An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that feels equal parts elegant and comforting, King Crab Pasta with Tomato and Ouzo Sauce is for you. Imagine briny, sweet king crab mingling with a luscious tomato-cream sauce, all brightened by a whisper of ouzo and lemon. This is An Incredible Ultimate Recipe, the kind you bring out for special occasions—or any evening you want to transform into a memorable celebration. From the silky pasta to the final shower of fresh parsley and parmesan, every element of this dish promises a journey through flavors and textures you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, working together in harmony to create a pasta masterpiece. Simplicity is the secret here: a few top-quality components, each one chosen for its ability to elevate taste, texture, or even color. Don’t skimp—let every ingredient sing!
- Pasta (12 ounces linguine or spaghetti): Go for a long, sturdy noodle that will soak up all that lovely sauce and cradle generous bites of crab.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): A splash of good olive oil forms the foundation for sautéing, infusing richness right from the start.
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): Butter builds another layer of velvety flavor, balancing the olive oil and ensuring your sauce is deliciously smooth.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): The essential aromatic, garlic brings warmth and irresistible depth to the sauce.
- Shallot (1 small, finely chopped): Shallot’s subtle sweetness makes the background of the sauce extra special.
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Just a hint adds gentle heat—totally up to your taste!
- Ouzo (1/2 cup): This traditional Greek spirit lends an unmistakable anise flavor that sets the dish apart. Substitute with dry white wine if necessary, but ouzo is a game changer.
- Crushed Tomatoes (1 cup): Tomatoes provide classic Mediterranean flavor and a beautiful, vibrant color for the sauce.
- Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): Cream turns your sauce into something truly luxurious, rounding out acidity and binding everything together.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just the right amount brings all the flavors into balance.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A little bite adds welcome complexity to each forkful.
- King Crab Meat (1/2 pound, cooked, shredded): Sweet, succulent king crab is the star—make sure it’s cooked and shredded for easy mixing.
- Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon, fresh): Lemon brightens up the whole dish and enhances the sweetness of the crab.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): A sprinkle of herby freshness and color for your finished masterpiece.
- Lemon Zest & Grated Parmesan (for serving, optional): Both bring flavor and flair, making every bowl look and taste irresistible.
How to Make An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. This is the canvas for your An Incredible Ultimate Recipe, so don’t be shy with the salt—it’s your pasta’s first chance to soak up flavor. Cook the linguine or spaghetti just until al dente, following the timing on your package for perfect texture. Before draining, be sure to scoop out half a cup of that starchy pasta water; it’s a magic ingredient for later! Drain your pasta and set it aside while you focus on the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
While your pasta is cooking, get your largest skillet going over medium heat. Swirl in the olive oil and butter, letting them melt together into a tempting pool. Add the garlic, shallot, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, those red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes, just until your kitchen is filled with the intoxicating scent of garlic and shallots. Watch carefully—aromatics that go from golden to burnt too quickly lose their magic.
Step 3: Add the Ouzo
This part feels a bit like a culinary magic trick—carefully pour in your ouzo, standing back just in case. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to let the alcohol cook off, leaving you with that pop of anise flavor that makes this An Incredible Ultimate Recipe truly unique. The aroma at this stage will transport you straight to the Mediterranean coast.
Step 4: Craft the Tomato-Cream Sauce
Stir in your crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to combine. Keep the sauce bubbling gently for 5 to 7 minutes—enough time for it to thicken and for the flavors to marry. Stir occasionally, breathing in that sweet-tangy fragrance as your sauce transforms into something irresistible.
Step 5: Fold in the Crab and Lemon
Now for the crowning touch: add your cooked, shredded king crab meat and squeeze in the fresh lemon juice. Gently fold everything together, cooking for another minute or two just to warm the crab through and infuse every bite with brightness. Take care—the crab is delicate, and you want luscious chunks in every bite.
