Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (green or red)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound cooked crab meat, flaked
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes, or until sauce has thickened slightly.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add crab meat to the sauce and gently toss to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until crab is heated through.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a richer sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg