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Lemon Butter Crab Pasta

Lemon Butter Crab Pasta

Lemon Butter Crab Pasta is a simple yet impressive seafood pasta that's full of fresh lemon flavor, tender crab, and a rich buttery sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's an easy recipe that's perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 565
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 pound lump crab meat picked over for shells
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup heavy cream optional
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
  2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the lemon zest and red pepper flakes, if using.
  5. Add the crab meat and gently warm it for 2 to 3 minutes, being careful not to break it apart too much.
  6. Pour in the lemon juice and stir gently.
  7. If using, add the heavy cream and simmer for 2 minutes.
  8. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet along with the Parmesan cheese.
  9. Toss everything together, adding a little reserved pasta water as needed until the sauce lightly coats the pasta.
  10. Season with salt and black pepper.
  11. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with extra Parmesan and lemon wedges.

Notes

  • Use fresh lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture.
  • Cook the garlic gently so it doesn't brown.
  • Reserve pasta water to help create a silky sauce.
  • Toss the pasta gently to keep the crab pieces intact.
  • Fresh lemon juice makes a noticeable difference.