Step 6: Toss with Pasta and Finish
Add the drained pasta to your skillet, using tongs to toss it through the sauce until each strand gleams with flavor. If things look a little thick, splash in some reserved pasta water until it’s just right. Sprinkle in the fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Finish with lemon zest and grated parmesan if you like—your An Incredible Ultimate Recipe is ready for the spotlight!
How to Serve An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
For a truly show-stopping presentation, top every bowl with a sprinkle of chopped parsley, a shower of bright lemon zest, and a generous grating of parmesan cheese. Each garnish not only brings color and flair but also enhances the freshness and flavor of your An Incredible Ultimate Recipe. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a quick drizzle of truffle oil just before serving will send this dish over the top!
Side Dishes
This pasta shines beautifully as a centerpiece, but you can surround it with a few simple sides for a complete feast. Think crisp, lemony green salad, warm crusty bread to soak up the sauce, or even grilled asparagus for a touch of green. Since this is such a rich dish, sides that offer lightness and crunch will perfectly complement your An Incredible Ultimate Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, twirl the pasta into high nests with tongs on each plate, then gently mound the crab on top for dramatic effect. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for those who crave extra brightness. Pair each bowl with a chilled glass of crisp white wine to bring out all the beautiful Mediterranean notes of your An Incredible Ultimate Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), transfer the pasta to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen as they sit and meld, so the second-day experience of your An Incredible Ultimate Recipe can be just as delightful—maybe even more so!
Freezing
While the sauce itself (without crab and pasta) can be made ahead and frozen, I don’t recommend freezing the assembled dish. Crab and cream sauces can lose their delicate texture and flavor when thawed. If you want to prepare ahead, freeze only the tomato-cream sauce, then add fresh crab and cooked pasta when ready to serve.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a large skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Stir often and heat only until just warmed through to keep the crab tender and delicious. The magic of An Incredible Ultimate Recipe is best preserved with gentle heat and patience.
FAQs
Can I use imitation crab instead of king crab?
You technically can, but the luxurious flavor and delicate texture of king crab are what truly make this An Incredible Ultimate Recipe special. If you choose imitation crab, expect a different experience—still tasty, but a little less indulgent and briny.
What can I use instead of ouzo if I can’t find it?
If ouzo isn’t available, dry white wine is a great substitute, though it will change the distinct anise-kissed flavor profile that ouzo brings. You might also experiment with a splash of Pernod or another anise liqueur for a similar Mediterranean flair.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream for the sauce?
Absolutely! You can use half-and-half or even whole milk in place of the cream for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich and velvety. Evaporated milk is another option if you still want a creamy texture without all the fat.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Simply swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free linguine or spaghetti. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t lose any flavor or texture in this An Incredible Ultimate Recipe!
What wine pairs best with this dish?
A crisp, mineral-driven white wine like a Greek Assyrtiko, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio is absolutely divine beside the richness of the crab and creamy tomato sauce. Keep it chilled, pour generously, and let the meal transport you to a sunny seaside Mediterranean table.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this An Incredible Ultimate Recipe a try—and that it earns a spot in your rotation for special nights and everyday celebrations alike. Every swirl of pasta, every plump bite of king crab, is pure joy. So grab your forks and gather your favorite people around the table—a delicious adventure awaits!
Print
An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of this King Crab Pasta with Tomato and Ouzo Sauce. This ultimate recipe combines tender king crab meat with a rich tomato-cream sauce infused with the distinctive taste of ouzo, finished with a hint of lemon and parsley. A Mediterranean-inspired dish that promises a burst of flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces linguine or spaghetti
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup ouzo
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- 1/2 pound cooked king crab meat, shredded
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- lemon zest and grated Parmesan for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve pasta water.
- Prepare Sauce: Sauté garlic, shallot, and pepper flakes. Add ouzo, tomatoes, cream, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine: Add crab meat, lemon juice to sauce. Toss in pasta, adding reserved water if needed.
- Finish: Garnish with parsley, lemon zest, and Parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ouzo with dry white wine if needed, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
- For added luxury, drizzle a touch of truffle oil before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
