Dungeness crab pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish that combines the sweet and tender meat of Dungeness crab with a rich and creamy pasta sauce. This recipe is perfect for seafood lovers who are looking for a gourmet pasta dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
The dish is rich in flavor, texture, and nutrition and can be served as a main course for a family dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need:
- 1 pound of Dungeness crab meat
- 1 pound of spaghetti pasta
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the spaghetti pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and add the minced garlic. Cook the garlic until it becomes fragrant and lightly browned.
- Add the Dungeness crab meat to the pan and stir it gently to combine with the garlic. For 2-3 minutes cook the crab meat or until it is heated through.
- Add the heavy cream to the pan and stir it gently to combine with the crab meat and garlic. Cook the mixture for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked spaghetti pasta to the pan and toss it gently with the crab meat and sauce until the pasta is coated evenly.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley to the pan and toss the pasta again to combine the ingredients.
- Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste and serve it immediately.
Cooking Tips
- Be sure to use fresh Dungeness crab meat for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not overcook the crab meat, as it can become tough and chewy.
- You can use heavy cream instead of milk if you want a richer and creamier sauce.
- Garnish the pasta with additional chopped parsley for added color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Dungeness crab pasta can be served with a side salad or garlic bread to complement the flavors of the dish. A glass of white wine can also be paired with this pasta dish to enhance the overall dining experience.
Conclusion
Dungeness crab pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make seafood pasta dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. The sweet and tender meat of Dungeness crab is combined with a rich and creamy pasta sauce, making for a perfect combination of flavors and textures. This recipe is quick and easy to make, making it a perfect choice for a family dinner or a special occasion.
FAQs
Should I use canned crab meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned crab meat if fresh Dungeness crab is not available.
Can I substitute the spaghetti pasta with another type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as linguine or fettuccine.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the cream sauce may separate and become grainy when reheated.
Can I add other seafood to this dish?
Yes, you can add other seafood such as shrimp or scallops to this dish to make it even more flavorful and decadent. However, keep in mind that this may affect the cooking time and overall flavor of the dish.
How do I store the leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the pasta in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to help revive the sauce.
Dungeness Crab Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound of Dungeness crab meat
- 1 pound of spaghetti pasta
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the spaghetti pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and add the minced garlic. Cook the garlic until it becomes fragrant and lightly browned.
- Add the Dungeness crab meat to the pan and stir it gently to combine with the garlic. For 2-3 minutes cook the crab meat or until it is heated through.
- Add the heavy cream to the pan and stir it gently to combine with the crab meat and garlic. Cook the mixture for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked spaghetti pasta to the pan and toss it gently with the crab meat and sauce until the pasta is coated evenly.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley to the pan and toss the pasta again to combine the ingredients.
- Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste and serve it immediately.