Careme

Ingredients

• Whole Cooked Dungeness Crab 1 lb (meat picked = about 6–8 oz) $8.99 sale (reg $15.99)
• Organic Leeks (bunch) 1 medium leek, well cleaned and thinly sliced
• Organic Spinach 1 (about 5 oz) container $2.79
• Simple Truth Organic® Garlic Bulbs 3 cloves, minced $1.99 (3 ct)
• Lemon 1 (zest + 2–3 Tbsp juice)
• Pasta (spaghetti/linguine) 6 oz dry (for 2 servings)
• Heavy cream (or half-and-half) 1/3 cup (use 1/2 cup for richer)
• Olive oil 2 Tbsp
• Butter 1 Tbsp
• Parmesan (optional) 2–3 Tbsp
• Panko breadcrumbs (optional) 1/3 cup
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional) pinch

Instructions

1. Optional crunch: In a small skillet on the stove, toast panko in 1 Tbsp olive oil with a pinch of salt until golden, 2–3 minutes. Set aside.
2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente; reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
3. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium. Add 1 Tbsp olive oil + 1 Tbsp butter. Add sliced leeks with a pinch of salt; cook 5–7 minutes until soft and sweet (lower heat if browning).
4. Add garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) for 30 seconds.
5. Add cream, lemon zest, and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Simmer 1–2 minutes to lightly thicken.
6. Add spinach and stir just until wilted, 30–60 seconds.
7. Fold in crab meat gently (so it stays chunky). Add lemon juice to taste. Season with black pepper; add salt only if needed.
8. Toss in pasta, adding more pasta water a splash at a time until glossy and saucy.
9. Serve topped with toasted panko and a little Parmesan if you like.