Fresh Crab Tagliarini with Lemon & Chilli: A Maltese Favorite

Mastering Tagliarini with Crab, Chilli, and Lemon: A Mediterranean-Inspired Pasta Dish

If you're a food lover in Malta with a passion for fresh, wholesome ingredients, this recipe for Tagliarini with Crab, Chilli, Lemon, and Parsley is a must-try. It’s a dish that strikes a perfect balance between indulgence and health-conscious dining, combining the sweetness of fresh crab with the zing of lemon and the subtle heat of red chilli. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe is not only a celebration of flavor but also aligns beautifully with a healthy lifestyle.

The Beauty of Fresh, Local Ingredients

In Malta, we are fortunate to have access to some of the freshest seafood in the Mediterranean. As Tim Siadatan, chef and co-founder of the renowned Padella restaurant, says, "Fresh is best." When it comes to crab, this mantra couldn’t be more true. Using freshly picked white and brown crab meat ensures the dish is packed with nutrients and an authentic shellfish flavor. White crab meat is lean and delicate, while brown crab meat adds a creamy, richer depth—both of which are excellent sources of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins.

For those who prefer sourcing local, you can find fresh crab at Maltese fish markets like Marsaxlokk or from trusted fishmongers. If you’re up for the challenge, cooking and preparing live crabs at home is the ultimate way to guarantee freshness, but for convenience, many local suppliers also offer freshly picked crab meat.

Why This Dish Fits a Healthy Lifestyle

This recipe isn’t just about indulgent flavors—it’s packed with ingredients that align with a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. Olive oil, a staple of the Mediterranean kitchen, is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Chilli adds a metabolism-boosting kick, parsley is loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, and lemon provides a refreshing dose of vitamin C. Plus, the dish is naturally low in saturated fats and relies on fresh, whole foods—perfect for anyone looking to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

Tagliarini with Crab, Chilli, Lemon, and Parsley

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 450g fresh tagliarini (alternatively, fresh fettuccine, or dried linguine, spaghetti, or bucatini)
• 300g freshly picked white crab meat
• 150g freshly picked brown crab meat
• 2 heaped tbsp finely chopped red chilli (deseeded)
• Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 heaped tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
• About 150ml high-quality extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring 4–5 litres of water to a boil in a large pot, adding a generous fistful of salt for seasoning.
2. Prepare the Crab Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the white and brown crab meat with the chilli, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and olive oil. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3. Create the Sauce Base: Transfer the crab mixture to a pan large enough to hold the pasta later. Add a small ladle (about 60ml) of hot, seasoned pasta water, stirring gently off the heat to warm the crab mixture.
4. Cook the Pasta: Loosen the tagliarini bundles with your fingers and drop them into the boiling water. Cook for 1–1½ minutes (or according to packet instructions if using dried pasta). Drain, reserving two mugs of pasta water.
5. Combine and Finish: Add the cooked pasta to the crab mixture along with half a mug (about 120ml) of pasta water. Stir over medium heat for about 1 minute, allowing the sauce to coat the pasta and thicken. Adjust the consistency with small splashes of reserved pasta water if needed, but avoid over-thinning the sauce to preserve the delicate flavors of the crab. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
6. Serve: Divide the pasta among warm plates, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and serve immediately.

This recipe, adapted from Tim Siadatan’s cookbook Padella, brings restaurant-quality dining to your home kitchen.

Elevating Your Dining Experience in Malta

For those who enjoy recreating restaurant classics at home, this dish perfectly captures the simplicity and elegance of Mediterranean cuisine. Pair it with a crisp white wine, such as a locally produced Vermentino or Chardonnay, and a side of fresh salad made with Maltese-grown produce.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to enjoy similar flavors without the effort, many restaurants across Malta specialize in seafood and pasta dishes that highlight the island’s rich culinary heritage. Explore places like Valletta’s quaint bistros or waterfront restaurants in St. Julian’s for inspiration.

Health, Longevity, and the Mediterranean Way

This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of the Mediterranean lifestyle, which has been linked to improved heart health, reduced inflammation, and greater longevity. By focusing on fresh, high-quality ingredients and simple preparation methods, you can enjoy food that’s both delicious and nourishing.

So, whether you’re preparing this dish for a family dinner or a special occasion, you’ll be mastering a pasta classic that embodies the best of flavor, health, and Maltese culinary traditions. Bon Appétit—or as we say in Malta, L-Għana Tiegħek!