I bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil before adding the tagliatelle. Cooking it al dente makes sure the ribbons hold their shape and texture once mixed with the sauce. After draining, I drizzle a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
In a medium pot, I melt the butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste. Letting it cook for about a minute removes the raw flour taste and sets the foundation for a silky sauce.
Gradually, I whisk in the oat milk until it becomes smooth and creamy. Then I add the sherry, tomato paste, Old Bay seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. I let the sauce simmer gently for about five minutes so the flavors come together beautifully.
I carefully fold in the crab meat, making sure not to break up the chunks too much. A gentle simmer for a couple of minutes warms it through while keeping the crab tender and juicy.
Once the pasta and sauce are ready, I toss them together so each ribbon is coated. For the finishing touch, I garnish with parsley, a sprinkle of paprika, and a fresh lemon wedge. It looks and tastes restaurant-worthy.