Description
Succulent crab fettuccine alfredo brings coastal Italian elegance to your dinner table, merging creamy parmesan sauce with delicate seafood. Luxurious pasta promises a gourmet experience that delights and satisfies with each silky, indulgent bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 1 lb fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seafood:
- 1 lb fresh crab meat
- 1/2 lb jumbo lump crab meat
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Garnish:
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, preparing to cook the fettuccine until it reaches an al dente texture, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the water heats, melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat, creating a smooth foundation for the luxurious sauce.
- Infuse the melted butter with minced garlic, sautéing gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, releasing its aromatic essence without browning.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, gradually whisking to create a silky, uniform sauce that will envelop the pasta and crab.
- Gradually incorporate grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to ensure a smooth, velvety consistency without any lumps.
- Season the developing sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, balancing the flavors to create a harmonious blend.
- Drain the perfectly cooked fettuccine, reserving a small amount of pasta water to help bind the sauce if needed.
- Gently fold the tender crab meat into the creamy sauce, being careful not to break the delicate lumps, allowing the seafood to warm through.
- Toss the cooked fettuccine directly into the crab-infused alfredo sauce, coating each strand thoroughly with the rich, creamy mixture.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and chives over the dish, adding a burst of color and fresh herbaceous notes.
- Plate the crab fettuccine immediately, garnishing with additional chives and serving with bright lemon wedges to cut through the richness.
- Offer additional grated parmesan at the table for those desiring an extra cheesy touch to this decadent seafood pasta.
Notes
- Select high-quality, fresh lump crab meat for the most delicate, sweet flavor and best texture in the dish.
- Toast garlic gently to prevent burning, which can create a bitter taste that overwhelms the delicate crab’s subtle sweetness.
- Maintain low heat when preparing the sauce to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency that coats the pasta perfectly.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, adjusting the cooking technique to prevent sauce from becoming too thin.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 850
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 60 g
- Saturated Fat: 30 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg