PASTA WITH PEAS, CRAB, AND BASIL

Pasta with Peas, Crab, and Basil image

Yield serves 6 to 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

Coarse salt
1 pound pappardelle
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 shallots, minced
2 pounds garden peas, shelled and roughly chopped (2 cups)
Freshly ground pepper
1 pound lump crabmeat, rinsed and picked over
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped, plus more for garnish

Steps:

Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil, and generously add salt. Stir in the pasta; cook according to package instructions until it is al dente. Transfer to a colander, and let drain.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the shallots, and cook until they are translucent and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the peas, and season with salt and pepper; cook until the peas are tender and bright green, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the crab, and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until it is heated through, about 1 minute more. Add the pasta, and stir to combine.
Stir in the cream and basil, and cook until the mixture is just heated through. Remove from heat; season with salt and pepper. Divide among serving plates, and garnish with basil. Serve immediately.