Crab Alfredo

Crab Alfredo Recipe - Authentic Italian pasta dish with crab and parmesan cheese

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Crab Alfredo is a delicious and creamy pasta dish that combines the rich flavors of crab meat with a decadent Alfredo sauce. This recipe is perfect for seafood lovers looking for a comforting and satisfying meal.

History

The origins of Crab Alfredo are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been inspired by the classic Italian dish, Fettuccine Alfredo. The addition of crab meat adds a unique twist to this traditional recipe, creating a luxurious and indulgent dish that is perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients

8 oz (227 g) of linguine
canned or chunked crab meat
4 tbsp of butter
2 cups of half-and-half
0.5 cup (or more) of shredded or grated parmesan cheese
Season with cayenne pepper

How to prepare

Boil the linguine.
Melt the butter in a saucepan and stir in the flour. Let it cook until the mixture becomes sandy but not colored.
Gradually stir in the half-and-half. Do not pour it all at once. Let it thicken.
Add as much cheese as desired.
Add the crab meat and simmer until the crab is heated through.
If desired, sprinkle in cayenne pepper. Add it very slowly as a little bit goes a long way!
Serve with linguine and enjoy :)

Variations

Substitute shrimp or lobster for the crab meat for a different seafood twist.
Add chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a pop of freshness.
Use a combination of different cheeses, such as mozzarella or Gruyere, for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the linguine al dente to ensure that it retains a slightly firm texture when combined with the creamy Alfredo sauce.

- Use fresh or high-quality canned crab meat for the best flavor and texture.

- Adjust the amount of cheese and cayenne pepper to suit your personal taste preferences.

- Be careful not to overcook the crab meat, as it can become tough and rubbery if cooked for too long.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Crab Alfredo with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Pair with a crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay, to complement the creamy flavors of the dish.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to stir the Alfredo sauce constantly to prevent it from burning or sticking to the pan.

- Simmer the crab meat gently to avoid overcooking and toughening the meat.

- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use heavy cream instead of half-and-half for a richer and creamier sauce.

- Substitute fettuccine or spaghetti for linguine if desired.

- Use a different type of cheese, such as Romano or Asiago, for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the Alfredo sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

- Cook the linguine in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat by tossing it in boiling water for a few seconds before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Crab Alfredo with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. - Serve the dish in individual pasta bowls for an elegant presentation. - Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Crab Alfredo with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the creamy flavors of the dish.

- Pair with a side of garlic bread or a Caesar salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Approximately 600 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Linguine: 56g per serving

- Half-and-half: 10g per serving

- Parmesan cheese: 2g per serving

- Total Carbohydrates: 68g per serving

Fats

- Butter: 18g per serving

- Half-and-half: 20g per serving

- Parmesan cheese: 10g per serving

- Total Fats: 48g per serving

Proteins

- Crab meat: 20g per serving

- Total Proteins: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Calcium: 20% of daily value per serving

- Iron: 10% of daily value per serving

- Vitamin A: 15% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains dairy (butter, half-and-half, Parmesan cheese)

- Contains shellfish (crab meat)

Summary

Crab Alfredo is a rich and indulgent dish that is high in calories, fats, and proteins. It is a great source of calcium and vitamin A, but may not be suitable for those with dairy or shellfish allergies.

Summary

Crab Alfredo is a luxurious and indulgent pasta dish that combines the rich flavors of crab meat with a creamy Alfredo sauce. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or when you're craving a comforting and satisfying meal. Enjoy the decadent flavors of this dish with a side salad and a glass of white wine for a complete dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old cookbook that had belonged to my own grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, a faded piece of paper fell out and fluttered to the ground. Curious, I picked it up and saw that it was a recipe for Crab Alfredo.

I had never made Crab Alfredo before, but the combination of creamy sauce and succulent crab meat sounded absolutely delicious. I could almost taste it as I read through the ingredients and instructions. I knew I had to give it a try.

I set to work gathering all the necessary ingredients: lump crab meat, heavy cream, butter, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and of course, fettuccine pasta. As I chopped and sautéed and stirred, the kitchen filled with the heavenly aroma of garlic and butter.

The sauce came together beautifully, thickening and coating the back of a spoon just as it should. I added the crab meat, letting it warm through in the sauce before pouring it over the cooked pasta. The final touch was a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese.

As I took my first bite, I knew I had stumbled upon a culinary masterpiece. The creamy sauce was perfectly balanced by the sweet and briny flavor of the crab meat. Each bite was a symphony of flavors and textures that danced across my taste buds.

I couldn't wait to share this recipe with my family and friends. I invited them over for a special dinner, where I served my homemade Crab Alfredo as the main course. The looks of delight and satisfaction on their faces as they savored each bite warmed my heart.

After that day, Crab Alfredo became a staple in my recipe repertoire. I made it for special occasions and casual dinners alike, always receiving rave reviews from everyone who tried it. It was a dish that brought people together, sparking conversation and laughter around the dinner table.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with countless others, passing it down to my own children and grandchildren. Each time I made it, I felt a connection to the past and to all the generations of cooks who had come before me.

As I look back on that day when I first discovered the recipe for Crab Alfredo, I am filled with gratitude. It was a moment that changed the course of my culinary journey, opening up a world of possibilities and flavors that I never could have imagined.

And so, I continue to make Crab Alfredo with love and care, honoring the traditions and memories that are woven into every bite. It is a recipe that will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the joy that comes from sharing good food with the ones we love.