Popular & practical recipes anyone can cook...

Asparagus & crab linguine, with a parsley & lemon butter sauce

Asparagus & crab linguine, with a parsley & lemon butter sauce

Asparagus is an aphrodisiac, so if you want to create a romantic meal, try this delicious liguine served with a parsley and lemon butter sauce and really impress

Serves: 4-6

What you need:

  • 300g dried linguine
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 freshly dressed crabs (meat taken out of the shells)
  • 1 bundle of British asparagus, trimmed and cut into 3cm lengths
  • 100g of butter
  • 3 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp chives, finely chopped
  • 1 onion peeled and finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped
  • 1 mild red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
  • 50ml vegetable stock
  • 1 lemon, juiced

What you do:

  1. Cook the linguine in plenty of boiling salted water for approximately 10-12 minutes. Drain the majority of the water and add the olive oil, stir through the pasta and keep warm
  2. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large sauté pan, add the onion and asparagus and season well with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sweat over a medium heat for 2-3 minutes then add the chilli and garlic and cook for another minute. Add the crab along with the vegetable stock and cook for a further 2 minutes. Stir in the chopped parsley, chives and lemon juice then add the pasta and make sure all the ingredients are mixed together thoroughly. Season if necessary to taste and serve immediately

Useful tip:

Leave a little bit of the cooking water in the pasta to prevent the linguine from sticking together. If you don't happen to have any chives then an alternative could be to use the tops of spring onions finely chopped.

This page can be found at:

A short link can also be used: http://bit.ly/i2PCdS

Skandi Candle

Pure soy wax candles in Flack Fig & Vetiver or Lemon fragrances - perfect for any dinner party or romantic night in.

Buy now on Etsy

British Asparagus

British Asparagus is hailed by leading chefs as the best in the world. It's packed with nutrients, bursting with taste and a truly versatile vegetable. Just don't miss out on its relatively short season of just seven to eight weeks!

More from British Asparagus

Penne with asparagus & parma ham

Penne with asparagus & parma ham

Salty parma ham with deliciously sweet asparagus makes a main course full of flavour and filling too

Asparagus risotto

Asparagus risotto

This recipe's really quick to make with tender asparagus and nutty Parmesan the stand-out flavours in this dish

Asparagus & salmon lasagne

Asparagus & salmon lasagne

Lasagne can be a bit tricky to make, but it's so worth the effort. And if you're looking for a lasagne that's a bit different, the salmon adds a tasty, unusual flavour

New on Secret Sauce

  • Chocolate dipped strawberries Chocolate dipped strawberries
    Viva strawberries and chocolate are a match made in heaven and make a delicious treat and a healthier alternative to a bar of chocolate.
    15th Mar 2015 at 1:55pm in cakes & desserts
  • Fenland celery, herb & bacon parcels
    Fenland celery tastes delicious when roasted. Cooking it in little parcels keeps all the flavours and lovely juices in. Try this easy recipe for family suppers, children love anything wrapped up!
    15th Mar 2015 at 1:55pm in meat & poultry
  • Strawberry & almond macaroons
    Macaroons are the perfect dessert to follow a romantic dinner - the perfect treat!
    10th Feb 2015 at 8:41pm in cakes & desserts

Food poll

Do you buy organic food?