12+ Crab Pasta Recipes for Creamy, Cozy Seafood Nights

There’s something so quietly joyful about making crab pasta on a chilly evening. Crab was a rare treat in my family growing up—always reserved for birthdays or cozy Sunday suppers, when big bowls of buttery noodles and piles of napkins took over the kitchen table. These days, whenever I find sweet crab meat at the market, I pause and picture how creamy, comforting, or fresh a crab pasta can be. That’s the magic of these 12+ crab pasta recipes for creamy, cozy seafood nights: they turn a handful of simple ingredients into a bowlful of warmth and celebration, no matter the weather.

1. Creamy Crab Fettuccine Alfredo

Why You’ll Love It:

This is the perfect midweek comfort dinner for when you want something that feels rich but still comes together easily. It’s a crowd-pleaser—kids love the velvety sauce, adults enjoy how the sweet crab cuts through the creaminess, and leftovers reheat beautifully.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz fettuccine pasta
• 8 oz lump crab meat
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• Lemon wedges for serving

How to Make It:

1. Cook fettuccine in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Let simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add drained pasta and pasta water if needed.
5. Gently fold in crab and parsley. Warm through (about 2 minutes).
6. Serve hot with lemon wedges.

Optional Enhancers (2):

Flavor Boost: Stir in a pinch of Old Bay seasoning with the cream for extra depth.

Serving Idea: Add steamed broccolini or asparagus on the side for color and crunch.

2. Chili Crab Spaghetti

Why You’ll Love It:

This is what you make when you crave a touch of heat and want to change things up from the usual cream sauce. The sweet crab pairs beautifully with a little chili kick, making this pasta a hit for anyone who likes bold flavors.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 10 oz crab meat, drained
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 red chilies, seeded and minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 scallions, sliced
• Lime wedges and cilantro, for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Cook spaghetti and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Heat oil in a pan. Add onion, garlic, and chilies. Sauté until soft.
3. Add tomato sauce, cherry tomatoes, fish sauce, and sugar. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Toss in cooked pasta, crab, and pasta water. Stir to coat.
5. Remove from heat, top with scallions. Serve with lime and cilantro.

Optional Enhancer:

Swap This With That: Use linguine instead of spaghetti, or adjust chilies to your heat preference.

3. Classic Crab Linguine with Lemon

Why You’ll Love It:

This is your go-to when you want something light but still special. It’s ultra-fresh and only takes a few minutes, so you can make it after work and still get that restaurant-style dish with hardly any fuss.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 8 oz linguine
• 6 oz crab meat
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Lemon slices for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Cook linguine until al dente. Reserve 2 tbsp pasta water; drain.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss pasta, crab, and basil gently in the dressing, adding a splash of pasta water if needed.
4. Serve immediately with lemon slices.

Optional Enhancer:

Meal Prep Tip: This is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated and brought to room temp for a quick lunch.

4. Crab and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Why You’ll Love It:

Perfect for a special family dinner or when you have friends over, these shells combine creamy ricotta with sweet crab for the ultimate baked pasta comfort. You can prep them earlier, then just bake before serving.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 18 jumbo pasta shells
• 8 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 cup crab meat
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 egg
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper

How to Make It:

1. Cook shells per package instructions. Drain and cool.
2. Mix ricotta, crab, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Fill shells with mixture.
4. Spread marinara in a baking dish, nestle filled shells on top.
5. Cover with foil and bake at 375F for 25 minutes, then uncover, sprinkle extra mozzarella, and bake 5 minutes more.

Optional Enhancer:

Best Pairings: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, and roasted green beans round out the meal.

5. Crab Mac and Cheese

Why You’ll Love It:

Take everyone’s favorite mac and cheese, add crab, and you have the ultimate weeknight treat. Kids love it, and adults will sneak extra spoonfuls. Great for using up leftover crab.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 8 oz crab meat
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp chopped chives (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Boil pasta, drain.
2. Melt butter in a pot, add flour and cook 2 minutes.
3. Whisk in milk and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in cheeses until melted, then add salt and paprika.
5. Add pasta, crab, and chives. Mix and pour into a baking dish.
6. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and bake at 400F for 20 minutes.

