Spaghetti And Crabs
A rich and flavorful seafood pasta featuring tender crabs in a savory tomato and garlic sauce, perfect for special occasions or a luxurious weekend feast.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour olive oil to cover the bottom of a stock pot.
- Heat the oil and lightly brown the garlic and parsley.
- Saute the crabs with the lid on the pot until they turn pink, about 20 minutes.
- Shake the pot to move the crabs around inside; do not stir them while cooking.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, red wine, salt, pepper, and crushed hot pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for at least 2 hours, longer if possible.
- Remove the crabs into a side bowl.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Serve the spaghetti with the sauce and crabs on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, use a combination of fresh and canned tomatoes. You can substitute the red wine with white wine or vegetable broth if desired. If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed hot pepper. Make sure to use fresh parsley for the best flavor, and consider adding a splash of lemon juice just before serving for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti topped with the rich crab sauce and crabs on the side for guests to add as they like. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and crusty bread for soaking up the sauce. For a delightful seafood experience, consider serving it alongside Fettucine With Mussels for a varied seafood feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce and crabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain consistency. Cooked spaghetti can be reheated in boiling water for a few seconds before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti And Crabs contains roughly 358 calories, with 30g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (177% of the Daily Value), iron (137% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (109% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2290mg per serving (100% 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 other types of seafood in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can mix in shrimp, clams, or even lobster for a more diverse seafood flavor. Just be mindful of cooking times, as different seafood types may require varying lengths to cook through.
How do I know when the crabs are fully cooked?
Crabs are fully cooked when their shells turn bright orange and the meat inside is opaque and tender. If you're using live crabs, they will also exhibit active movement during cooking. Ensure they are cooked through for the best flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance and refrigerate it. Simply reheat the sauce before serving with freshly cooked spaghetti. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
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).