Light, elegant, and full of coastal flavor, this Mary Berry Crab Pasta is the perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a refined meal for guests. Featuring sweet white crab meat tossed with fresh herbs, lemon, and al dente pasta, this dish is as simple as it is satisfying. True to Mary Berry’s signature style, the ingredients are fresh and the steps are fuss-free—perfect for letting the natural flavors shine.

What is Mary Berry Crab Pasta?

The Mary Berry Crab Pasta is a delicately flavored pasta dish made with white crab meat, lemon zest, garlic, herbs, and a touch of chili or cream (optional), tossed with freshly cooked spaghetti or linguine. It’s a light, zesty, and aromatic recipe that’s both nutritious and fast to prepare—ideal for seafood lovers who enjoy simple yet impressive dishes.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Quick and easy – Ready in under 20 minutes
Perfect balance of freshness and richness – Thanks to lemon and olive oil
Uses simple ingredients – Nothing complicated or hard to find
Elegant enough for guests – But easy enough for a casual dinner
Packed with protein and omega-3s – From fresh crab meat
Naturally light and low in calories – No heavy sauce required

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Crab Pasta

Dried spaghetti or linguine – 200g
White crab meat – 150g (fresh or canned, drained)
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Garlic – 1 clove, finely sliced or minced
Red chili – ½, finely chopped (optional)
Lemon zest – from 1 lemon
Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped
Salt and black pepper – to taste
Parmesan – optional, for serving

Equipment Needed

Large pot for boiling pasta
Frying pan
Zester and juicer
Tongs or a pasta fork
Knife and chopping board
Serving bowls

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Crab Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add garlic and chili (if using) and cook for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.

Step 3: Add Crab and Flavorings

Stir in the crab meat, breaking it up gently.
Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 4: Toss with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
Stir in chopped parsley, adjust seasoning, and heat through for 1 minute.

Step 5: Serve

Divide into bowls and serve warm.
Top with extra parsley or a light grating of Parmesan, if desired.

What Goes Well With Mary Berry Crab Pasta

Garlic bread or crusty sourdough – Great for soaking up the sauce
Simple green salad with vinaigrette – Freshens the plate
Grilled asparagus or tenderstem broccoli – Adds texture
Glass of chilled white wine – Like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
Lemon wedges – Brighten up each bite
Steamed green beans – Light and crisp side
Roasted cherry tomatoes – For added sweetness and acidity

Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Crab Pasta

Use fresh crab if possible – For the sweetest flavor
Don’t overcook the garlic – It should be golden, not brown
Add chili sparingly – A little heat enhances the crab, but too much can overpower it
Reserve pasta water – It helps create a silky sauce
Use lemon zest generously – It lifts the whole dish
Serve immediately – Best enjoyed fresh and hot
Use linguine or spaghetti – Long pasta holds the sauce well

Easy Variations of Mary Berry Crab Pasta

Add a splash of white wine – Deglaze the pan before adding crab
Stir in a spoonful of crème fraîche or double cream – For a richer version
Use brown crab meat for deeper flavor – Or a mix of both white and brown
Top with breadcrumbs fried in garlic oil – For crunch
Add spinach or rocket – For a green twist
Try with tagliatelle or angel hair – If preferred over spaghetti
Use lime zest and coriander – For a citrusy fusion flavor

Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Crab Pasta

Store in an airtight container in the fridge – Best eaten within 24 hours
Avoid freezing – The texture of crab and pasta may change
Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water – Avoid drying it out
Do not microwave for too long – Reheat in short intervals
Add fresh parsley and lemon when reheating – Refreshes the flavor

Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Crab Pasta

Reheat in a non-stick pan over low heat – Stir frequently and add a splash of water
Avoid overheating – Crab can become rubbery
Microwave in short bursts – Stir in between to distribute heat
Add a fresh drizzle of olive oil before serving – Restores the silkiness
Top with extra lemon zest or parsley – Brightens leftover portions

How Can I Make Mary Berry Crab Pasta Healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta – Adds fiber and nutrients
Reduce oil slightly – Or use a non-stick spray
Skip the Parmesan – Still flavorful without cheese
Add extra greens – Like spinach or zucchini ribbons
Use brown crab meat – Lower in fat and high in nutrients
Serve with a side salad instead of bread – Keeps it light and balanced

Nutrition Value (per serving):

Calories: 420
Protein: 28g
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 390mg

FAQs

Can I use canned crab meat for crab pasta?

Yes, canned white crab meat works well in this recipe. Be sure to drain it thoroughly and gently separate it with a fork before adding to the pasta.

What type of pasta works best with crab?

Spaghetti, linguine, or tagliatelle are ideal as they allow the light crab sauce to coat the strands evenly. Short pasta can work, but long pasta holds the texture better.

Do I need to cook the crab meat before adding it to the pasta?

No, if the crab meat is pre-cooked (as most fresh or canned versions are), simply warm it through gently in the sauce. Overcooking can make it tough.

Can I make crab pasta without chili?

Absolutely. The chili is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder dish. Lemon zest, garlic, and fresh herbs still add plenty of flavor.

Final Words

This Mary Berry Crab Pasta is proof that delicious food doesn’t need to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and a quick cooking time, you can enjoy a fresh, elegant seafood pasta that’s light yet full of flavor. Perfect for summer dinners, lunch with friends, or a no-fuss family meal.