Description
Crab Fettuccine Alfredo is a creamy and elegant pasta dish featuring tender fettuccine noodles tossed in a rich Parmesan Alfredo sauce with garlic, lemon, and succulent crab meat. Perfect for seafood lovers and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces cooked crab meat, picked over for shells
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine until al dente, about 10–12 minutes. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Stir in lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Add cooked fettuccine and toss gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Fold in the cooked crab meat carefully to keep the lumps intact. Warm through for 1–2 minutes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use lump crab meat for best texture and flavor, but imitation crab works as a budget option.
- To prevent curdling, do not boil the Alfredo sauce once the cheese is added.
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or butter with the Parmesan.
- Pair with garlic bread or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
