1 lb of datteri baresi (or short pasta shape of your choice)
2 garlic cloves, finely sliced
2 pinches of chilli flakes
1 lb of cherry tomatoes
1/2 lb of fresh crab meat
handful of parsley, chopped
1/4 cream
1/2 lemon zest
1/2 juice
flaky salt
parmesan to serve
begin by getting a large pan of water boiling for the pasta. season generously so that it is salty like the sea.
next start heating up some olive oil in a heavy bottomed dish (i like to use a dutch oven) and begin cooking the sliced garlic gently over medium heat. after 1-2 minutes add in the chilli flakes.
next add in the whole cherry tomatoes and pop the lid on. let the tomatoes cook with the lid on for around 5 minutes or until they are just about bursting open and letting their juices out.
now is a good time to get the pasta cooking according to packet, minus 2 minutes as it will continue cooking in the sauce.
add in the crab meat and stir to combine. add in the lemon zest and lemon juice and carry on cooking the sauce for another 1-2 minutes to let the flavors mingle.
next add in the cream and stir. toss in half of the chopped parsley.
drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water. add the pasta into the sauce and stir gently to combine, keeping the heat on medium low. add in some of the pasta water to help emulsify the sauce.
serve in your favorite bowl with the rest of the chopped parsley, a little more lemon zest and parmesan. feel free to add some flaky salt here too if your heart desires!
