Crab Fettucine
Crab Fettucine offers a rich, creamy seafood flavor with garlic and a buttery French bread side, perfect for seafood lovers and elegant weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions.
- In a saucepan, melt the margarine; add the all-purpose flour.
- Stir until slightly thickened and white.
- Gradually add milk, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Add the cream cheese, half of the minced garlic, and imitation crab to the sauce.
- Simmer for 25 minutes.
- While the sauce simmers, place remaining margarine in a pan.
- Melt the margarine and add the remaining garlic; cook until brown.
- Pour the butter-garlic mixture into a shallow baking dish.
- Slice the French bread and layer over the butter mixture.
- Bake until the bread is golden brown.
- Layer the crab sauce over the cooked noodles.
- Serve with the French bread on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, consider using low-fat cream cheese or a dairy-free alternative. If you don't have margarine, unsalted butter works well too. Fresh crab can be substituted for imitation crab for a more authentic flavor. To enhance the dish, add a splash of white wine to the sauce or some red pepper flakes for heat. This recipe is perfect for seafood lovers and can be paired with Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the crab fettucine hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. The French bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce, making it a delightful addition to your table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. The bread can be stored separately and reheated in the oven for a crisp texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab Fettucine contains roughly 765 calories, with 13g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (31% of the Daily Value), protein (27% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 993mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh crab instead of imitation crab?
Yes, using fresh crab will enhance the flavor and authenticity of the dish. Just be sure to add it towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking, as fresh crab is already cooked and only needs to be heated through.
What type of noodles should I use?
Fettucine is traditional for this recipe, but you can use any pasta you prefer, such as linguini or spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodle you choose for the best texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crab sauce and cook the noodles in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, and combine them just before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld while keeping the noodles from becoming too soft.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).