Silky Creamy Crab Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Culinary magic happens when you whip up this creamy crab fettuccine alfredo that promises pure indulgence.

Seafood enthusiasts will adore every luxurious bite of this elegant pasta dish.

Luxurious cream and delicate crab meat create a symphony of flavors dancing across your palate.

Maritime richness blends seamlessly with silky alfredo sauce, making each forkful incredibly memorable.

Weeknight dinners demand something spectacular, and this recipe delivers restaurant-quality comfort without complicated techniques.

Smooth pasta strands enveloped in rich sauce bring sophistication to your dinner table.

Prepare to impress and savor every decadent moment of this extraordinary meal.

Why Creamy Crab Fettuccine Alfredo Feels Fancy

• Whip Up Gourmet Simplicity: Elevate your weeknight dinner with this luxurious yet effortless Creamy Crab Fettuccine Alfredo.
• Quick Culinary Magic: Transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal in just 20 minutes, perfect for impressing dinner guests or treating yourself.
• Seafood Satisfaction: Indulge in rich, succulent crab meat blended with a velvety Alfredo sauce that creates a decadent flavor profile without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Comfort Dish: Adaptable for special occasions or casual dinners, this recipe works brilliantly as an elegant main course or a sophisticated weekend treat that feels like a gourmet experience.

Crab Alfredo Pasta Ingredient Guide

• Fettuccine: Soft, long, flat pasta that holds creamy sauce perfectly; ideal for Alfredo-style dishes; choose fresh or dried pasta.

• Crab Meat: Delicate seafood protein with sweet, tender texture; select fresh or high-quality canned lump crab meat; ensure no shell pieces.

• Butter, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese, Cream Cheese: Rich dairy ingredients creating smooth, velvety Alfredo sauce; Parmesan adds sharp flavor; cream cheese provides extra creaminess; use full-fat versions for best results.

• Garlic: Aromatic base that adds depth; fresh garlic cloves recommended for most intense flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for balancing flavors; adjust to personal taste.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy element for subtle heat.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds color and fresh herb notes.

• Pasta Water: Starchy cooking liquid helps adjust sauce consistency; helps pasta sauce cling better.

Crab Fettuccine Alfredo Creamy Steps

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Get your fettuccine cooking in salted boiling water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, remembering to keep a small cup of starchy pasta water for later magic.

Step 2: Create Velvety Alfredo Base

Melt butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat.

• Butter
• Fresh garlic

Pour in heavy cream and let it gently simmer, stirring occasionally.

After 3-4 minutes, the sauce will start transforming into a luscious consistency.

• Parmesan cheese
• Cream cheese

Whisk until everything melts into a silky smooth sauce.

If the mixture looks too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to reach that perfect creamy texture.

Step 3: Introduce Succulent Crab

Gently fold the crab meat into your dreamy sauce, warming it through carefully.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Step 4: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Slide the cooked fettuccine into the skillet, tossing and coating every strand with the decadent crab Alfredo sauce.

Use pasta water if needed to help create a glossy, even coating.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top and serve immediately.

Enjoy your restaurant-quality meal right at home!

Crab Fettuccine Alfredo Creamy Tips

• Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency, ensuring a perfectly creamy and smooth Alfredo sauce that clings beautifully to the fettuccine.
• Fold crab meat delicately into the sauce to prevent breaking the delicate pieces, maintaining their tender texture and preventing them from becoming tough or rubbery.
• Incorporate Parmesan and cream cheese over low heat, stirring constantly to create a silky smooth sauce without causing separation or graininess.
• Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to personal spice preference, allowing each diner to control the dish's kick without overwhelming the delicate crab flavor.
• Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy sauce and enhance the overall presentation.

Crab Fettuccine: Keep It Creamy When Reheating

• Store leftover crab fettuccine alfredo in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Cover the pasta with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent sauce from forming a skin and losing moisture.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to restore creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Microwaving can make the sauce grainy and separate, so stovetop reheating works best for maintaining the sauce's smooth texture.

What to Serve With Crab Alfredo

• Pair Luxurious Crab Alfredo with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly cut through the rich, creamy sauce while complementing the delicate crab meat's subtle sweetness.
• Refresh with Citrus Salad Side: Prepare a light lemon and arugula salad with orange segments to balance the heavy pasta, adding bright acidity that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty artisan bread to soak up the decadent Alfredo sauce, providing a delightful textural contrast and extra flavor dimension to the meal.
• Enhance with Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped chives or dill over the pasta to introduce a fresh, green note that lifts the richness and adds a sophisticated aromatic element.

Creamy Crab Alfredo Made Your Way

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk, use vegan cream cheese, and swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast to create a lactose-free version that's creamy and satisfying.
• Seafood Swap: Substitute crab with shrimp, lobster, or imitation crab meat for a different oceanic flavor profile while maintaining the rich Alfredo base.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free fettuccine pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace crab with roasted cauliflower or sautéed mushrooms, keeping the creamy sauce and adding extra herbs like thyme or basil for depth of flavor.

FAQs

• What type of crab meat works best for this recipe?

Lump crab meat or canned crab meat are ideal. Fresh jumbo lump crab meat provides the most delicate and sweet flavor, but good quality canned crab meat can also work well if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

While fettuccine is traditional for Alfredo sauce, you can substitute with linguine, pappardelle, or even spaghetti. Just ensure the pasta shape can hold the creamy sauce well and has enough surface area to capture the crab and sauce.

• How can I make this dish more spicy?

Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce. For more heat, include some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce when seasoning the final dish. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preferred spice level.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

The dish is best served immediately, but you can prepare components in advance. Cook the pasta and make the sauce ahead of time, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat gently and combine just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Creamy Crab Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Luxurious “creamy crab fettuccine alfredo” blends delicate seafood with silky pasta in a rich parmesan sauce. Seafood enthusiasts savor each velvety bite of this elegant Italian-inspired classic that promises restaurant-quality comfort on your dinner plate.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked lump crab meat
• 12 ounces (340 grams) fettuccine pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a pot of salted water and cook the fettuccine until it reaches al dente perfection, ensuring a tender yet firm texture. Drain the pasta, reserving a small quantity of starchy cooking liquid for potential sauce adjustment.
2. Craft the luxurious Alfredo base by gently melting butter in a spacious skillet, then introducing minced garlic and allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the pan for approximately one minute.
3. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, creating a gentle simmer that gradually thickens the sauce. Incorporate Parmesan and cream cheese, stirring meticulously until a velvety, uniform consistency emerges.
4. Delicately fold the succulent crab meat into the creamy mixture, warming it through while preserving its delicate texture. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
5. Transfer the fettuccine directly into the sauce, using tongs to ensure each strand becomes luxuriously coated. If the sauce appears too dense, incrementally introduce reserved pasta water to achieve a silky, clinging texture.
6. Plate the dish immediately, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley to provide a vibrant, herbaceous contrast to the rich, creamy preparation. Serve piping hot for optimal flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve some starchy pasta water to help create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every strand of fettuccine.
• Gentle Crab Handling: Fold crab meat delicately into the sauce to prevent breaking the delicate pieces and preserve its tender texture.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Grate Parmesan fresh and add it gradually to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular fettuccine with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to make the dish celiac-friendly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 715
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 660 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 155 mg