Name: Crab Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces Dry Pasta (linguine, spaghetti, bucatini, or fettuccine); Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper, to taste; 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, divided; 2 large Shallots, finely chopped (about 1 heaping cup); 2 cloves Garlic, thinly sliced; 1 ¼ teaspoons Italian Seasoning; ½ to 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, to taste; 1 cup Dry White Wine (Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, or Sauvignon Blanc recommended); 2 pints Cherry Tomatoes, halved (about 20-22 ounces); 1 pound Lump Crabmeat, drained and picked over for shells; 1/3 to ½ cup Fresh Basil, thinly sliced (julienne), to taste; 2 tablespoons Fresh Chives, thinly sliced; 1 medium Lemon, zest (about 2 teaspoons), plus wedges for serving; Freshly Grated Parmesan; Lemon Wedges

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If you’re craving a dish that’s effortlessly elegant, bursting with fresh flavors, and perfect for a weeknight or special occasion, this Crab Pasta Recipe is calling your name. Imagine tender strands of linguine swirled with sweet, succulent lump crabmeat, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant herbs, all brought together with a luscious buttery white wine sauce. It’s a symphony of texture and taste that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several cooking ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. There are two brown shallots at the top left, a bright yellow lemon near the center, and a bunch of fresh green basil leaves below the lemon. Towards the top right, a small white bowl holds dried herbs and red chili flakes, next to two garlic cloves. Below the garlic, a bunch of six red cherry tomatoes rests on the vine. At the bottom right, a white bowl is filled with white crab meat pieces. To the left of the crab meat, there are long green chives, and a tied bundle of uncooked yellow spaghetti stands vertically next to them. A small white pitcher filled with a light yellow liquid, likely oil or broth, sits above the chives. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Crab Pasta Recipe uses a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients that are essential for achieving its vibrant flavor and perfect texture. Each one plays a key role, from the silky butter that enriches the sauce to the fresh herbs that infuse a bright, aromatic touch.

Dry Pasta (12 ounces): Choose linguine, spaghetti, bucatini, or fettuccine—long, thin pasta is ideal to soak up the sauce.
Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper: Simple seasonings to balance and enhance the natural flavors.
Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons, divided): Adds creaminess and richness to the sauce, making every bite indulgent.
Shallots (2 large, finely chopped): They provide a subtle sweetness and depth that elevates the garlic and tomatoes.
Garlic (2 cloves, thinly sliced): Infuses a fragrant warmth that’s essential in seafood pasta.
Italian Seasoning (1 ¼ teaspoons): A blend of herbs that adds a classic Mediterranean flair.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (½ to 1 teaspoon): Optional heat to brighten the dish without overpowering it.
Dry White Wine (1 cup): Using a wine you enjoy drinking makes a huge difference—Chardonnay works wonderfully here.
Cherry Tomatoes (2 pints, halved): Their burst of sweetness and acidity complement the crab beautifully.
Lump Crabmeat (1 pound, drained and shell-free): The star of the dish, offering tender, flaky bites of pure ocean flavor.
Fresh Basil (⅓ to ½ cup, julienned): Brightens the pasta with its distinctive herbal notes.
Fresh Chives (2 tablespoons, thinly sliced): Adds a delicate oniony freshness that lifts the whole dish.
Lemon Zest (from 1 medium lemon): Provides a zesty punch that’s perfect with seafood, plus lemon wedges for serving.
Optional Garnishes: Freshly grated Parmesan and additional lemon wedges for extra flavor and presentation.

How to Make Crab Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The seasoning here is crucial—it’s your pasta’s first layer of flavor. Add your pasta and cook it just shy of al dente, usually about one minute less than package instructions. Reserving a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining will help you create the sauce later without drying the dish out.

Step 2: Sauté Shallots and Aromatics

In a spacious, high-sided skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the finely chopped shallots and thinly sliced garlic, stirring often until they soften and become fragrant—this only takes 2 to 3 minutes. These aromatic ingredients form the flavorful foundation for your sauce. Next, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper, letting them bloom their flavors for about a minute.

Step 3: Add White Wine and Tomatoes

Pour in the white wine, followed by the juicy halved cherry tomatoes. Season with some freshly ground black pepper. Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce to maintain a steady simmer. Stir often as the wine reduces by about half and the tomatoes soften and release their juices, which should take 6 to 8 minutes. This step transforms the dish with a savory, slightly tangy sauce that’s beautifully light.

