Crab Linguine

If you’re searching for a dish that’s elegant yet easy to prepare, look no further than Crab Linguine. This indulgent pasta recipe is the perfect marriage of delicate, sweet crab meat and silky, perfectly cooked linguine. With a light and flavorful sauce made from olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of citrus, this dish is sophisticated enough for a dinner party yet quick and simple enough for a weeknight meal.

Crab linguine is the ultimate celebration of fresh, high-quality ingredients, letting the natural sweetness of crab shine through while complementing it with bold yet balanced flavors. Whether you use fresh crab meat or rely on canned crab for convenience, the result is a restaurant-quality meal that you can prepare in the comfort of your own kitchen. Pair it with a crisp white wine, a simple salad, and some crusty bread, and you have a meal that will transport you to the Italian coast.

In this recipe, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the perfect crab linguine, from selecting ingredients to offering tips on presentation, variations, and even how to store leftovers. Let’s dive into the details and make this elegant dish your next culinary masterpiece.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Elegant Yet Simple: Perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners.
2. Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it a great last-minute dinner option.
3. Fresh and Flavorful: The light sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the crab.
4. Customizable: Easily adapted with different herbs, spices, or add-ins like chili flakes or cream.
5. Restaurant-Quality at Home: Impress your family or guests with this sophisticated pasta dish.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving Size: 1 generous bowl of pasta

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 420
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

Ingredients

For the Crab Linguine:

• 12 ounces linguine (or spaghetti)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
• 8 ounces fresh or canned lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, not traditional but delicious)
• Extra lemon wedges for serving
• Fresh basil or parsley sprigs for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Linguine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside. Toss the pasta lightly with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can turn bitter.

If you’d like a bit of heat, add the red chili flakes at this stage and cook for another 30 seconds.

3. Add the Crab and Wine

Gently fold the crab meat into the skillet, breaking up any large pieces but being careful not to overmix and shred the delicate meat. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to meld.

4. Add Lemon and Herbs

Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and half of the chopped parsley and basil (if using). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let the mixture cook for another minute, then turn the heat to low.

5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. The pasta water helps create a silky, emulsified sauce that clings to the noodles.

Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

6. Serve and Garnish

Divide the crab linguine among four plates or bowls. Garnish with the remaining parsley and basil, and add optional toppings like grated Parmesan cheese or extra lemon wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Ingredient Background

Crab Meat

The star of the dish, crab meat, adds sweetness and a touch of luxury. Fresh crab is ideal, but canned or pasteurized lump crab meat is a convenient alternative. Make sure to pick through the meat to remove any shell pieces. Blue crab, Dungeness crab, or even king crab can all work beautifully in this recipe.

Linguine

Linguine is a long, flat pasta that pairs perfectly with light, delicate sauces like this one. Its shape allows the sauce to cling to each strand, ensuring every bite is flavorful. If you don’t have linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta are great substitutes.

Lemon

Lemon zest and juice brighten the dish, balancing the richness of the butter and crab with a touch of acidity.

Olive Oil and Butter

Using a combination of olive oil and butter creates a flavorful base for the sauce. The olive oil adds fruitiness, while the butter provides richness.

Herbs

Fresh parsley is a classic choice for seafood pasta, adding a clean, herby note. Basil is optional but adds a slightly sweet, aromatic flavor that complements the crab.

Technique Tips

1. Cook Pasta to Al Dente: Be sure to cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the sauce.
2. Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy cooking water is key to achieving a silky, restaurant-quality sauce.
3. Don’t Overcook the Crab: Since the crab is already cooked, it only needs to be warmed through to maintain its delicate texture.
4. Use Fresh Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide a brighter, fresher flavor than bottled lemon juice.
5. Season Gradually: Taste and adjust the seasoning at each step to ensure the flavors are balanced.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Creamy Crab Linguine: Add a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche to the sauce for a richer, creamier dish.
2. Spicy Crab Linguine: Increase the amount of red chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
3. Tomato Crab Linguine: Incorporate fresh cherry tomatoes or a spoonful of marinara sauce for a tomato-based variation.
4. Garlic Butter Crab Bowls: Skip the pasta and serve the crab mixture over rice or as a topping for crusty bread.

Additional Tips for Success

• Choose High-Quality Crab: The sweetness of the crab is the highlight of this dish, so opt for the best quality you can find.
• Don’t Skimp on the Lemon: The citrus is essential for balancing the richness of the sauce.
• Serve Immediately: Crab linguine is best enjoyed fresh and hot, as the pasta can absorb the sauce and dry out if left sitting.

Recipe Variations

1. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a gluten-free option.
2. Vegetarian Option: Replace the crab with sautéed mushrooms or roasted cherry tomatoes for a vegetarian twist.
3. Surf and Turf: Add sautéed shrimp or scallops for an extra luxurious seafood dish.
4. Garlic Lovers: Double the garlic for a more robust, aromatic flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing

While crab linguine is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Store the pasta and sauce in an airtight container, and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to revive the sauce.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a little reserved pasta water or olive oil to keep the sauce from drying out.

Healthier Twist Ideas

1. Whole-Wheat Pasta: Use whole-wheat or chickpea pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
2. Reduce Butter: Use more olive oil and less butter for a lighter version.
3. Add Veggies: Toss in some steamed asparagus, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrients and texture.
4. Low-Carb Option: Serve the crab sauce over spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.

Serving Suggestions for Events

1. Dinner Party: Serve as a main course with a crisp white wine, a side salad, and garlic bread.
2. Romantic Dinner: Pair with sparkling wine and candlelight for an elegant, intimate meal.
3. Holiday Feast: Make it part of a seafood spread, along with shrimp cocktail, oysters, and scallops.

Special Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet for the sauce
• Microplane or zester for lemon zest

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use imitation crab?
   While fresh or canned crab is best, you can use imitation crab as a budget-friendly alternative. Keep in mind that the flavor will not be as rich.
2. What wine pairs best with this dish?
   A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with crab linguine.
3. Can I use frozen crab meat?
   Yes, just thaw it completely and pat it dry before using to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.
4. Is Parmesan cheese traditional for this dish?
   While not traditional, a light sprinkle of Parmesan can complement the flavors if you enjoy cheese with seafood.
5. What can I substitute for white wine?
   You can use chicken or vegetable broth, or even a splash of lemon juice mixed with water as a substitute.
6. How do I prevent the pasta from clumping?
   Toss the drained pasta with a little olive oil if it sits for more than a few minutes before being added to the sauce.
7. Can I make this dish spicy?
   Yes, increase the amount of red chili flakes or add diced fresh chili peppers for extra heat.
8. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
   Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce.

Conclusion

Crab linguine is the perfect dish for when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s elegant, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to prepare. The sweet, delicate crab meat, paired with al dente pasta and a light, garlicky sauce, creates a meal that feels like a luxurious indulgence. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to something special, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So grab some fresh crab, a bottle of white wine, and bring the flavors of the coast to your table tonight!

Print