Savory Blue Crab Infused Spaghetti 

This is a Frugal Gastronomy household favorite because we love Crabs……..(including the cat)

Ingredients:  

–1 lb spaghetti 

–2 tablespoons olive oil

-3 garlic clove minced 

-2 big shallots chopped or 1 sweet onion 

–32 oz can of chopped tomato or fresh tomato

–1/4 cup fresh parsley

–1/4 cup fresh basil

–1/4 teaspoons red pepper flakes 

-Salt & pepper to your liking

–1 tablespoon of tomato paste

-4 blue crabs cleaned and cracked/open

–1 lb can of crab meat

-Grated parmigiana cheese 

Instructions:

1. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
2. While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add chopped shallots or sweet onion and cook until translucent. then add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add canned tomatoes or fresh tomatoes to the skillet and toss to combine. Cook for 5 minutes then add blue crabs. Let simmer for 30 minutes. 
4. Remove blue crabs and set aside to cool, add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 1/2 can of crab meat and simmer for another 5-10 minutes. Add chopped parsley and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 
5. Add the spaghetti into the skillet and toss everything together while adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and coat the spaghetti evenly. 

Serve hot, garnished with grated parmigiana cheese and crab meat. (With red pepper flakes of course to your taste)

Enjoy your delicious crab sauce & spaghetti !!