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Red Lobster Crab Alfredo Recipe

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4.6 from 101 reviews

A creamy and decadent Red Lobster-inspired Crab Alfredo recipe featuring tender linguine pasta tossed in a rich Parmesan and cream cheese sauce, enhanced with succulent crab meat and a touch of garlic and red pepper flakes for subtle heat.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 16 ounces linguine pasta

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese
  • 2 cups half & half, room temperature
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Seafood & Garnish

  • 1 pound crab meat (fresh or canned)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine pasta according to package instructions until it is about 2 minutes shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Prepare the sauce base: While the pasta is cooking, melt the unsalted butter and cream cheese together in a medium skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly to ensure the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
  3. Add half & half and simmer: Slowly pour the room temperature half & half into the skillet while stirring. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low to avoid curdling.
  4. Incorporate Parmesan cheese: Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese in small handfuls, stirring continuously until each addition is fully melted and integrated into the sauce.
  5. Season the sauce: Stir in the garlic powder and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked linguine pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly until every strand is evenly coated with the creamy Alfredo sauce.
  7. Fold in crab meat: Gently fold in the crab meat, being careful to keep the larger pieces intact for texture and visual appeal.
  8. Adjust sauce consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired sauce consistency is reached.
  9. Serve: Plate the Crab Alfredo immediately, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Enjoy this luscious, restaurant-style seafood pasta at home.

Notes

  • Using fresh crab meat enhances flavor, but canned crab works well as a budget-friendly alternative.
  • Reserve pasta water is key for adjusting the sauce to your preferred thickness without diluting flavor.
  • For a spicier dish, increase red pepper flakes or add freshly cracked black pepper.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting quality and flavor.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy texture before the sauce thickens.

Find it online: https://mealoria.com/red-lobster-crab-alfredo-recipe/