Spaghetti with Crab
User Reviews
4.8
-
Prep Time
20 mins
-
Cook Time
15 mins
-
Total Time
35 mins
-
Servings
5
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
Italian
Spaghetti with Crab
Description
This Spaghetti with Crab recipe incorporates cooked Dungeness crab meat cleaned from the shells to avoid any unwanted shell fragments. The pasta is cooked in well-salted water and drained, reserving some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency. Butter melted in a skillet over medium heat forms the base, into which minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes are cooked briefly to release aroma and gentle heat.
Adding the cooked spaghetti and some reserved pasta water allows the pasta to absorb flavors and maintain moisture. Fresh crab meat is folded in with chopped parsley and lemon zest, which impart freshness and brightness. A drizzle of olive oil enhances richness without heaviness. Seasoning with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper enhances all components. The dish is served topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges for optional extra tang.
This preparation yields a light pasta entrée showcasing the delicate sweetness of crab paired with bright and savory accents. It works as an elegant yet approachable meal suitable for special occasions or everyday dining.
Ingredients
- 1 Dungeness crab cooked, halved & cleaned, whole
- 10 oz spaghetti cooked in salted water per instructions
- 3 tbsp butter salted
- 4-5 cloves garlic minced
- red pepper flakes to taste, crushed
- 3 tbsp parsley chopped, fresh
- 1 tsp lemon zest or more if desired, fresh
- olive oil to taste, about 1 tbsp, drizzle of
- salt to taste, sea salt and freshly cracked
- black pepper to taste, sea salt and freshly cracked
- Parmesan Cheese grated, fresh
- lemon wedges
Instructions
- Carefully remove the crab meat from the shells; discard shells. Go through the meat carefully - shells are no fun to eat! Set aside.
- Fill the stockpot with enough water to cook the pasta then season the water with sea salt.
- Add the pasta strainer insert then add the spaghetti and cook per instructions.
- Drain, reserving 3/4 cup of pasta cooking water.
- Heat the butter in the large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and the crushed red pepper flakes to the melted butter.
- Cook, stirring often, for 1 minute.
- Add the drained pasta along with some of the pasta water, to taste.
- Add the crab meat, fresh parsley, lemon zest, a drizzle of olive oil, and season well with sea salt & freshly cracked pepper, to taste; toss to coat evenly.
- Pour into a serving bowl and serve with fresh parmesan and lemon wedges, if desired. Enjoy.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
You'll Also Love
