Creamy Crab Pasta is a smooth, rich dish with tender pasta and sweet crab meat in a buttery, creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a quick, elegant meal that feels special but is easy to make at home.
I once added a little lemon to mine, and it brightened everything up. Now I always keep lemon handy when I make this!
For a quick boost, toss in some chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan on top before serving. Makes it look nice and adds an extra tasty touch.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Crab meat: Fresh or canned lump crab adds the iconic flavor and tender texture. I prefer fresh, but canned is quick and budget-friendly. Just drain well to prevent excess liquid, and swap with cooked shrimp if you need a seafood alternative.
Heavy cream: This creates the creamy sauce that makes the dish rich. I find using full-fat cream gives the best texture, but half-and-half can work if you’re lighter. Coconut milk is a non-dairy substitute with a subtle sweetness.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings warmth and aromatics. I always crush or mince it finely so it disperses evenly. Dried garlic powder can be used in a pinch but won’t deliver the same punch and aroma.
Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness and depth to the sauce. I recommend freshly grated for the best flavor. Parmesan can be swapped with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or skipped if you’re dairy-free, though the sauce will be less rich.
Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbal note. I love adding chopped parsley right before serving. Dried parsley can be used but lacks the vibrant color and fresh flavor.
How do I avoid overcooking the crab?
Overcooked crab dries out and gets tough. To keep it tender, add it at the end of cooking and heat gently. Avoid boiling or simmering it for long. Usually, just warming it through in the sauce is enough to preserve its delicate texture.
- Cook the crab separately for a few minutes until just heated.
- Add it to the sauce off of direct heat.
- Gently stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes before serving.
How to Make Creamy Crab Pasta?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta
- 8 ounces of your favorite pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
Seafood
- 1 pound of lump crab meat
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
- Fresh lemon wedges (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparation time: 10 minutes. Cooking time: 15 minutes. Total time: 25 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil water with a pinch of salt. Cook pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and stir.
3. Add Seasonings and Crab
Stir in paprika, salt, and pepper. Gently fold in crab meat. Cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat with the creamy sauce. Cook for 2 minutes to meld flavors.
5. Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy crab pasta.
