Indulge in a culinary delight that brings the taste of the Italian coast right to your dining table! Albas Spaghetti Sauce with Crab is not just a meal; it's an experience that combines the sweetness of fresh crab meat with the rich, robust flavors of a homemade tomato sauce. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet dinner, this dish is quick to prepare and utterly satisfying. With just 45 minutes of your time, you can create a restaurant-quality pasta dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to dive into this seafood sensation? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb crab meat
- 2 cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb spaghetti
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by carefully picking through the crab meat to remove any shell fragments, and finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- Heat a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, being careful not to let the garlic brown, as this can create a bitter taste.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Reduce heat to low-medium and allow the sauce to simmer gently.
- Sprinkle in the dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the sauce.
- Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil for the spaghetti.
- Gently fold the crab meat into the sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking, being careful not to break up the delicate crab meat.
- Cook the spaghetti in the boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the spaghetti thoroughly, reserving a small amount of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Plate the spaghetti and ladle the crab-infused sauce generously over the pasta.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips
- Quality Crab Meat: Use fresh or high-quality lump crab meat for the best flavor. If using canned, ensure it’s well-drained and free of shell fragments.
- Sautéing Techniques: When sautéing the onions, keep an eye on them to achieve a perfect golden color without burning. This adds depth to your sauce.
- Tomato Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. This also helps the sauce adhere better to the spaghetti.
- Timing is Key: Gently fold in the crab meat just before serving to maintain its delicate texture and flavor. Overcooking can make it tough.
- Garnish for Flair: Don’t skip the final touch! A sprinkle of fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese adds a burst of color and enhances the overall taste.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve with a crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio, to elevate your dining experience and complement the flavors of the crab sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 400kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 95mg
