Crab Spaghetti

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Italian

Crab spaghetti offers a delicate blend of sweet crab meat and aromatic garlic, enhanced by white wine and basil, perfect for seafood lovers seeking a sophisticated yet simple dish.

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Ingredients

  • 12 oz. crab, flaked
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 c. olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp. butter
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh basil or 2 tsp. dried basil
  • 1/3 c. dry white wine
  • 1 Tbsp. soy sauce

Instructions

  1. Cook garlic in hot olive oil and butter for about 30 seconds.
  2. Add basil to the skillet.
  3. Cook for 1 more minute.
  4. Add white wine and simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in crabmeat and soy sauce.
  6. Serve atop hot pasta.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic. If fresh basil isn't available, dried basil works well, but use less as it's more concentrated. You can substitute crab with shrimp for a different seafood profile, which pairs beautifully with Shrimp Basilico.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the crab spaghetti with a light green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of dry white wine enhances the flavors beautifully. Consider pairing it with Linguini With White Clam Sauce And Broccoli for a delightful seafood experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the crab from becoming tough. Adding a splash of olive oil or white wine can help revive the dish.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Crab Spaghetti contains roughly 260 calories, with 21g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (104% of the Daily Value), protein (42% of the Daily Value), and calcium (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1075mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).

260 kcal 13% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 21.1g 42% DV
Total Fat 13.8g 18% DV
Carbs 13.4g 5% DV
Fiber 7.8g 28% DV
Sugar 0.8g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1074.7mg 47% DV
Potassium 738mg 16% DV
Cholesterol 58.2mg 19% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 14.3mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 6.1mg 7% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 491.3mg 38% DV
Iron 18.8mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein Keto-friendly High-fiber Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Soy Shellfish

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 canned crab meat for this recipe?

Yes, canned crab meat can be a convenient substitute. Just ensure to drain it well and add it towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking. Fresh crab will provide a sweeter flavor, but canned works in a pinch.

What type of pasta works best for crab spaghetti?

While spaghetti is traditional, you can use any long pasta like linguini or fettuccine. The key is to choose a pasta that can hold onto the sauce well, allowing for a delightful mix of flavors in each bite.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it's best served fresh, you can prep the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just add freshly cooked pasta and reheat the sauce when you're ready to serve. This helps preserve the delicate flavors of the crab.

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).

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