Description
A rich and creamy Crab Fettuccine Alfredo combining tender lump crab meat with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, served over perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta. This indulgent Italian-inspired dish is perfect for seafood lovers seeking a comforting yet elegant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Seafood & Garnish
- 8 oz lump crab meat (fresh or canned)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Fettuccine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the fettuccine. Cook according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same pot or a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure it does not brown.
- Simmer Cream: Reduce the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it begins to bubble lightly.
- Add Parmesan and Season: Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg to taste.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until the consistency is perfect.
- Incorporate Crab Meat: Gently fold in the lump crab meat carefully to avoid breaking it up. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes just to warm the crab through.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Use fresh lump crab meat for the best flavor but canned crab is a suitable substitute.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed without diluting flavor.
- Do not overcook the garlic to prevent bitterness.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though sauce will be less rich.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and enhances sauce smoothness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 610 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: Crab Fettuccine Alfredo, Crab Pasta, Creamy Crab Pasta, Seafood Alfredo, Italian Crab Recipe
