Brown Crab & Garlic Spaghetti Recipe
Introduction
This brown crab and garlic spaghetti is a simple yet elegant dish that brings the delicate sweetness of crab to your pasta. With infused butter, garlic, and parmesan, it’s perfect for a quick gourmet meal at home.

Ingredients
- 200g spaghetti
- 50g salted butter
- 1 shallot, finely sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, grated
- 100g brown crab
- 30g parmesan, grated, plus extra to serve
- 10g chives, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water following the package instructions until al dente.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, melt the salted butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. When it begins to foam, add the sliced shallot along with a pinch of salt and a few twists of black pepper.
- Step 3: Cook the shallot for 5 to 6 minutes until softened and lightly golden, then reduce the heat to low.
- Step 4: Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the drained spaghetti directly into the frying pan with the shallots and butter.
- Step 5: Stir in the grated garlic, brown crab, a ladleful of reserved pasta cooking water, and the grated parmesan.
- Step 6: Toss everything together thoroughly, adding more pasta water as needed to create a glossy, silky sauce that coats the spaghetti.
- Step 7: Serve immediately sprinkled with extra parmesan, freshly ground black pepper, and chopped chives if using.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh brown crab meat for the best flavor, but canned or frozen crab can work well in a pinch.
- If you prefer more garlic flavor, gently sauté the grated garlic with the shallots before adding the pasta.
- For a touch of heat, add a pinch of chili flakes when cooking the shallots.
- Gluten-free spaghetti can be substituted to make this dish suitable for gluten intolerance.
Storage
Store any leftover crab spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture and flavor.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of crab for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute brown crab with other types of crab meat such as king crab or lump crab. The flavor will vary slightly but remain delicious.
How can I make the sauce creamier?
To make the sauce creamier, stir in a splash of cream or crème fraîche after adding the parmesan and crab. Heat gently until warmed through.
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Brown Crab & Garlic Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This elegant Brown Crab & Garlic Spaghetti is a simple yet luxurious pasta dish combining tender brown crab meat with fragrant garlic, shallots, and rich parmesan. Cooked spaghetti is tossed in a buttery garlic sauce with crab and parmesan for a glossy, flavorful finish, perfect for a quick gourmet meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 200g spaghetti
Sauce
- 50g salted butter
- 1 shallot, finely sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, grated
- 100g brown crab meat
- 30g parmesan, grated, plus extra to serve
- 10g chives, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the spaghetti in generously salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. This ensures the pasta retains a pleasant bite and holds the sauce well.
- Prepare the sauce: While the pasta cooks, melt the salted butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the butter begins to foam, add the finely sliced shallot along with a pinch of salt and a few twists of black pepper. Cook gently for 5-6 minutes until the shallots are softened and lightly golden, then reduce the heat to low to keep warm.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Using tongs or a spider, transfer the cooked spaghetti directly from the pot into the frying pan with the shallots and butter, carrying some pasta water with it. Add the brown crab meat, grated parmesan, and a ladleful of pasta water to the pan. Stir vigorously and toss the pasta thoroughly to combine everything into a glossy, creamy sauce. Add more pasta water as needed to achieve a silky texture.
- Serve: Plate the creamy crab spaghetti immediately. Finish with additional grated parmesan, a sprinkling of freshly ground black pepper, and the optional chopped chives for a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency as you toss the spaghetti.
- Fresh brown crab meat adds delicate sweetness, but you can substitute with cooked white crab if unavailable.
- Chives are optional but provide a nice fresh contrast to the rich sauce.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: brown crab, garlic spaghetti, seafood pasta, easy pasta recipe, butter sauce, parmesan pasta

