Crab Fettuccine Alfredo Pasta

Ingredients
Recipes for every family mealBest restaurants near me
Fettuccine pasta: choose a high quality bronze cut if possible for the sauce to cling better
Butter: real unsalted butter is best for richness and to control salt
All-purpose flour: creates just the right thickness in the sauce
Whole milk: gives the sauce body opt for fresh full fat
Cream cheese: adds tang and extra silkiness
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: buy a wedge and grate yourself for best melting
Fresh parsley: brings a pop of green and herbal lift
Garlic powder: for smooth warmth without raw bite
Onion powder: layers in gentle savoriness
Salt and white or black pepper: both help balance the rich dairy use freshly cracked for more flavor
Lump crabmeat: seek out wild caught or freshest available pick over carefully for bits of shell
Instructions
Prepare the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of well salted water to a rolling boil Add fettuccine and stir until separated Let cook for the time on the package tasting for perfect al dente texture before draining Drain thoroughly and set aside while making the sauce
Make the Roux:
In a large skillet over medium heat add the butter and let it fully melt When the foam subsides sprinkle in the flour Whisk constantly for about a minute until the mixture bubbles and smells just a bit toasty This cooks off the floury taste without letting it brown
Build the Alfredo Base:
Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking so you do not get lumps Keep whisking until the mixture thickens noticeably and starts to bubble Now add the pieces of cream cheese Keep stirring until it melts completely and the sauce is smooth and glossy
Add Cheeses and Season:
Sprinkle in the fresh Parmesan cheese Chop and add the parsley plus the garlic powder onion powder salt and your choice of pepper Stir until the Parmesan disappears and the sauce is silky Adjust seasoning here tasting until it is rich but balanced
Gently Add Crab:
With the heat on low fold in the lump crabmeat so it warms through Be very gentle so the crab stays in generous pieces This only takes a minute or two leaving the crab sweet and luscious Do not over stirKid-friendly dessert ideas
Combine and Serve:
You may toss the fettuccine directly into the pan with sauce or plate the pasta and spoon sauce over each serving Add extra parsley if you like then serve immediately while steaming hot
A delicious Crab Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe is served on a plate.
A delicious Crab Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe is served on a plate. | recipebyme.comRecipes for every family meal
You Must Know
Rich in protein and calcium from both crab and cheese
Great for feeding a crowd or special occasion meal
Easy to double and still cooks up beautifully
Crab has always been a treat at our house growing up on the coast so using it in a creamy pasta brings back summer memories My kids now love to help pick through the crab and sneak little bites while we cook

Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container Store in the fridge for up to two days For best results reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce Avoid microwaving for too long as the crab can overcook and become rubbery

Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find lump crab use good quality canned crab rinsed and drained In a pinch chopped cooked shrimp or chunks of lobster make great stand-ins For the dairy lactose free milk and cream cheese work with only minor texture change You can swap fettuccine for linguine or tagliatelle if needed

Serving Suggestions
Pair this rich pasta with a crisp green salad and something tangy like lemon vinaigrette Garlic bread or steamed broccoli add color and crunch A glass of chilled white wine makes the meal feel extra special

Cultural and Historical Context
Crab fettuccine alfredo is not an Italian traditional but Italian American comfort born from classic Roman alfredo sauce and the abundance of shellfish on American coasts Italian alfredo in Rome has just butter and cheese but cream cheese and crab make this version familiar and festive here

Seasonal Adaptations
Fresh summer herbs or a squeeze of lemon can brighten the flavor In winter add a pinch of cayenne for warmth Try using asparagus tips or peas in the sauce for a spring twist

Success Stories
A friend made this for her anniversary dinner and reported that her partner was absolutely floored My aunt uses this sauce with homemade lasagna noodles for family parties and it disappears faster than any other pasta dish we make

Freezer Meal Conversion
Do not freeze finished pasta with cream sauce as it can break Instead freeze the sauce base without crab then add fresh crab and pasta when reheating for best taste

A plate of Crab Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe, with a generous amount of cheese and crab meat, ready to be enjoyed.
A plate of Crab Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe, with a generous amount of cheese and crab meat, ready to be enjoyed. | recipebyme.comRecipes for every family meal
Pro Tips
Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor Pre shredded does not melt smoothly
Be gentle folding in the crab so you get sweet juicy bites throughout
Do not rush the flour and butter stage Slow cooking brings the base flavor up a notch
Every time I serve this rich pasta it gets raves from guests and disappears in no time Try it for your next special occasion dinner

Recipe FAQs
→ Can I use imitation crab instead of lump crabmeat?Kid-friendly dessert ideasRecipes for every family meal
Yes, imitation crab can be substituted if needed, but real lump crabmeat offers the best flavor and texture.

→ How can I prevent the sauce from clumping?
Whisk constantly when adding milk and cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free Alfredo sauce.

→ Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead and gently reheat, adding pasta and crab just before serving.

→ What other herbs work well in this dish?
Fresh basil, chives, or tarragon can add brightness alongside or instead of parsley.

→ Can this pasta be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free fettuccine and swap flour for a gluten-free thickener in the sauce.

Crab Fettuccine Alfredo Pasta
Silky fettuccine and crab in a creamy Parmesan Alfredo sauce with parsley and gentle spices.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
35 min
By Sana: Sana

Category: Seafood Recipes

Skill Level: Medium

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 main dish portions)

Dietary Categories: ~
Ingredients
→ Pasta
12 ounces fettuccine pasta
→ Sauce
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
4 ounces cream cheese, cut into pieces
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt, to taste
White or black pepper, to taste
→ Seafood
8 ounces lump crabmeat, shells removed
Steps

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 30 to 60 seconds, forming a smooth paste without browning.

Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Stir in the cream cheese pieces and whisk until fully incorporated and smooth.

Add grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce is creamy and the cheese has melted.

Gently fold the crabmeat into the sauce and allow it to heat through for 1 to 2 minutes, taking care not to break up the crab pieces.

Toss the cooked fettuccine with the finished sauce in the skillet or plate the pasta and spoon the sauce on top. Garnish with additional parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes
Select high-quality lump crabmeat and carefully check for any remaining shell fragments before adding to the sauce.
Required Equipment
Large pot
Large skillet
Whisk
Colander
Allergen Information
Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
Nutritional Info (per serving)
This data is provided as a guide and doesn’t replace medical advice.