A Comforting Twist on a Local Favourite: Chilli Crab Pasta

There are days when you want comfort food, but you also want flavour that wakes you up a little. This Chilli Crab Pasta does exactly that. It borrows the rich, savoury notes of Singapore’s iconic chilli crab and brings them together with pasta for a meal that feels indulgent, familiar, and surprisingly easy to pull together.

Using imitation crab keeps this dish affordable, while still delivering that sweet seafood bite we all love. One pot, simple steps, and big flavour. Exactly what a weeknight dinner should be.

Why Chilli Crab Pasta Is Such a Crowd-Pleaser

What makes this dish so satisfying is the balance of flavours and textures. The chilli sauce and tomato paste create a rich, savoury base with just the right amount of heat, while the egg adds a silky finish that clings beautifully to the pasta.

Imitation crab keeps costs low but still gives you that sweet seafood bite, making this dish both budget-conscious and comforting. It is familiar enough for a weeknight dinner, yet special enough to feel like a treat.

Best of all, everything comes together quickly in one pan after the pasta is cooked, which means less washing up and more time to enjoy your meal.

Ingredients You'll Need

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.

Fresh

• 200g pasta

• 200g imitation crab meat

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1/2 cup chicken stock

• Spring onions, for garnish

Pantry Staples

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp minced ginger

• 2 red chillies, chopped

• 2 tbsp cooking oil

• 2 tbsp chilli sauce

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 egg, lightly beaten

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger, and red chillies. Stir-fry until fragrant.

3. Add tomato paste, chilli sauce, and soy sauce. Stir well and cook for 1–2 minutes.

4. Add imitation crab meat and chicken stock. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes.

5. Slowly pour in the beaten egg while stirring continuously to form a silky sauce.

6. Add the cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Garnish with spring onions and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Chili Crab Pasta on its own as a complete meal, or pair it with a light side salad to balance the richness. It also goes well with toasted bread if you want something to mop up the sauce.

Tips to Make It Better

• Adjust the heat: Reduce the amount of chilli or remove the seeds for a milder version.

  
  

• Extra richness: Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.

  
  

• Protein swap: If budget allows, fresh crab or prawns can be used for a more indulgent version.

A Comfort Dish That Is Flavourful

With a handful of pantry staples and one pan, you get a dish that feels familiar, satisfying, and full of flavour.

It is perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or whenever you’re craving something warm and a little indulgent. Simple, bold, and always a good idea.

Happy cooking!