Crab Fettuccine Alfredo: A Decadent Seafood Pasta Dish
Indulge in the ultimate seafood pasta experience with this luxurious Crab Fettuccine Alfredo. Featuring tender fettuccine coated in a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce, perfectly paired with succulent crab meat, this dish delivers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re craving a restaurant-quality seafood meal at home or planning a romantic dinner, this homemade Alfredo pasta with crab is sure to impress.
The combination of buttery garlic, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and fresh crab creates a decadent and creamy consistency. Every bite is packed with the delicate sweetness of crab, the umami richness of Parmesan, and the velvety smoothness of the sauce. Enjoy this seafood pasta favorite with a glass of white wine for a truly gourmet dining experience.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A perfect harmony of rich, creamy Alfredo sauce with the delicate sweetness of crab.
- Texture: Silky, smooth pasta coated in a velvety sauce, complemented by tender chunks of crab.
- Aroma: A fragrant blend of garlic, butter, and freshly grated Parmesan with seafood richness.
- Visual Appeal: Golden, creamy sauce clinging to perfectly cooked fettuccine with vibrant flecks of crab and parsley.
- Skill Level Needed: Best suited for intermediate home cooks with some experience making sauces.
- Special Equipment: A large skillet, pasta pot, and whisk for sauce consistency.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The creamy Alfredo sauce is infused with garlic and butter, creating an indulgent richness that complements the mildly sweet crab. It’s a comforting yet elegant dish that’s incredibly satisfying. The balance between the seafood’s delicate brininess and the smooth, cheesy sauce ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
This recipe is ideal for both weeknights and special occasions. It comes together in under 40 minutes, making it fast yet fancy enough for a date night or holiday meal. With minimal ingredients and simple techniques, you can recreate this restaurant-style favorite at home effortlessly.
Crab Fettuccine Alfredo is packed with protein and essential Omega-3 fatty acids thanks to the crab meat. When paired with whole wheat pasta or served in moderation, it can be a luxurious yet balanced dish for any seafood lover.
Sharing a plate of this creamy crab pasta with family or friends makes for a memorable dining experience. It’s the kind of dish that impresses guests, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere around the dinner table.
The ingredients in this recipe are easy to find, making it accessible to home cooks of all levels. While fresh crab is ideal, canned or frozen varieties work just as well, ensuring you can enjoy this dish year-round.
The Recipe
Crab Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pasta pot
- Large skillet
- Whisk
- Colander
- Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz lump crab meat
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
- Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring frequently. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smoothly incorporated into the sauce.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Add the lump crab meat and gently fold it into the sauce, allowing it to warm through without breaking apart.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring all strands are evenly coated.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
- For the best flavor, use fresh lump crab meat, but canned or frozen crab can also work.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
