Crab Sauce Over Pasta
A rich crab sauce simmered with tomatoes, onion, celery, garlic, and sherry, perfect for serving over pasta for a flavorful seafood meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Simmer the oil, chopped onion, garlic, parsley, crushed tomatoes, water, diced celery, and sherry for 1 hour.
- Add the can of crab meat to the sauce and heat through.
- Prepare your choice of pasta according to package instructions.
- Serve the crab meat sauce over the cooked pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. If you don't have crab meat, shrimp or a mix of seafood can work as substitutes. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the sauce, and for a vegetarian option, you might try using mushrooms instead of crab. This dish can also be easily transformed into a creamy sauce by stirring in some heavy cream.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the crab sauce over freshly cooked pasta, garnished with extra parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad to balance the richness. For a refreshing contrast, consider serving it alongside Italian Tangerine Ice, which complements the seafood nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen it up. This will help maintain the sauce's consistency without losing flavor. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can alter the sauce's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab Sauce Over Pasta contains roughly 213 calories, with 2g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 19g fat.
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 canned?
Absolutely! Fresh crab meat will provide a more delicate flavor and texture. Just make sure to cook it through before adding it to the sauce. If using fresh, add it to the sauce towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
While any pasta can work, linguine or fettuccine are excellent choices due to their ability to hold the sauce well. You could also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier or dietary-friendly option.
Can this recipe be made in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently before serving over freshly cooked pasta. This can save you time on busy weeknights while still delivering a delicious meal.
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).