Optional Enhancer:

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of cayenne to the cheese sauce for a gentle kick.

6. One-Pot Creamy Crab Orzo

Why You’ll Love It:

When you need a minimal-dish dinner but still crave something decadent, this creamy crab orzo satisfies. It’s creamy like risotto without the endless stirring, and it’s doable on a weeknight.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 8 oz crab meat
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 shallot, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp chopped dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Sauté shallot and garlic in butter in a large sauté pan.
2. Add orzo and toast 2 minutes.
3. Pour in broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally for about 10 minutes.
4. Stir in peas, cream, and crab. Cook until orzo is al dente and sauce is creamy, about 5 minutes.
5. Top with lemon zest, dill, and season to taste.

Optional Enhancer:

Meal Prep Tip: Leftovers reheat well with a splash of extra cream or broth.

7. Spicy Cajun Crab Penne

Why You’ll Love It:

If you love spicy, bold flavors, this pasta is for you. The Cajun spices and sweet crab combo are perfect for chilly evenings or an at-home date night.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 8 oz crab meat
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 scallions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Cook penne per package. Drain, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. In a large pan, sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic in oil.
3. Stir in Cajun seasoning, cream, broth, and Parmesan. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
4. Add penne and toss to coat. Fold in crab and scallions. Season and add pasta water as needed.

Optional Enhancer:

Flavor Boost: Use smoked paprika along with Cajun seasoning for extra depth.

8. Crab Carbonara

Why You’ll Love It:

A twist on classic carbonara, this version gets its richness from egg yolks and Parmesan, with crab adding a sweet ocean note. It’s quick and feels fancy but doesn’t require any cream.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 8 oz crab meat
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 whole egg
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley

How to Make It:

1. Cook spaghetti, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. In a pan, cook pancetta in oil until crisp. Remove from heat.
3. Whisk eggs and Parmesan in a bowl.
4. Toss hot pasta with pancetta, followed by egg mixture and crab, adding pasta water to make a silky sauce.
5. Top with parsley and black pepper.

Optional Enhancer:

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t add eggs directly to heat—mix off the burner to avoid scrambling.

9. Crab and Artichoke Pasta Bake

Why You’ll Love It:

Like your favorite party dip transformed into a hearty weeknight pasta. It comes together easily and feels just a little bit special.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz penne
• 12 oz canned artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
• 8 oz crab meat
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, cubed
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Cook pasta, drain.
2. Sauté garlic in oil. Add cream cheese, milk, and Mozzarella, stirring until melted.
3. Stir in Parmesan, paprika, crab, and artichokes.
4. Combine with pasta.
5. Pour into a greased baking dish, top with extra mozzarella and paprika.
6. Bake at 375F for 30 minutes until bubbling.

Optional Enhancer:

Meal Prep Tip: Prep and refrigerate a day in advance, then bake when you’re ready.

10. Lemony Crab Angel Hair

Why You’ll Love It:

Perfect for a light spring or summer supper when you want real food but not a heavy meal. This dish is bright, fresh, and comes together in no time.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 6 oz angel hair pasta
• 5 oz crab meat
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp capers
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon slices for serving

How to Make It:

1. Cook pasta, reserving 2 tbsp pasta water.
2. Gently warm crab in olive oil over low heat.
3. Add lemon zest, juice, parsley, and capers.
4. Toss with pasta and reserved water. Season to taste, serve with lemon slices.

Optional Enhancer:

Serving Idea: Great for lunch with a green salad and a glass of cold white wine.

11. Crab and Corn Creamy Pasta

Why You’ll Love It:

This dish pairs summer-sweet corn with rich crab, making for a lush and unexpected combination. Everyone at the table digs in for seconds.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 8 oz crab meat
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tbsp chopped tarragon
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Cook rotini until al dente, drain.
2. Sauté garlic and corn in butter for 3 minutes.
3. Add cream and Parmesan, simmer 2–3 minutes.
4. Fold in crab, tarragon, and pasta. Season and serve.

