Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab Recipe
If you are craving a dish that perfectly captures the essence of the sea while wrapping you in creamy, comforting pasta, this Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender shrimp and sweet lump crab meat swimming in a luscious garlic-parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine. It’s a delightful balance of fresh seafood flavors and rich textures that makes every bite an absolute joy. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish just right is all about using a handful of fresh, simple ingredients that each play an important role in the overall flavor and texture. From the silky cream sauce to the vibrant seafood, every component works in harmony to create a truly special pasta dish.
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta: Choose your favorite long pasta to hold onto that creamy sauce perfectly.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps cook the garlic evenly without burning.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is key for that fragrant, savory base flavor.
- 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Cooked just right, shrimp bring a sweet and firm bite to the dish.
- 1/2 lb lump crab meat (fresh or canned): The star seafood ingredient, sweet and tender to elevate this pasta.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luxuriously creamy sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and helps thicken the sauce with its nutty flavor.
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional): Enhances the dish with acidity and subtle complexity.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds brightness that balances the richness beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Just a hint of heat to awaken the palate.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together.
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish): Adds fresh color and a touch of herbal brightness to finish the dish.
How to Make Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in salted water according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. This slight firmness will help the pasta hold up beautifully once it’s combined with the rich seafood sauce. Reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining – it’s a secret weapon for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Just 30 seconds is enough to release that incredible aroma without burning it. Then, toss in your shrimp and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Removing them now prevents overcooking while you build the sauce.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pan with White Wine
Lower the heat and pour in the white wine (if using). Stir and scrape the bottom of the pan to lift any caramelized bits left from the shrimp and garlic – this is flavor gold. Let the wine simmer for a minute or two until it reduces slightly, concentrating all those delicious notes.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Add heavy cream, lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes if you love a little kick, plus salt and black pepper. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer gently for about 2 to 3 minutes. The cheese melts into the cream, thickening it into a silky sauce that feels indulgent but balanced.
Step 5: Combine Crab Meat and Shrimp
Fold the delicate lump crab meat and cooked shrimp gently into the sauce. Keep the heat low, just enough to warm everything through without toughening the seafood. This step melds the flavors and gives you that satisfying bite of sweet crab and succulent shrimp in every forkful.
Step 6: Toss with Pasta and Finish the Dish
Add the cooked pasta to your skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are perfectly coated with the creamy, seafood-laden sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it up with a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach that ideal consistency. Serve right away, garnished with fresh parsley and, if you like, a little extra Parmesan cheese for that final flourish.
How to Serve Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley isn’t just for color – it adds a fresh herbaceous note that brightens each bite. You can also offer extra grated Parmesan alongside for guests who love a cheesier edge. A lemon wedge on the side can be a fun way for diners to add an extra splash of citrus punch if desired.
Side Dishes
This seafood pasta loves company but shines best with simple sides that don’t compete. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette complements the richness beautifully, while some crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every bit of the luscious sauce. Roasted or steamed asparagus adds a lovely texture and a pop of color, balancing out the meal with subtle sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve this Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab Recipe in individual shallow bowls with a small drizzle of olive oil and a few whole parsley leaves on top. You might also place the pasta inside hollowed-out mini sourdough bowls or scallop shells for a wow-worthy presentation that feels extra special for dinner parties or date nights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The seafood and pasta soak up the sauce deliciously, but it’s best enjoyed fresh to keep the shrimp tender and crab meat intact.
Freezing
This dish isn’t ideal for freezing because cream-based sauces often separate when thawed. However, if you must, freeze the cooked pasta and sauce separately to preserve texture, then recombine gently when reheating.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy again, gently reheat the seafood pasta over low heat on the stovetop. Adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water helps revive the sauce’s silky texture without drying out the shrimp or crab. Avoid overheating to keep the seafood just tender and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine or linguine are traditional choices, you can swap in spaghetti, angel hair, or even a short pasta like penne depending on your preference. Just keep in mind thicker noodles hold cream sauces better.
Is it necessary to use white wine in this recipe?
White wine adds a subtle acidity and depth to the sauce, but it’s totally optional. If you’d prefer to skip it, simply substitute with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth, or even water.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream substitute, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to maintain that savory cheesy flavor.
How do I ensure the shrimp don’t overcook?
Cook shrimp quickly over medium heat until they just turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Removing them before adding the cream sauce prevents them from turning rubbery during the final cooking steps.
What’s the best way to pick fresh crab meat?
Look for lump crab meat that is bright white with a mild, fresh aroma. Avoid anything with a fishy smell or discoloration. Fresh crab is preferable, but good-quality canned crab can also work wonderfully in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you want to bring a taste of the ocean right to your dinner table with a creamy, indulgent twist, this Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab Recipe is a winner every time. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for special gatherings. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your go-to recipes whenever you crave something truly delicious and satisfying.
Print
Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp and lump crab meat with a rich Parmesan and white wine cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine or linguine. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an elegant and satisfying meal ideal for seafood lovers seeking a quick yet impressive dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
Seafood
- 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb lump crab meat (fresh or canned)
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Deglaze Pan: Lower the heat and pour in the white wine (if using) to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.
- Make Sauce: Add the heavy cream, lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to the pan. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and allow the sauce to simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Seafood: Gently fold the lump crab meat and cooked shrimp back into the sauce. Simmer for another 1–2 minutes until the seafood is heated through and well combined.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Use reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency.
- Serve: Serve the seafood pasta immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute shrimp and crab with other seafood like scallops or lobster for variation.
- If avoiding alcohol, simply omit the white wine and use a splash of seafood or chicken broth instead.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you want to make this dish gluten free.
- To reduce fat, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Fresh parsley as garnish adds brightness but can be omitted or substituted with basil or chives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
