Creamy Crab Pasta Recipe (Easy, Garlic Butter Sauce & Ready in 30 Minutes)

Want another delicious seafood sauce? Try my Seafood boil sauce and my Lobster Butter sauce recipe.

Creamy Crab Pasta Recipe (Easy, Garlic Butter Sauce & Ready in 30 Minutes)

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this easy crab pasta recipe is guaranteed to impress.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

  • Ready in under 30 minutes
  • Rich, creamy, and full of flavor
  • Uses simple, fresh ingredients
  • Perfect for date nights or family dinners
  • Pairs beautifully with your lobster + crab sauce content

INGREDIENTS

  • 8 oz linguine (or fettuccine)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 small shallot (finely diced)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup lump crab meat
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (optional but recommended)
  • Salt + black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
Creamy Crab Pasta Recipe (Easy, Garlic Butter Sauce & Ready in 30 Minutes)

HOW TO MAKE CREAMY CRAB PASTA

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
  2. In a large pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
  3. Add shallots and cook until soft (2–3 minutes).
  4. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  5. Pour in heavy cream and let simmer for 3–4 minutes.
  6. Add parmesan cheese and stir until smooth.
  7. Gently fold in crab meat.
  8. Add lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper.
  9. Toss in cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
  10. Finish with parsley and serve immediately.

Creamy Crab Pasta Recipe (Easy, Garlic Butter Sauce & Ready in 30 Minutes)

PRO TIPS

  • Use lump crab meat for the best texture
  • Don’t over-stir — keep those crab chunks intact
  • Add chili flakes for a spicy version
  • Use freshly grated parmesan for a smoother sauce

WHAT TO SERVE WITH CRAB PASTA

  • Garlic bread
  • Simple green salad
  • Roasted vegetables
  • White wine (like Sauvignon Blanc)

FAQ

What kind of crab is best for pasta?

Lump crab meat is best because it’s sweet, tender, and holds its shape well.

Can I use canned crab?

Yes, just drain it well and choose high-quality canned crab.

How do I make it lighter?

Substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream.


STORAGE & REHEATING

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days
  • Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk
  • Avoid overheating to keep sauce smooth

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Creamy Crab Pasta Recipe (Easy, Garlic Butter Sauce & Ready in 30 Minutes)

Creamy Crab Pasta Recipe (Easy, Garlic Butter Sauce & Ready in 30 Minutes)

Yield: 2
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8 oz linguine (or fettuccine)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 small shallot (finely diced)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup lump crab meat
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (optional but recommended)
  • Salt + black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
  2. In a large pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
  3. Add shallots and cook until soft (2–3 minutes).
  4. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  5. Pour in heavy cream and let simmer for 3–4 minutes.
  6. Add parmesan cheese and stir until smooth.
  7. Gently fold in crab meat.
  8. Add lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper.
  9. Toss in cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
  10. Finish with parsley and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1220Total Fat: 90gSaturated Fat: 51gUnsaturated Fat: 39gCholesterol: 362mgSodium: 1823mgCarbohydrates: 53gFiber: 3gSugar: 6gProtein: 52g

These calculations are based off Nutritionix

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