Optional Enhancer:

Flavor Boost: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the top just before serving.

12. Crab Pesto Penne

Why You’ll Love It:

This one’s for nights when you want something green and vibrant. Pesto, sweet crab, and penne make for a sauce that clings to every bite, and it couldn’t be easier.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 7 oz crab meat
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 2 tbsp pine nuts
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Cook penne, drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
2. Toss pasta with pesto and reserved water.
3. Gently fold in crab.
4. Serve with pine nuts and Parmesan sprinkled on top.

Optional Enhancer:

Swap This With That: Spinach pesto or arugula pesto work just as well for a peppery twist.

13. Crab and Tomato Tagliatelle

Why You’ll Love It:

Perfect for tomato season, this pasta is all about fresh flavors and juicy bursts of tomato. The crab soaks up all the herby, garlicky sauce.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz tagliatelle pasta
• 9 oz crab meat
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Cook tagliatelle, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Sauté garlic and tomatoes in oil until soft.
3. Add white wine, simmer 2 minutes.
4. Toss in pasta, crab, and basil. Add pasta water if needed.
5. Serve hot, topped with basil and pepper flakes.

Optional Enhancer:

Budget-Friendly Tip: Substitute canned tomatoes when cherry tomatoes are pricey out of season.

14. Crab and Spinach Baked Ziti

Why You’ll Love It:

An ultimate crowd-pleaser, this casserole is creamy, loaded with greens, and feeds a small group. It’s great when you want comfort food but still want some veggies.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 14 oz ziti pasta
• 10 oz crab meat
• 3 cups baby spinach
• 1/2 cup ricotta
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Boil ziti, drain.
2. Wilt spinach in a pan.
3. Melt butter, whisk in flour, then milk to form béchamel. Stir in ricotta and half the mozzarella.
4. Mix crab and spinach into sauce, combine with pasta.
5. Pour into a baking dish, top with mozzarella and Parmesan, bake at 375F for 35 minutes.

Optional Enhancer:

Meal Prep Tip: Assemble a day before, then bake off when ready to serve.

15. Crab Alfredo Lasagna

Why You’ll Love It:

Rich layers of pasta, creamy Alfredo, and tender crab make this a real showstopper for holidays or casual celebrations. It’s totally worth the mess and makes a generous amount.

Serving size: Serves 8

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups Alfredo sauce
• 16 oz crab meat
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup ricotta
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

How to Make It:

1. Cook lasagna noodles, drain.
2. Mix ricotta, Parmesan, basil, salt, and pepper.
3. In a baking dish, spread a layer of Alfredo sauce, noodles, then crab, ricotta mixture, and cheese. Repeat 2 more layers.
4. Finish with noodles, sauce, and mozzarella.
5. Cover and bake at 375F for 40 minutes.
6. Uncover, bake 10 minutes more until bubbly. Let rest before slicing.

Optional Enhancer:

Personal Note: My family always requests this for New Year’s Eve—it’s pure comfort and feels festive.

FAQ

Can I use canned crab instead of fresh?

Absolutely—canned crab works well in most of these recipes and is budget-friendly. Just drain it well and pick over for any shells.

How do I store leftovers?

Most creamy crab pasta recipes keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

What type of pasta pairs best with crab?

Crab goes great with all shapes—long noodles like linguine for lighter sauces, or sturdy shapes like shells and penne for bakes and heavier cream sauces.

Can I make any of these crab pasta dishes dairy-free?

Yes. For many recipes, swap in a dairy-free cream or cashew sauce and use plant-based cheese alternatives for baking dishes.

Conclusion

Crab pasta is one of those quietly celebratory meals—it feels decadent, but once you get comfortable, it’s totally accessible for everyday cooking. Whether you want something creamy and warming for a seafood night in, or need a lighter, lemony option for warm weather, these recipes for creamy, cozy crab pasta are all about rewarding yourself and the people you love. Try a new one, swap in the flavors that make sense for you, and don’t stress about making it perfect. At the end of the day, what matters most is sharing a good meal and a few stories around the table.