Crab Linguini
Creamy crab linguini combines tender crab meat with a rich, buttery sauce, fresh herbs, and tender pasta, making it perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 cup white wine ⓘ
- 1 cup half and half ⓘ
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 2 teaspoons butter, softened ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon flour ⓘ
- 1/2 pound crab meat ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 package (9-ounce) refrigerated linguine ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet, combine chicken broth and white wine.
- Bring to a boil and cook until reduced to 1/3 cup.
- Remove from heat and slowly whisk in half and half and evaporated milk, stirring constantly until blended.
- Return to heat and simmer until the mixture reduces to 1-1/3 cup.
- Meanwhile, combine 2 teaspoons softened butter with flour.
- Slowly whisk the flour mixture into the milk sauce.
- Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and no lumps remain.
- Add crab meat, chopped parsley, chopped green onions, salt, and lemon juice.
- Reduce heat and simmer until the crab is heated through.
- Meanwhile, cook linguine according to package directions.
- Toss cooked linguine with 1 tablespoon butter and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Pour the sauce over the pasta and toss until evenly coated.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider using heavy cream instead of half and half. If you can't find fresh crab meat, canned crab meat works as a convenient substitute. To enhance the flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a bit of heat. This dish pairs beautifully with Chicken Basil Linguine for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the crab linguini garnished with additional chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. A crisp green salad or garlic bread makes for excellent sides. For a more robust meal, consider pairing it with a glass of white wine or browsing more Italian recipes to complement the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pasta mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab Linguini contains roughly 213 calories, with 10g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (33% of the Daily Value), protein (20% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2000mg per serving (87% 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 frozen crab meat for this recipe?
Yes, frozen crab meat can be used as a substitute. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the sauce to ensure the best flavor and texture.
What type of pasta is best for crab linguini?
While linguine is traditional, you can use other pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti if preferred. The key is to choose a pasta that can hold the creamy sauce well, allowing for a delightful bite with each forkful.
How can I make this dish more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding minced garlic and shallots when cooking the sauce. You can also experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme, which can elevate the dish and add a fresh twist.
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).