Description
Crab Fettuccine Alfredo is a luscious seafood pasta dish featuring tender lump crab meat tossed with al dente fettuccine in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce enhanced by garlic and a hint of lemon. Perfect for a comforting yet elegant main course, this recipe combines classic Italian flavors with fresh seafood for a delectable meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Seafood
- 8 oz lump crab meat, drained and picked over for shells
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside to keep warm.
- Prepare the sauce base: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, which infuses the butter with a gentle garlic flavor.
- Make the creamy sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Add crab and season: Reduce the heat to low and carefully fold in the lump crab meat, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to warm the crab through and allow the flavors to meld.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly with the creamy crab sauce.
- Serve: Plate the crab Alfredo immediately and garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a burst of color and fresh herbaceous notes.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- You can substitute fresh lump crab meat with imitation crab if fresh is not available, though flavor and texture may vary.
- Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete and balanced meal.
