If you’re searching for a dinner that’s downright show-stopping yet comes together in just 30 minutes, look no further than Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab. Imagine twirls of pasta studded with sweet, tender shrimp and luscious crab, all bathed in a silky, garlic-kissed cream sauce—it’s every seafood lover’s dream on a plate. This recipe brings a touch of elegance and restaurant-worthy flavor right into your kitchen, making any night feel impossibly special while still being genuinely doable for a weeknight. You’ll crave this dish again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab comes from simple, fresh ingredients that each play a starring role. Every component adds something unique, whether it’s the texture of the seafood or the brightness of the lemon zest. Assemble these, and you’re halfway to dinnertime bliss!
- Linguine or Spaghetti (8 ounces): Choose your favorite pasta shape for the perfect base; linguine holds the sauce especially well.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): A splash of good olive oil starts everything off with wonderful Mediterranean depth.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with that irresistible aroma and classic Italian flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Just a pinch brings gentle warmth—adjust to your spice preference!
- Large Shrimp, peeled and deveined (1/2 pound): Plump shrimp add heft and a satisfying bite to the dish.
- Lump Crab Meat (1/2 pound): Sweet crab meat elevates the pasta, making it feel downright luxurious.
- Dry White Wine (1/2 cup): A splash deglazes the pan and brings tangy complexity to the creamy sauce.
- Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): The backbone of the silky sauce that coats every noodle to perfection.
- Parmesan Cheese, grated (1/2 cup): Melts into the sauce for savory, nutty richness.
- Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Brings acidity and cuts through the richness for balance.
- Lemon Zest (1 teaspoon): Delivers a pop of vibrant citrus that makes every bite brighter.
- Fresh Parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): A sprinkle at the end adds color and fresh, peppery flavor.
- Salt and Pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning; taste as you go for perfect flavor.
How to Make Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your favorite linguine or spaghetti in a well-salted pot of water until just al dente. Before draining, remember to scoop out a generous half-cup of pasta water and set it aside—this bit of starchy liquid is pure gold for adjusting the sauce later and ensuring everything marries together beautifully.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, warm up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and those bold red pepper flakes. Sauté for about a minute, just until the garlic is fragrant and not yet golden. This step is where the kitchen really starts to smell like something amazing is about to happen.
Step 3: Cook the Seafood
Add in the shrimp, spreading them out so they sear rather than steam. In just a couple of minutes per side, they’ll turn beautifully pink and opaque. Stir in the lump crab meat and let everything mingle for another minute—the flavors really start to come alive!
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in your dry white wine—listen to that sizzle! Let it simmer for two minutes, which draws up the flavor from the skillet and infuses the seafood with a gentle depth. Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan. Stir gently as the cheese melts and the sauce thickens to a dreamy consistency.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Add your drained pasta right into the skillet, along with the lemon juice and zest. If your sauce is looking a little tight, now’s the time to add a splash of that reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until each strand is glossy and coated. Finally, taste and season with salt and pepper, then shower with fresh parsley just before serving.
How to Serve Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab
Garnishes
You’ll take Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab from delicious to dazzling with finishing touches: sprinkle over extra fresh parsley, a light grate of lemon zest for extra brightness, and perhaps a little more Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent. Each brings a pop of color or flavor that makes the dish feel delightfully restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs perfectly with simple sides that let the seafood shine. Try crisp, garlicky bread to sop up the sauce, or a fresh green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. Steamed asparagus or broccoli also make lovely, light contrasts to the richness of the cream sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab in wide, shallow bowls for a bistro touch, or twirl individual pasta nests onto plates for a special dinner party. For an extra-festive spin, consider topping each portion with a whole shrimp or a bit of extra crab right before serving—it’s a memorable way to make guests feel extra special!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab (lucky you!), let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container. The pasta and sauce keep well together in the fridge for up to two days, though the seafood is best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
While cream-based sauces don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze your Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab in a pinch. Divide into serving portions, seal tightly, and freeze for up to one month. For best texture, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, splashing in a little milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir often and don’t rush—this helps prevent the seafood from overcooking and keeps your sauce silky.
FAQs
Can I substitute the crab meat in Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab?
Absolutely! If crab isn’t available or you simply prefer something else, scallops or extra shrimp both work beautifully in this recipe. You’ll still enjoy that luxurious seafood flavor with a slightly different twist.
What type Main Course
Choose a dry white wine that you enjoy drinking, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These will lend their crispness to the sauce without making it too sweet—always avoid anything labeled as “cooking wine” for best flavor.
Can I make Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab ahead of time?
For ultimate freshness, it’s best enjoyed right after cooking. If you need to get a head start, prep the seafood and aromatics in advance, but cook the pasta and finish the sauce just before serving so everything tastes its best.
Is there a lighter version of this dish?
Yes! You can easily swap the heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter, but still creamy, sauce. The result remains delicious and a bit more everyday-friendly.
Will gluten-free pasta work in Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab?
Certainly. Choose your favorite gluten-free linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions. The creamy seafood sauce pairs perfectly with most gluten-free options.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a plate of Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab—every bite is creamy, bright, and absolutely brimming with flavor. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself to something special, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and fall in love with the tangle of noodles and juicy seafood. Happy cooking!
Print
Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a decadent seafood pasta dish with a combination of succulent shrimp and lump crab meat, enveloped in a creamy Parmesan sauce with a hint of lemon and parsley.
Ingredients
Linguine or Spaghetti:
8 ounces
Olive Oil:
2 tablespoons
Garlic (minced):
3 cloves
Red Pepper Flakes:
1/2 teaspoon
Large Shrimp (peeled and deveined):
1/2 pound
Lump Crab Meat:
1/2 pound
Dry White Wine:
1/2 cup
Heavy Cream:
1/2 cup
Grated Parmesan Cheese:
1/2 cup
Lemon Juice:
1 tablespoon
Lemon Zest:
1 teaspoon
Chopped Fresh Parsley:
2 tablespoons
Salt and Pepper:
to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, cook pasta al dente, and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes.
- Cook Seafood: Add shrimp, then crab, cook until opaque.
- Create Sauce: Pour in wine, simmer, add cream and cheese, thicken.
- Combine: Add pasta, lemon juice, zest, toss, season, garnish, and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute the crab meat with scallops or additional shrimp.
- For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
