
I'm totally in love with this crab linguine dish that's quick yet delicious, great for weeknight dinners or fancier meals too. With just a few fresh ingredients and 15 minutes, you'll get an amazing meal where the sweet crab blends perfectly with a light tomato and white wine sauce.
Why you'll fall in love
This crab linguine has become my weeknight dinner savior. It's easy to make, packed with fresh flavors, and works just as well for last-minute meals as it does for special occasions. The mix of crab, fresh tomatoes, and fragrant shallots makes you feel like you're eating at a cute seaside Italian spot.
Key ingredients you'll need
- Olive oil and butter: Half tablespoon of each for a tasty foundation.
- Shallots: 3 finely chopped for their sweet aroma.
- Garlic: 3 minced cloves crucial for the sauce.
- Fresh tomatoes: 4 seeded and diced for freshness.
- Dry white wine: 120ml for flavor and acidity.
- Crab meat: 200g of brown and white meat for its tender texture.
- Linguine: 400g cooked al dente.
- Parmesan: 4 tablespoons grated for the finishing touch.
- Flat-leaf parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped for brightness.
- Chili: A pinch based on your preference.
Step-by-step cooking
- Flavor base
- I melt the butter with olive oil in a big pan until it foams up.
- Aromatics
- I toss in my shallots, garlic, salt and a bit of sugar. Let them soften gently for 5 minutes.
- The sauce
- I add my tomatoes followed by white wine and lemon juice. Let it simmer 5 minutes so the flavors can develop.
- Crab and pasta combo
- I stir in the brown crab meat while my linguine cooks. I save some valuable pasta water for the sauce.
- Bringing it together
- I combine my pasta with the sauce, white crab meat and parmesan. I add some pasta water if needed to get the right texture.
- Ready to eat
- I plate it up with fresh parsley and a bit of chili. A crusty bread goes wonderfully with this dish.

Perfect pairings
To make these crab linguine even better, try a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé. Don't forget some crusty bread to soak up all that yummy sauce. And for those who like a kick, a bit more chili before serving nicely perks up the whole dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use canned crab?
- Absolutely! Just make sure to drain it well and check for any bits of shell before using.
- → What's the difference between brown and white meat?
- Brown meat has a stronger flavor and blends nicely into sauces. White meat is softer and is added at the end to keep its texture.
- → Can I make the sauce ahead?
- You can prep the base of the sauce earlier, but add the crab at the last minute to keep it fresh and flavorful.
- → What white wine should I pick?
- Choose a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Vermouth. Avoid sweet wines that might overpower the sauce.
- → How do I store leftovers?
- This dish is best eaten fresh. If needed, refrigerate for up to a day and reheat gently with a bit of water to loosen the sauce.