If you’re looking for a pasta dish that’s as bold and unique as it is luxurious, look no further than this crab shell pasta recipe inspired by the dynamic Athena Lee. With its rich, creamy sauce infused with roasted red peppers, garlic, and a hint of sherry, this dish is a true culinary masterpiece. Perfect for a special dinner or whenever you want to impress, this recipe combines the sweetness of crab meat with the sharpness of Grana Padano cheese for a rockstar-worthy meal.
Ingredients for Lady Athena’s Crab Shell Pasta
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) butter
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) shallots, finely chopped
- 2 large cloves garlic, pressed
- 1/2 cup (120 g) roasted red peppers, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) dried basil
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) dry white wine (or chicken stock as a substitute)
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (35%)
- 1 1/2 cups (1/2 lb or 225 g) crab meat, roughly chopped
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) cooking sherry
- 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) hot paprika
- 1 pinch white pepper
- Himalayan sea salt to taste
- 1/3 cup (40 g) grated Grana Padano cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 1/2 cups (225 g) dried medium shell pasta
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions for Lady Athena’s Crab Shell Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
In a large pot filled with boiling salted water, cook the shell pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a deep skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once melted and hot, add the finely chopped shallots and sauté for about 2 minutes. Add the pressed garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Add the finely chopped roasted red peppers and dried basil to the skillet. Stir and cook for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Pour in the dry white wine (or chicken stock) and let it reduce by half. Once reduced, pour in the heavy cream and stir gently.
Step 4: Add Crab and Seasonings
When the cream begins to simmer, add the roughly chopped crab meat. Stir and bring the mixture back to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cooking sherry, hot paprika, white pepper, and Himalayan sea salt to taste. Finally, add the grated Grana Padano cheese and stir until melted and incorporated. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 more minutes.
Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat the shells evenly in the creamy crab sauce. Sprinkle in the chopped parsley and give it a final stir.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve the pasta in warm bowls, sprinkling additional Grana Padano cheese on top if desired. This recipe makes 4 generous servings.
Lady Athena’s Rockin’ Crab Shell Pasta is a celebration of bold flavors and decadent textures, perfectly suited for a memorable meal. With its luxurious sauce, tender crab meat, and perfectly coated pasta shells, this dish hits all the right notes. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to earn rave reviews. Garnish with extra cheese and parsley for a finishing touch and enjoy this show-stopping creation!
