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Crab pasta delight served in a white bowl with fresh parsley and lemon wedges

Crab Pasta Recipe


  • Author: Luna
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A quick, flavorful seafood pasta dish featuring tender, sweet crab meat, a light garlic-lemon butter sauce, and fresh herbs. Ready in just 20 minutes, this simple recipe delivers a restaurant-quality taste perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
  • 8 oz fresh lump crab meat (or canned, drained)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Grated Parmesan, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta:
    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
    • Cook the pasta until al dente (reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining).
  • Make the Sauce:
    • Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
    • Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 1 minute (don’t brown the garlic).
    • add lemon juice and zest.
  • Combine:
    • Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat with the sauce.
    • Gently fold in crab meat, adding pasta water as needed for a silky texture.
    • Season with salt, pepper, and extra lemon juice if desired.
  • Serve:
    • Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan.
    • Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

  • Pasta Water: Essential for a light, glossy sauce.
  • Crab Meat: Handle gently to keep it in tender chunks.
  • Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes if you like heat.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: Prep sauce without crab ahead; add crab when reheating.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: Crab pasta, quick crab pasta, creamy crab pasta, seafood pasta, easy crab recipe, garlic butter crab pasta, lemon butter crab linguine, Italian seafood dish