Photo by Tom McCorkle and food styling by Lisa Cherkasky for The Washington Post
Fettuccine With Crab and Asparagus
Here, this fettuccine with crab and asparagus dish make asparagus the star of the show. Asparagus noodles — made by shaving the stalks with a vegetable peeler — are tossed with whole-grain pasta, fresh herbs and succulent crab in a lemony garlic-and-wine sauce, for a fast, fresh and satisfying meal in a bowl.
Ingredients
1 bunch (about 12 ounces) thick asparagus
12 ounces dried whole-wheat fettuccine (may substitute dried whole-grain spaghetti)
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 cup dry white wine
1 cup seafood stock
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest and 3 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
1/2 teaspoon salt, or more as needed
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pound lump crab meat, drained and picked over to remove any bits of cartilage
2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
Directions
Cut off the asparagus tips (reserving them); then, using a sharp vegetable peeler, and holding each spear by its woody ends against a cutting board, peel the stalks into long, thin strips. Discard the woody ends.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions, until al dente. Drain and return the pasta to the pot.
Meanwhile, add 2 tablespoons of the oil and the garlic to a large, deep skillet over medium heat; cook for about 5 minutes, stirring, until the garlic is lightly golden, being careful not to let it burn.
Add the wine (be careful, it will sputter at first) and the stock; bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for about 5 minutes, until the liquid has reduced by about half.
Add the asparagus tips and strips, the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Let the mixture start to bubble again, then cook for about 2 minutes, just until the asparagus is crisp-tender. Stir in the crabmeat and cook for about 1 minute, just long enough for it to warm through.
Add the asparagus-crab mixture to the cooked pasta in the pot, along with the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, the tarragon and parsley. Toss gently to incorporate. Taste and season lightly with more salt, if needed.
Garnish with more parsley and serve warm.
Makes 4-6 servings
Per serving: Calories 470; Total Fat 22g; (Sat Fat 3g); Protein 21g; Carb 45g; Fiber 7g; Cholesterol 70mg; Sodium 590mg; Total Sugar 2g
