Description
This Creamy Crab Fettuccine Alfredo is a decadent and flavorful pasta dish that combines tender fettuccine with rich homemade Alfredo sauce and fresh lump crab meat. Perfectly creamy with a subtle garlic hint and finished with freshly grated Parmesan and black pepper, this recipe is a quick and elegant meal that serves four.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
For the Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
For the Crab
- 1 cup fresh lump crab meat
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil fettuccine in a large pot of salted water until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water to help adjust sauce consistency later.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Simmer Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cream slightly thickens.
- Add Parmesan: Whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water to reach the desired creamy consistency.
- Incorporate Crab: Gently fold the fresh lump crab meat into the sauce, being careful to preserve the delicate texture of the crab.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is thoroughly coated with the creamy crab Alfredo sauce. Season with freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the pasta immediately and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or chopped herbs if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Use fresh lump crab meat for the best texture and taste; canned crab is not recommended.
- Adjust the amount of Parmesan cheese based on your desired cheesiness.
- Serve immediately as the sauce thickens upon standing.
- Optional garnishes include freshly chopped parsley or basil.
