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Rich and Creamy Crab Fettuccine Alfredo

Featured in Filling Main Courses.

This elevated take on classic fettuccine Alfredo adds sweet lump crab meat to a homemade cream sauce. Despite its fancy restaurant appearance, it's quick and easy to make at home.

Clare Greco
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:27:17 GMT
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A plate of fettuccine pasta topped with creamy sauce and pieces of shrimp, garnished with fresh parsley. Pin it
A plate of fettuccine pasta topped with creamy sauce and pieces of shrimp, garnished with fresh parsley. | recipesim.com

Luxurious Crab Fettuccine That Takes Minutes to Make

After years of making pasta in my kitchen I can tell you this Crab Fettuccine Alfredo is pure magic. The silky homemade Alfredo sauce wraps around tender fettuccine and sweet lump crab creating something truly special. This has become my go-to recipe when I want to make weeknight dinners feel like a restaurant experience.

A Lighter Twist on Classic Alfredo

This pasta comes together in under 30 minutes which makes me love it even more. I discovered that using milk instead of heavy cream creates an Alfredo sauce that's perfectly creamy but won't weigh you down. My family actually prefers this version to the traditional recipe.

Everything You Need for Pasta Perfection

  • Fettuccine: The classic choice that catches every drop of sauce in its strands.
  • Butter: Creates the foundation of our velvety sauce.
  • All-purpose flour: Just enough to give the sauce body without making it heavy.
  • Milk: My secret to a lighter yet still luxurious sauce.
  • Fresh Parmesan cheese: I always grate my own from a wedge; the flavor is incomparable.
  • Cream cheese: Adds that extra touch of richness we all crave.
  • Garlic powder: Brings warmth to every bite.
  • Onion powder: Adds subtle depth to the sauce.
  • Salt and pepper: Season to your taste.
  • Fresh parsley: Brightens up the whole dish.
  • Imitation lump crab: Makes this luxurious dish more budget-friendly.
A plate of fettuccine pasta topped with creamy sauce and shrimp, garnished with parsley. Pin it
A plate of fettuccine pasta topped with creamy sauce and shrimp, garnished with parsley. | recipesim.com

Creating Your Pasta

Cook Your Pasta
Get your fettuccine cooking according to the package while you make your sauce.
Create the Sauce
Melt your butter in a big skillet, whisk in flour and cook briefly. Pour in your milk slowly, keep whisking, then add cream cheese, seasonings, and Parmesan until everything turns silky smooth.
Add Your Crab
Gently fold in the crab and let it warm through, picking up all those lovely flavors.
Bring It Together
Toss your pasta with the sauce, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve while it's hot and creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of crab meat should I use?

Lump crab meat is best for this dish. You can find it fresh or pasteurized in the seafood section. Avoid imitation crab meat.

→ Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

The recipe already uses milk with a roux base. This makes a stable sauce that won't separate like traditional cream-based Alfredo.

→ How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

Make sure to add milk gradually while whisking, and let the cream cheese fully melt before adding Parmesan. Use freshly grated Parmesan, not pre-grated.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

It's best served fresh. The sauce can separate when reheated and pasta may become mushy. If needed, make sauce ahead and cook pasta fresh.

→ What can I serve with this pasta?

Serve with garlic bread and a light green salad. The dish is rich, so simple sides work best.

Crab Fettuccine Alfredo

Tender fettuccine pasta in a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce loaded with lump crab meat - an elegant dinner made simple.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (1 large pan)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 pound fettuccine pasta.
02 1/4 cup butter.
03 1/4 cup all-purpose flour.
04 2 cups milk.
05 4 ounces cream cheese.
06 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
07 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped.
08 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
09 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.
10 1/2 teaspoon salt.
11 1/2 teaspoon black or white pepper.
12 1 pound lump crabmeat.

Instructions

Step 01

Cook fettuccine following package directions until al dente.

Step 02

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 03

Whisk in flour and cook for 30-60 seconds.

Step 04

Gradually add milk, whisking between additions.

Step 05

Add cream cheese chunks and stir until melted.

Step 06

Mix in Parmesan, parsley, and seasonings.

Step 07

Gently stir in the crabmeat.

Step 08

Cook on low until the crab is heated through.

Step 09

Toss with pasta or serve sauce over pasta.

Notes

  1. Uses a roux base for stable sauce.
  2. Can adjust seasoning to taste.
  3. Best served immediately.
  4. Fresh Parmesan works better than pre-grated.
  5. Restaurant quality meal at home.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.
  • Large pot for pasta.
  • Whisk.
  • Cheese grater.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter, cream cheese, Parmesan).
  • Wheat (pasta, flour).
  • Shellfish (crab).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 868
  • Total Fat: 29 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 99 g
  • Protein: 52 g