Step 4: Incorporate the Remaining Butter

Stir in the remaining butter, whisking gently until it fully melts and emulsifies into the sauce, giving it that silky texture that clings perfectly to the pasta strands.

Step 5: Add the Crab Meat

Gently fold in the lump crabmeat, cooking it just until warmed through—about 1 minute. Since the crab is already cooked, you want to avoid overcooking to keep its delicate, tender texture intact. This is the moment your pasta truly becomes special, with those sweet bursts of crab in every bite.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Return the drained pasta to the skillet along with ¼ cup of reserved pasta water. Toss everything together continuously, adding more pasta water as needed. This will create a glossy, perfectly coated sauce that clings to every strand. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the dish is luscious and inviting.

Step 7: Final Touches and Serve

Remove the pan from heat. Toss in fresh basil, chives, and lemon zest, then taste and adjust seasoning if necessary with salt and pepper. Serve your Crab Pasta Recipe warm with lemon wedges and freshly grated Parmesan on the side for anyone who wants a cheesy finish. Enjoy every bite of this bright, buttery, and elegant seafood pasta!

How to Serve Crab Pasta Recipe

A white bowl filled with three main layers: a base of light beige spaghetti noodles twisted and spread evenly, topped with chunks of white cooked chicken pieces scattered all over, and bright red roasted tomato pieces interspersed between the chicken and pasta. There are thin slices of white garlic and small fresh green basil leaves placed lightly on top. On one side of the bowl, there are two thin yellow lemon wedges leaning against the pasta. The whole dish has a light sprinkle of grated cheese and small bits of green chives adding texture. A black fork rests inside the bowl on the left side, with a soft beige cloth partially covering the white marbled surface underneath the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finishing this Crab Pasta Recipe with fresh herbs like basil and chives adds aromatic bursts, while a sprinkle of lemon zest introduces a refreshing zing. If you love a bit of savory depth, freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a perfect optional touch. Don’t forget those lemon wedges on the side—they invite your guests to brighten each forkful as they please.

Side Dishes

Because this pasta is rich yet fresh, pairing it with crisp, simple sides works beautifully. Consider a green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted asparagus for crunch and earthiness. Crusty bread is great for sopping up any leftover sauce, making sure nothing good is wasted.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, twirl portions of the crab pasta into neat nests on each plate and garnish with whole basil leaves or a scattering of fresh chives. Serving it in shallow bowls rather than deep dishes also allows the vibrant colors to shine and helps guests savor the sauce with every bite. Adding edible flowers or a drizzle of good olive oil can turn your meal into a stunning centerpiece for the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Crab Pasta Recipe, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Since seafood is delicate, it’s best to enjoy it fresh, but properly stored leftovers still make for a delicious quick meal the next day.

Freezing

Freezing crab pasta is not recommended, as the texture of both the crab and the pasta can suffer upon thawing. The flavors might also become muted. For the best experience, stick to fresh preparation or refrigerate leftovers instead.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the crab pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or white wine to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating is possible but can make the pasta dry or rubbery. Slow reheating ensures the crab stays tender and the sauce remains silky.

FAQs

Can I use canned crabmeat for this recipe?

While fresh or lump crabmeat offers the best texture and flavor, canned crabmeat can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to drain it well and add it gently to avoid breaking the delicate pieces.

What type of pasta works best for Crab Pasta Recipe?

Long, thin pasta like linguine, spaghetti, bucatini, or fettuccine complements this dish beautifully by providing an ideal surface to hold the sauce without overpowering the crab.

Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

This particular Crab Pasta Recipe centers around crab, so for vegetarian or vegan versions, you might consider swapping the crab for mock seafood or hearty vegetables and replacing butter with plant-based alternatives.

Is it necessary to use white wine?

White wine adds acidity and depth to the sauce, but if you prefer not to cook with alcohol, you can substitute with clam juice, chicken broth, or even a combination of water and lemon juice for a similar effect.

How do I pick good quality crabmeat?

Look for lump crabmeat that’s fresh, with no strong fishy odor, and free from shells. It’s best to buy from trusted seafood markets or reputable grocery stores for the freshest results.

Final Thoughts

This Crab Pasta Recipe truly stands out as a simple yet sophisticated dish that brings the luxury of the sea right to your dinner table. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself to something special after a busy day, it’s wonderfully approachable and delightfully satisfying. Give this recipe a try—you might just find it becoming your go-to for an easy, elegant seafood meal that never disappoints.