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Lemon Crab Scampi Pasta

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2 People

Ingredients
  

Garlic Parmesan Breadcrumbs

  • 2 Cloves Garlic Grated
  • 3 Ounces Unsalted Butter
  • ½ Cup Unseasoned Breadcrumbs
  • ½ Cup Parmesan Cheese Grated
  • ½ Teaspoon Red Chili Flakes
  • ¼ Teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1 Teaspoon Dried Parsley
  • 1 Lemon Zested

Crab Scampi

  • 6 Ounces Dried Spaghetti
  • 5 Ounces Unsalted Butter
  • 3 Cloves Garlic Minced
  • ¾ Cup White Wine
  • 1 Lemon Juiced
  • ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt Plus additional to salt the pasta water
  • ½ Teaspoon Red Chili Flakes
  • ½ Pound Jumbo Lump Crab
  • ½ Cup Parsley Finely Chopped
  • 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Instructions
 

Garlic Parmesan Breadcrumbs

  • Add butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Cook grated garlic for 1-2 minutes or until slightly golden. Then add breadcrumbs, red chili flakes, salt, and dried parsley and let cook for about 3-4 minutes, gently tossing to get evenly toasted.
  • Remove from heat, and let cool. Then add grated parmesan and lemon zest and set aside.

Crab Scampi

  • Boil the water for the pasta, being sure to add 1-2 tablespoons of Kosher salt to salt the pasta water.
  • While the water is boiling, melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat and cook the garlic for about 2 minutes until lightly golden.
  • Next, add the white wine and lemon juice and simmer for several minutes until reduced and only about ¼ of the liquid remains.
  • While the liquid is reducing, cook the pasta. Cook for 2 minutes under the suggested package cook time. Drain, but reserve about 1 cup of pasta water.
  • Add the reserved pasta water directly to the pot along with black pepper, chili flakes, and ¾ teaspoon of salt.
  • Next, add the spaghetti and let simmer until the sauce has reduced and the pasta has finished cooking, about 2-3 minutes.
  • While the pasta is simmering, gently toss the crab with the olive oil, fresh parsley, and remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt. Once the sauce has reduced and the pasta is cooked through, fold in the crab and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  • Top with generous serving of garlic parmesan breadcrumbs and serve.