Spaghetti With Crab Sauce
A flavorful seafood pasta featuring crab meat in a rich tomato and spice sauce, topped with Parmesan, perfect for a sophisticated yet comforting meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute the chopped celery, parsley, garlic, and onion in olive oil until delicately browned.
- Use a skillet large enough to hold the cooked spaghetti.
- Add the solid pack tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, paprika, salt, and black pepper; simmer uncovered for one hour.
- Pick over the crab meat for bits of shell; wash and drain thoroughly.
- Add the crab meat and sherry wine to the tomato mixture and simmer until it bubbles.
- Cook the spaghetti in a large kettle of boiling, salted water until just tender.
- Drain the spaghetti without rinsing and add it to the tomato and crab sauce.
- Serve the dish covered with grated Parmesan cheese on a well-heated platter.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or zest to the sauce. If fresh crab is unavailable, canned crab meat can be used as a substitute, just ensure it’s well-drained. To enhance the dish's depth, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This recipe is a wonderful take on classic Italian seafood recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti with crab sauce hot, garnished with additional parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. A crisp green salad and garlic bread make excellent sides. For wine pairings, a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the dish beautifully, enhancing the seafood flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving, as it may alter the texture of the crab meat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti With Crab Sauce contains roughly 24 calories, with 1g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 1g 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 a different type of pasta for this dish?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can substitute it with linguine or fettuccine for a different texture. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as different pasta shapes may require varying boiling durations.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce into the sauce while it simmers. This will elevate the flavors and provide a nice kick, making it reminiscent of the spicy sauce penne.
What can I do to make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer for a longer period to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, adding a tablespoon of tomato paste or a cornstarch slurry can help achieve the desired consistency without sacrificing flavor.
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).