SPICY CRAB LINGUINE WITH MUSTARD, CRèME FRAîCHE AND HERBS

Spicy Crab Linguine with Mustard, Crème Fraîche and Herbs image

This pasta dish is impressive, but it is barely any work at all, ideal for an impromptu gathering. The sauce is just warm crème fraîche, highly seasoned, along with a shower of herbs, and just enough green chile to cut the richness. (If you don't want chile, increase the mustard and black pepper, and add lime zest.) Obviously, you'll want the freshest sweetest crabmeat available. Substitute lobster if you can't get crab, or use small shrimp, briefly cooked in butter, and feel free to vary the herbs - basil, mint, dill or chervil would be most welcome.

Provided by David Tanis

Categories dinner, lunch, quick, pastas, main course

Time 20m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

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Ingredients

1 pound linguine
Salt and pepper
1 cup crème fraîche
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Pinch of cayenne
1 pound cooked crab meat, lump if possible
1 serrano or jalapeño chile, seeds removed and finely chopped, or less to taste
2 tablespoons finely cut chives
6 scallions, thinly sliced on an angle
1 tablespoon tarragon leaves, roughly chopped
Cilantro sprigs, for garnish

Steps:

Put a large pot of water on to boil. Add linguine and a generous amount of salt and cook until al dente.
Meanwhile, in a wide skillet, warm the crème fraîche over medium heat. Stir in mustard and cayenne and season with salt and pepper. Add crab meat, stir to coat, and heat through.
Drain pasta and add to skillet. Toss gently to coat pasta, taking care not to break up the crab meat too much. Add the chile, chives, scallions and tarragon and toss to coat. Transfer to a warm serving dish and garnish with cilantro sprigs.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 428, UnsaturatedFat 3 grams, Carbohydrate 60 grams, Fat 9 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 25 grams, SaturatedFat 5 grams, Sodium 533 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams