Dungeness Crab Pasta Recipe for a Delicious Seafood Meal

If you’re a seafood lover looking to elevate your pasta game, our Dungeness crab pasta recipe is a must-try delight. This dish perfectly balances the sweet, succulent flavors of fresh Dungeness crab with a light yet flavorful sauce, making it an ideal choice for a special dinner or a weekend treat.

The tender pasta coated in a garlicky, lemon-infused sauce enriched with a touch of cream brings out the natural sweetness of the crab, creating a harmonious medley of tastes and textures.

Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this recipe is approachable yet impressive. It highlights the star ingredient—the crab—without overwhelming it, offering a fresh and vibrant seafood pasta experience.

Plus, it’s quick enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for entertaining. Let’s dive into the details and discover why this Dungeness crab pasta will soon become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe celebrates the unique, sweet flavor of Dungeness crab, a prized delicacy from the Pacific Northwest. Unlike heavier seafood pasta dishes, this one strikes a beautiful balance between rich and light, making it perfect for all seasons.

You’ll appreciate how simple ingredients come together to create a gourmet-quality meal without hours of fuss. The use of fresh garlic, lemon zest, and fresh parsley keeps the flavors bright and fresh, complementing the delicate crab meat perfectly.

Plus, it’s versatile enough to tweak to your liking, whether you want it creamy or zesty.

Lastly, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a romantic meal, this pasta is sure to impress with its elegant appearance and unforgettable taste.

Ingredients

• 8 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta
• 1 lb fresh Dungeness crab meat, picked clean of shells
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes, optional, for a bit of heat
• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (optional, for serving)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula
• Small bowl for lemon zest and juice
• Chef’s knife and chopping board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater for lemon zest and Parmesan

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
2. Prepare the sauce base: While pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallot, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Deglaze with wine: Pour in the white wine, stirring to loosen any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until the liquid reduces by half.
4. Add cream and lemon: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Incorporate the crab meat: Gently fold in the fresh Dungeness crab meat, heating just until warmed through. Avoid stirring too vigorously to keep the crab pieces intact.
6. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
7. Season and finish: Stir in chopped parsley, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust lemon juice or seasoning as needed.
8. Serve immediately: Plate the pasta and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges.

Tips & Variations

“For the freshest flavor, use live Dungeness crab or fresh crab meat from a reputable seafood market. If fresh crab isn’t available, high-quality frozen crab meat can be a good substitute.”

Use fresh herbs: Parsley is classic, but feel free to experiment with basil or tarragon for a different aromatic twist.

Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a gentle heat that complements the sweetness of the crab.

Lighten it up: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but reduce the quantity slightly to avoid a watery sauce.

Extra veggies: Toss in sautéed cherry tomatoes or fresh spinach for added color and nutrition.

Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta to keep the dish accessible to all dietary needs.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Dungeness crab pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple arugula and shaved fennel salad. A side of crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for soaking up the luscious sauce.

For drinks, a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay complements the seafood flavors excellently. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a splash of lemon is refreshing and palate-cleansing.

To round out the meal, serve a light dessert like lemon sorbet or a fresh berry compote to echo the citrus notes in the pasta.

Conclusion

The Dungeness crab pasta recipe is a delightful way to bring fresh, coastal flavors to your dinner table. Its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels, while its elegant taste ensures it’s special enough for any occasion.

The perfect balance of creamy, citrusy, and garlicky notes beautifully showcase the sweet crab meat, creating a memorable dish.

Whether you’re celebrating a special evening or simply craving a seafood pasta that’s both luxurious and comforting, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Give it a try and enjoy the taste of the Pacific Northwest right in your own kitchen.

For more delicious and easy meal ideas, don’t miss our Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping or try the fresh flavors in our Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious.

You can also explore quick and tasty options like Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Dungeness Crab Pasta”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful pasta dish featuring sweet Dungeness crab meat tossed in a garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a light yet indulgent seafood dinner.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“12 oz linguine pasta”, “1 lb cooked Dungeness crab meat”, “3 tbsp unsalted butter”, “4 cloves garlic, minced”, “1/2 cup dry white wine”, “1/4 tsp red pepper flakes”, “1 lemon, zested and juiced”, “1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley”, “Salt to taste”, “Freshly ground black pepper to taste”, “2 tbsp olive oil”, “1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; saut\u00e9 until fragrant, about 1 minute.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in white wine and lemon juice; simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add crab meat, lemon zest, salt, and pepper; gently toss to combine and warm through.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with sauce.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in chopped parsley.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan if desired.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “450 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “35 g”, “fatContent”: “15 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “40 g”}}