Creamy Crab & Spinach Pasta Delight
This Creamy Crab & Spinach Pasta Delight is the ultimate weeknight treat that is sure to impress both family and guests. Combining tender pasta with rich Alfredo sauce, delectable crabmeat, and fresh baby spinach, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor. Ideal for those busy evenings, it brings the essence of seafood dining right to your kitchen table. Whether you choose to use imitation crab or real crab, the creamy texture and hint of nutmeg will elevate your dining experience.
3
Servings
300
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pasta
2 cups (uncooked (short pasta like penne, rotini, fusilli, etc.))
Alfredo Sauce
3/4 cup (ready-made or homemade)
Crabmeat
8 ounces (imitation or real, cut into chunks)
Ground Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (freshly grated is preferable)
Baby Spinach
4 cups (washed and trimmed)
Milk
1/2 cup (optional, for thinning sauce)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large saucepan, warm the Alfredo sauce over medium heat. While the sauce is heating, slice the crabmeat into bite-sized chunks and add it to the saucepan.
3
Stir in the ground nutmeg and let the mixture simmer gently. If the pasta is not cooked yet, lower the heat to maintain warmth while the pasta finishes cooking.
4
Once the pasta is ready, quickly drain it and add it to the saucepan with the cream sauce and crab. Toss gently to combine.
5
Add the baby spinach and mix until it wilts, which should take about a minute. If the sauce appears too thick, stir in milk gradually, a quarter cup at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.
6
Continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through. Serve immediately in generous pasta bowls.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
40g
Carbs
13g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in the Creamy Crab & Spinach Pasta Delight?
The primary protein is 8 ounces of crabmeat, which can be either imitation or real crab cut into chunks.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 3 servings.
What are the calorie counts per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Short pasta varieties such as penne, rotini, or fusilli are recommended for this recipe.
Is the Alfredo sauce homemade or store-bought?
The recipe allows for either 3/4 cup of ready-made or homemade Alfredo sauce.
What is the purpose of adding nutmeg to the sauce?
Ground nutmeg is added to elevate the dining experience and complement the creamy texture of the Alfredo sauce.
How much spinach is required?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of washed and trimmed baby spinach.
How do I adjust the sauce if it becomes too thick?
You can gradually stir in milk, one-quarter cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 13 grams of protein.
What are the carbohydrate counts for this pasta?
There are 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How long does it take for the spinach to wilt?
The baby spinach should wilt in about one minute once mixed into the hot pasta and sauce.
What is the first step in preparing this meal?
The first step is to cook the pasta according to package directions until it is al dente, then drain and set aside.
At what heat should I warm the Alfredo sauce?
The sauce should be warmed in a large saucepan over medium heat.
What should I do if the pasta isn't finished but the sauce is ready?
Lower the heat on the saucepan to maintain warmth while the pasta finishes cooking.
How should the crabmeat be prepared before adding it to the sauce?
The crabmeat should be sliced into bite-sized chunks.
Is fresh nutmeg better than pre-ground for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe notes that freshly grated nutmeg is preferable.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 6 total ingredients: pasta, Alfredo sauce, crabmeat, nutmeg, baby spinach, and milk.
Is this dish considered a quick recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe and an easy weeknight dinner option.
How should this pasta be served?
It should be served immediately in generous pasta bowls.
What is the specific recipe category?
The category is Seafood Pasta.
Does the recipe specify fiber or sugar content?
No, the nutritional data for fiber and sugar is not specified.
How much nutmeg is required?
You need 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
Can I use real crab for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe explicitly states you can use either imitation or real crab.
Is milk a mandatory ingredient?
No, milk is optional and only used for thinning the sauce if it is too thick.
What does 'al dente' mean for the pasta?
Al dente refers to cooking the pasta so it is still firm to the bite.
How much pasta should I start with?
You should use 2 cups of uncooked short pasta.
Can this be served to guests?
Yes, the description notes it is a treat sure to impress both family and guests.
Does the recipe include sodium or cholesterol information?
No, sodium and cholesterol levels are not provided in the current recipe data.
Is the spinach added at the beginning or the end?
The spinach is added at the end, once the pasta and sauce are combined, to allow it to wilt briefly.