Creamy Crab Pappardelle

Description of the Dish

This pasta dish is full of succulent Dungeness crab meat for a satisfying meal that feeds a crowd! Best of all, this recipe is ready in under 30 minutes!

History of the Dish

The dish combines the rich flavors of Dungeness crab with creamy pasta, reflecting a fusion of seafood and Italian cuisine. Pappardelle, a broad ribbon-like pasta, is traditionally used with rich sauces, making it an ideal choice for this creamy crab recipe.

Flavor Profiles

Dungeness crab offers a sweet and succulent flavor with a slightly nutty finish. The creamy sauce complements the crab's natural sweetness, and the addition of lemon zest and nutmeg enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Where Our Dungeness Crab Comes From

Dungeness crabs are named after one of their representative habitats—a shallow, sandy bay inside Dungeness Spit on the south shore of the Straits of Juan de Fuca. They are prized for their sweet, succulent taste, and slightly nutty finish. Harvested from Oregon to Alaska from Fall to Spring, our convenient one-pound bags contain pre-cooked crab meat, ready for minimal preparation.

Health Benefits of Dungeness Crab

Dungeness crab is an excellent source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients. It is low in fat, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and contains vitamins such as B12 and minerals including selenium and zinc. Consuming crab meat can contribute to improved heart health, support brain function, and boost the immune system.

Individual Ingredients

• Dungeness Crab: Known for its sweet, succulent meat, it is a prized seafood delicacy.

• Garlic: Sautéed to enhance its flavor and create a fragrant base for the sauce.
• Cream Cheese & Heavy Cream: Provide a rich, creamy texture to the sauce.
• Chicken Stock & Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens the sauce and adds depth of flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, cheesy element to the sauce.
• Lemon Zest & Juice: Enhance the flavor with a fresh, citrusy note.
• Nutmeg & Black Pepper: Add warmth and a touch of spice to the sauce.
• Fresh Basil: Provides a bright, herbal flavor to the dish.
• Pappardelle Noodles: Wide, flat pasta that is ideal for holding creamy sauces.

How to Make a Slurry of Chicken Stock for Pasta Sauce

A slurry is a mixture of a liquid (like chicken stock) and a thickening agent (such as cornstarch or flour). To make a slurry:

• Whisk together chicken stock and cornstarch until well combined.
• Gradually add the mixture to the sauce while stirring.
• Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken, achieving a smooth and velvety consistency.

Pappardelle Noodles

Pappardelle is a type of wide, flat pasta that is perfect for rich, creamy sauces. Here's why it's ideal for this dish:

• Shape and Size: Pappardelle is about 3/4 to 1 inch wide, which allows it to hold onto thick sauces effectively.

• Texture: Often made from egg pasta, pappardelle has a rich, smooth texture that pairs well with creamy sauces.
• Traditional Use: Traditionally served with hearty, thick sauces, making it a perfect match for creamy crab sauce.

Substitutions

• Crab Meat: You can substitute with other types of crab or even lobster if Dungeness crab is unavailable.

• Heavy Cream: Can be replaced with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce may be less creamy.
• Pappardelle: Substitute with fettuccine or tagliatelle if pappardelle is not available.
• Fresh Basil: Dried basil can be used in place of fresh basil, though the flavor may be less vibrant