Crab Pasta

This simple yet flavorful Crab Pasta recipe combines tender crab meat with garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs tossed in a buttery wine sauce that comes together in only 20 minutes!

Crab pasta in a skillet.

Crab pasta is a delightful fusion of rich, vibrant, and fresh flavors. The tender crab meat adds a delicate yet distinctive oceanic taste, balanced perfectly by the zest of fresh lemon.

To add some bread and greens to this recipe I recommend serving this seafood pasta alongside my Pan de Agua and Broccoli Salad.

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients for crab pasta.

Lump Crab Meat – Fresh crab meat takes you to a beach right in your own kitchen.

Fresh Lemon Juice – For a clean, tangy taste that pairs perfectly in the dish.

For a full list of ingredients and amounts please see the recipe card below.

How to Make Crab Pasta

Step #1: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the spaghetti to al dente according to the package directions. Then drain the pasta and set aside.

Spaghetti cooking in a pot.

Step #2: Five minutes before the pasta is ready, set a large pan over medium-low heat and melt the butter.

Step #3: Next, add in the garlic, white wine, and lemon juice, turn the heat to medium and let it reduce to a simmer for 2 minutes.

Butter, garlic, white wine and lemon juice cooking in a pan.

Step #4: Then, turn the heat to low and stir in the crab meat along with ½ cup pasta water, the cooked spaghetti, and the freshly shredded parmesan cheese and toss everything together.

Crab pasta in a skillet.

Step #5: Finally, plate and garnish with a lemon slice, freshly cracked black pepper, additional parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley, and enjoy!

A plate of crab pasta with a lemon slice on the side.

FAQs

Do I have to use real crab meat for this crab pasta recipe?

No. I know some folks have shellfish allergies, or simply do not prefer crab. You can instead substitute in imitation crab meat into this pasta dish.

What additional ingredients can I add into this seafood pasta?

If you are wanting a little more flavor in this recipe here are some things I would recommend. Adding in diced tomato, mushrooms, or even a hint of lemon zest on top as a garnish. If you like a spicier pasta I would also recommend adding in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes.

Storage Information

You can store any leftovers of this crab pasta recipe in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days.

You can freeze this crab pasta in an airtight container or freezer bag in your freezer for up to 3 months.

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This simple yet flavorful Crab Pasta recipe combines tender crab meat with garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs tossed in a buttery wine sauce that comes together in only 20 minutes!

Crab Pasta Recipe

This simple yet flavorful Crab Pasta recipe combines tender crab meat with garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs tossed in a buttery wine sauce that comes together in 20 minutes!
5 from 2 votes
Pin Rate
Course: Main Course, Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 390kcal
Author: Linda
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Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb spaghetti
  • 3 Tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic - minced
  • 1/3 cup dry white wine
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 cup crab meat* - ready-to-eat
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese - shredded
  • salt and pepper - to taste
  • 2 Tbsp chopped parsley - optional garnish
  • lemon slices - optional garnish
  • parmesan cheese - optional garnish
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Instructions

  • In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the spaghetti to according to the package directions. Then drain the pasta and set aside.
  • Five minutes before the pasta is ready, set a large pan over medium-low heat and melt the butter.
  • Next, add in the garlic, white wine, and lemon juice, turn the heat to medium and let it reduce for 2 minutes.
  • Then, turn the heat to low and stir in the crab meat along with ½ cup pasta water, the cooked spaghetti, and the freshly shredded parmesan cheese until everything has combined.
  • Finally, plate and garnish with a lemon slice, freshly cracked black pepper, additional parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley, and enjoy!

VIDEO

NOTES

*For the crab meat I would recommend snow crab, lump crab, or even imitation crab meat.
You can store any leftovers of this crab pasta recipe in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days.
You can freeze this crab pasta in an airtight container or freezer bag in your freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 390kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 625mg | Potassium: 261mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 539IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 189mg | Iron: 1mg

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About the Author

Linda

Hi, I'm Linda! Welcome to The Wanderlust Kitchen, where I share recipes and travel adventures from all around the world. Here you'll find a world of recipes you can have confidence in. These recipes celebrate authentic food heritage as well as modern techniques and ingredients. Be adventurous and try a new recipe and travel somewhere you have never been before.  Bon Appétit! Bon Voyage!  

5 from 2 votes

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