This Crab with Red Pesto Spaghetti is a delicious pasta dish that is perfect for busy weeknights. Sweet crab meat is tossed with spaghetti and red pesto, creating a simple, light and satisfying meal.

The red pesto adds a wonderful depth of flavour that coats the spaghetti beautifully and complements the delicate sweetness of the crab. It pairs well with a variety of sides, making it easy to turn into a complete meal.
Calories in Crab with Red Pesto Spaghetti
This recipe serves 2 and is 491 calories per serving.
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If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie needs using a reliable calorie calculator. The calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes you use. Using your own calculations helps ensure you're meeting your individual needs. A calorie calculator can help you make informed choices and stay on track with your goals.
See the recipe card for full nutritional estimation.
Ingredients Notes
To make this recipe you will need the following ingredients:
- Spaghetti - The perfect pasta for soaking up the red pesto sauce. You can substitute with linguine, tagliatelle or your favourite pasta shape if preferred.
- Crab Meat - Tinned crab meat makes this recipe quick and convenient, while fresh crab adds an even sweeter, more delicate flavour. Be sure to drain well before using.
- Red Pesto - Adds a rich, savoury flavour to the dish with notes of tomato, garlic and herbs. Different brands can vary in strength, so adjust the amount to taste if needed.
Once you've gathered all the ingredients and prepared them accordingly, you're all set to create this easy and delightful recipe.
See the recipe card for specific quantities and instructions.

Variations and Substitutes
This recipe is easy to adapt with a few simple swaps depending on what you have on hand.
- Try a different protein: Swap the crab for cooked prawns, salmon, tuna, chicken or even smoked mackerel for a different twist.
- Use a different pasta: Spaghetti can be replaced with linguine, tagliatelle, fettuccine or any pasta shape you enjoy.
- Switch the pesto: Red pesto can be replaced with green basil pesto, roasted red pepper pesto or even a sun-dried tomato pesto.
- Add extra vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, spinach, courgette, asparagus, peas or roasted red peppers all work beautifully in this dish.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of chilli flakes or some finely chopped fresh chilli for a little heat.
- Add some cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or even some crumbled feta adds extra flavour.
- Add more freshness: Stir through some fresh basil, parsley, chives or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
- Boost the protein: Add extra crab meat with some cooked prawns for a more substantial meal.
- Add crunch: Toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts make a great topping and pair well with the pesto flavours.
Side Suggestions
A simple mixed salad with lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes and red onion is the perfect accompaniment to this dish, adding freshness and crunch that balances the rich pesto-coated pasta.
For a more substantial meal, serve with garlic bread, a warm crusty roll or some roasted vegetables such as courgette, asparagus, broccoli or tenderstem broccoli. A side of green beans, sugar snap peas or a peppery rocket salad also pairs beautifully with the delicate flavour of the crab and the richness of the red pesto.
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