add red pepper flakes and a splash of white wine to the sauce, creating a zesty and vibrant flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired version of the classic dish.
• Smoky Seafood Sensation: Introduce smoked salmon alongside the crabmeat and garnish with chives for a rich, complex flavor combination.

Suggested Pairings for Crab Fettuccine Alfredo

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, creamy alfredo sauce and delicate crab meat, cutting through the richness while enhancing the seafood's subtle flavors.
• Create Fresh Citrus Salad: Prepare a bright arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, segments of orange, and shaved fennel to provide a tangy, refreshing contrast to the heavy pasta dish, balancing the meal's richness.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, toasted sourdough or Italian bread brushed with garlic butter to help soak up the luxurious alfredo sauce and add a crunchy texture that perfectly complements the soft pasta and tender crab.

Storage Advice for Crab Fettuccine Alfredo

• Store leftover crab fettuccine alfredo in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days, preventing bacterial growth and maintaining food safety.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water or cream to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming.
• Pour leftovers into skillet over low-medium heat. Add splash of cream or milk to restore sauce's creamy consistency. Stir gently for 3-4 minutes until heated thoroughly, preventing sauce separation.

FAQs on Crab Fettuccine Alfredo

• Is crab a good protein choice for this pasta dish?

Yes, crab offers a delicate, sweet flavor that perfectly complements the rich Alfredo sauce, providing a luxurious seafood twist to traditional fettuccine Alfredo.

• Can I use different types of crab meat?

Absolutely! Lump crabmeat works best, but you can also use fresh, canned, or imitation crab meat depending on availability and budget. Each type will bring a slightly different texture and taste.

• How can I make the Alfredo sauce extra creamy?

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and ensure you’re stirring constantly while adding it to the cream. High-quality, full-fat heavy cream also helps create a smoother, richer sauce.

Crab Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

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4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 13-14 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky crab fettuccine alfredo brings coastal elegance to pasta lovers’ tables. Rich parmesan cream sauce and delicate crab meat create a luxurious Italian-inspired dish that promises restaurant-quality comfort right in home kitchens.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lump crabmeat

Pasta:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine

Primary Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water at 212°F for 8-10 minutes until al dente, ensuring noodles are tender but firm. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Place butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, allowing it to melt and become slightly golden.
3. Introduce minced garlic to the melted butter, sautéing for approximately 60 seconds until aromatic and translucent.
4. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, reducing heat to medium and stirring consistently. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce begins to thicken and develop a silky consistency.
5. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously to create a smooth, velvety sauce. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor profile.
6. Delicately fold lump crabmeat into the creamy sauce, heating gently for 1-2 minutes without disrupting the crab’s delicate texture.
7. Combine pasta with sauce, ensuring each strand is luxuriously coated with the rich, creamy mixture.
8. Transfer to serving plates immediately, garnishing with finely chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous note.

Notes

• Keep pasta slightly al dente to prevent mushiness when mixing with creamy sauce.
• Fresh crab delivers superior flavor compared to canned or imitation varieties.
• Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for richer, more authentic taste.
• Substitute whole wheat pasta for a healthier version without compromising texture.
• Add red pepper flakes for subtle heat and extra complexity.
• Quickly warm crab to preserve delicate texture and prevent rubbery consistency.
• Control sauce thickness by adjusting cream and cheese quantities for desired creaminess.
• Drain pasta thoroughly to prevent watery sauce and ensure perfect coating.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-9 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 700 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 27 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg