Rebecca'S Pesto Plus
A flavorful seafood pasta dish featuring crab, pesto, mushrooms, and angel-hair noodles, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with vibrant, fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the angel-hair pasta according to the package instructions, then rinse in warm water, drain, and toss with olive oil.
- Prepare the pasta sauce as instructed on the package.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the sauce if desired.
- Heat the crab in the microwave for 5 minutes.
- Combine the pesto sauce with the crab and heat for an additional 5 minutes.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the crab and pesto mixture.
- Serve with Parmesan cheese and garlic bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding fresh basil or spinach to your pesto for extra flavor. If you're short on time, store-bought pesto works well. If you'd like a vegetarian version, you can substitute imitation crab with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas. For additional creaminess, try adding a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Pesto Plus with freshly grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top for added richness. A side of garlic bread complements the dish perfectly, while a light salad can provide a refreshing balance. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Sherry D'S Spaghetti Salad for a full meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta mixture in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of olive oil or water to prevent sticking. Microwave reheating is also an option, but do so in short intervals to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rebecca'S Pesto Plus contains roughly 269 calories, with 0g protein, 0g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (20% 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, fresh crab can be a delicious substitute for imitation crab. Just ensure it's cooked and flaked before mixing it with the pesto. This will add a more robust flavor to the dish and elevate the overall taste.
What can I use instead of angel-hair pasta?
If you don't have angel-hair pasta on hand, you can substitute it with spaghetti or linguine. These pasta types will work well with the pesto and crab mixture and provide a similar texture.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version of this dish, replace the imitation crab with sautéed mushrooms or marinated tofu. Additionally, use a vegan pesto or make your own with basil, nuts, and olive oil, omitting any cheese.
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).