Spaghetti with Garlic, Breadcrumbs, and Crab
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti
3 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably homemade)
8 oz fresh or canned crab meat
Zest of 1 lemon, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (or parsley if preferred)
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
Cook the Spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Toast the Breadcrumbs:
Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and toast until golden brown, stirring frequently. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, heat the remaining 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1–2 minutes.
Add the Crab Meat:
Stir the crab meat into the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until warmed through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine with Spaghetti:
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the olive oil and crab mixture.
Finish with Lemon and Breadcrumbs:
Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the lemon zest and toasted breadcrumbs, tossing gently to combine.
Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the spaghetti to a rustic white plate. Garnish with fresh cilantro and additional lemon zest. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Presentation Tips:
Aspect Ratio: 4:3: Focus on the textures of the golden breadcrumbs and the delicate crab meat with close-up detail.
Aspect Ratio: 16:9: Include the wooden table and the small bowl of Parmesan in the background for a cozy, rustic ambiance.
This Spaghetti with Garlic, Breadcrumbs, and Crab is a light yet indulgent dish, perfect for showcasing fresh, simple flavors. 🍝✨🦀