Imagine a dish that transports you to the sun-drenched Italian coastline with every single bite - a creamy, zesty pasta that combines the delicate sweetness of fresh crab meat with the bright, sophisticated notes of Meyer lemon. This isn't just another pasta recipe; this is a gourmet experience that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary journey that will impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 Meyer lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 pound crab legs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- While water is heating, steam or gently boil the crab legs for 5-6 minutes until they are heated through and bright red. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Add fettuccine to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, pour heavy cream and add Meyer lemon zest and juice. Simmer over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, allowing the cream to slightly reduce and become fragrant.
- Crack open the crab legs and carefully remove the meat, keeping pieces large and intact.
- Add drained pasta to the lemon cream sauce, tossing gently to coat. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.
- Gently fold in crab meat, being careful not to break the pieces. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Plate immediately, ensuring each serving has a generous portion of crab meat. Garnish with additional lemon zest if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select high-quality, fresh crab legs and a ripe Meyer lemon for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- Timing is Crucial: Cook crab legs and pasta simultaneously to ensure everything is hot and perfectly prepared when you combine them.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water - its starchy nature helps create a silkier, more cohesive sauce.
- Handle Crab Gently: When folding crab meat into the sauce, use a light touch to keep the delicate meat in large, beautiful pieces.
- Temperature Control: Simmer the cream sauce gently to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, luxurious texture.
- Zest Enhancement: Don't skip the lemon zest - it adds an aromatic dimension that elevates the entire dish.
- Serve Immediately: This recipe is best enjoyed right after preparation to maintain the optimal texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 494kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 113mg
