Description
This Cherry Tomato Pasta with Sweet Crab & Pesto Breadcrumbs is an elegant yet easy pasta dish featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, delicate lump crab meat, and crispy pesto-coated breadcrumbs that add irresistible texture and fresh basil flavor, perfect for a light and flavorful Italian-inspired main course.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or linguine
Seafood and Vegetables
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz (225 g) lump crab meat
Breadcrumbs and Herbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp basil pesto
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Toast Breadcrumbs: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the panko breadcrumbs. Toast them, stirring frequently, until they turn golden and crisp. Remove from heat and stir in the basil pesto until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté the minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to burst and release their juices, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add Crab: Gently fold the lump crab meat into the tomatoes, being careful not to break up the crab too much. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until warmed through, ensuring the crab does not overcook.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta back to the skillet with the crab and tomatoes. Pour in enough reserved pasta water to lightly coat the pasta and help create a sauce, tossing gently to combine.
- Finish with Cheese and Herb: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and generously top each serving with the pesto-coated toasted breadcrumbs. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish to add brightness.
Notes
- Use fresh lump crab for the best delicate flavor and texture.
- Be careful not to overcook the crab to keep it tender and sweet.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic if you prefer a little heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
