WA Winter Dungeness Crab, Leek & Kale Lemon-Cream Pasta
Peak winter comfort with a Pacific Northwest twist: sweet, tender Dungeness crab folded into a creamy leek-and-kale pasta that tastes restaurant-fancy but cooks fast. Bright lemon and dill keep it light, while in-season greens make it feel like January in Washington (in the best way).
Ingredients
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Wild-Caught Whole Fresh Dungeness Crab (or Whole Cooked Dungeness Crab)1 lb (yields ~4–6 oz picked meat) $8.99 sale (1 lb)
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Organic Leeks1 bunch (use 1 large or 2 small leeks) $3.99
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Organic Lacinato Kale1 small bunch (about 4 packed cups chopped) $2.79
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Simple Truth Organic® Garlic Bulbs (3 ct)2 cloves, minced $1.99
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Simple Truth Organic® Baby Dill2 tbsp chopped (optional but great) $2.49
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Lemon1 (not listed)
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Spaghetti or linguine6 oz (about 170 g) (not listed)
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Olive oil1 tbsp (not listed)
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Butter1 tbsp (not listed)
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Heavy cream (or half-and-half)1/3 cup (or 1/2 cup half-and-half) (not listed)
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Parmesan1/3 cup, finely grated (not listed)
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Crushed red pepper flakesPinch (optional) (not listed)
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Salt & black pepperTo taste (not listed)
Instructions
- Prep: If using whole crab, pick the meat (aim for ~4–6 oz). Slice leeks thin; rinse well to remove grit. Strip kale from stems and chop. Mince garlic. Zest and juice the lemon.
- Stove: Bring a pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just al dente.
- Stove: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil + butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add leeks with a pinch of salt; cook until soft and sweet, 6–8 minutes.
- Stove: Add garlic (and a pinch of chile flakes if using) and cook 30 seconds. Add kale and a splash of water; cover and wilt 2 minutes, then uncover and cook 1–2 minutes more.
- Stove: Lower heat. Stir in cream, lemon zest, and 1–2 tbsp lemon juice. Simmer gently 1–2 minutes to lightly thicken.
- Stove: Add drained pasta (reserve 1/2 cup pasta water). Toss with Parmesan, loosening with pasta water as needed to make it glossy.
- Finish: Fold in crab meat gently just to warm through (don’t overcook). Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon. Top with dill and extra Parmesan if you like.
Health notes: ~750–900 kcal per serving (depends on pasta/cream). Healthiness: Moderate—great protein; add extra kale and go easy on cream for a lighter bowl.
Drink pairing: Wine: Washington State Riesling (off-dry) from Chateau Ste. Michelle. Beer: a crisp Kölsch-style ale.