Description
Creamy crab fettuccine alfredo brings ocean-fresh flavors to classic Italian comfort food. Rich parmesan sauce and tender crab meat create a luxurious dining experience you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh crab meat
- 1 lb fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
Dairy Components:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup romano cheese, grated
Seasonings and Extras:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, preparing to cook the fettuccine until it reaches an al dente texture, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta water heats, melt butter in a spacious skillet over medium-low heat, allowing it to become fragrant and slightly golden.
- Introduce minced garlic to the melted butter, sautéing gently until the aroma becomes pronounced and the garlic turns translucent, about 1-2 minutes.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring continuously to create a smooth, velvety base for the Alfredo sauce.
- Gradually incorporate both parmesan and romano cheeses, whisking consistently to ensure a silky, lump-free consistency.
- Season the developing sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, adjusting to taste and creating a nuanced flavor profile.
- Drain the cooked fettuccine, reserving a small amount of pasta water to help emulsify the sauce if needed.
- Gently fold the delicate crab meat into the creamy sauce, taking care not to break the tender pieces.
- Combine the pasta with the crab-infused Alfredo sauce, tossing carefully to coat each strand evenly.
- Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish, adding a bright, herbaceous finish to the rich, creamy pasta.
- Serve immediately, ensuring the dish remains hot and the sauce maintains its luxurious, glossy texture.
Notes
- Select fresh, high-quality crab meat for the most authentic and delicious flavor, preferably lump or jumbo lump crab for optimal texture.
- Reduce cooking time slightly for al dente pasta to prevent overcooking, which can make fettuccine mushy and compromise the overall dish quality.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though this will slightly change the sauce’s richness and consistency.
- Accommodate gluten-free diets by using alternative pasta made from zucchini noodles, chickpea, or rice flour-based fettuccine.
- Control sodium levels by using low-sodium cheese and monitoring salt addition during sauce preparation.
- Enhance protein content by adding sautéed shrimp or scallops alongside the crab for a more complex seafood experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 682
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 883 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg