Creamy Chesapeake Bay Crab Linguine
Indulge in the rich and delectable flavors of the Chesapeake Bay with this quick and easy crab scampi recipe. This dish features tender lump crabmeat tossed with delicate angel hair pasta in a luscious garlic and white wine sauce, accented by a hint of spice and fresh lemon. To truly savor this culinary delight, be sure to use fresh crabmeat rather than canned or imitation crab. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a special family meal, this one-dish wonder is sure to impress your guests with both its presentation and taste.
3
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
4 tablespoons (none)
Butter
4 tablespoons (cut into pieces)
Garlic
2 teaspoons (chopped)
Dried red pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (squeezed from a lemon)
White wine or chicken broth
1/3 cup (none)
Lump crabmeat
1 lb (picked over for shells)
Fresh parsley
1 teaspoon (chopped)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Angel hair pasta
8 ounces (cooked according to package instructions)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until fully melted and bubbling.
2
Add the chopped garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it turns lightly golden and fragrant, being cautious not to burn it.
3
Stir in the dried red pepper flakes, fresh lemon juice, and white wine (or chicken broth). Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing it to simmer for 2-3 minutes to develop the flavors.
4
Carefully fold in the lump crabmeat and chopped fresh parsley, stirring gently to combine. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
5
Meanwhile, cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions in a separate pot until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 to 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
6
Toss the cooked pasta into the crab sauce, mixing everything thoroughly. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
7
Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley and a sprinkle of lemon zest if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chesapeake Bay Crab Linguine?
It is a quick and easy seafood pasta dish featuring lump crabmeat, angel hair pasta, and a garlic-white wine sauce inspired by Chesapeake Bay flavors.
What type of crabmeat should I use for this recipe?
Fresh lump crabmeat is highly recommended for the best flavor and texture. Avoid using canned or imitation crab if possible.
Can I substitute the white wine in the sauce?
Yes, you can substitute the white wine with an equal amount of chicken broth.
What type of pasta is best for this crab scampi?
While the title mentions linguine, the recipe specifically calls for angel hair pasta because its delicate texture pairs perfectly with the light sauce.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 3 servings.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the chopped garlic for 1-2 minutes until it is lightly golden and fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Is this crab pasta dish spicy?
The dish has a subtle hint of spice from 1/2 teaspoon of dried red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to your preference.
Why should I reserve pasta water?
Reserved pasta water is used to adjust the consistency of the sauce; if the pasta is too thick, you can gradually add the water until it reaches your desired silkiness.
How do I prepare the crabmeat before cooking?
The lump crabmeat should be carefully picked over to ensure all fragments of shells are removed before adding it to the skillet.
What is the best way to combine the crab with the sauce?
Gently fold the lump crabmeat into the sauce to avoid breaking up the large, tender lumps.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Fresh parsley is recommended for its bright flavor and color, but dried parsley can be used in a pinch (use about 1/3 of the amount).
What are the primary fats used in the sauce?
The sauce uses a combination of 4 tablespoons of olive oil and 4 tablespoons of butter.
How do I know when the sauce is ready?
The sauce is ready after simmering the liquids for 2-3 minutes to develop the flavors and folding in the crab and parsley.
Should I cook the pasta all the way through?
Cook the angel hair pasta until it is 'al dente' according to the package instructions, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot sauce.
What should I garnish the dish with?
Garnish with additional fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of lemon zest for added brightness.
Is this a good recipe for a special occasion?
Yes, its elegant presentation and rich flavors make it perfect for romantic dinners or special family meals.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, typically squeezed from a fresh lemon.
What is the prep for the butter?
The butter should be cut into pieces before being added to the skillet to help it melt evenly with the olive oil.
Can I add more garlic?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of chopped garlic, but you can certainly add more if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor.
How much pasta do I need?
You will need 8 ounces of angel hair pasta for this recipe.
What makes this 'Chesapeake Bay' style?
The use of fresh lump crabmeat and a light, savory sauce is characteristic of seafood preparations found in the Chesapeake Bay region.
Can I use a different type of seafood?
While this is specifically a crab recipe, the garlic and white wine base works well with shrimp or scallops as well.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is considered a one-dish wonder because it combines protein, pasta, and sauce into a single complete meal.
How much pasta water should I reserve?
It is recommended to reserve between 1/2 to 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Does the recipe use salt and pepper?
Yes, the mixture should be seasoned with salt and pepper to taste once the crabmeat is added.
Is this recipe difficult for beginners?
No, it is a quick and easy recipe that relies on simple sautéing and tossing techniques.
How long does the entire cooking process take?
The sauce takes less than 10 minutes to prepare, roughly the same amount of time it takes to boil water and cook angel hair pasta.
Should I serve this dish hot?
Yes, for the best texture and flavor, serve the Creamy Chesapeake Bay Crab Linguine immediately after tossing.
What is the preparation for the fresh parsley?
The fresh parsley should be finely chopped before being added to the sauce.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
While not in the original recipe, ingredients like sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes would pair well with the existing flavors.