creamy shrimp and crab pasta

Ever dream of indulging in a rich seafood pasta that feels like fine dining but takes less than 30 minutes to make? This creamy shrimp and crab pasta delivers exactly that. Packed with succulent shrimp, delicate lump crab meat, and tossed in a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, this recipe is luxurious without being fussy. Whether you’re cooking to impress guests or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality dish at home, this seafood pasta is pure comfort in a bowl. Let’s turn your next dinner into a decadent occasion — without the reservation.

Ingredients

• 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 lb lump crab meat (or imitation crab)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional for extra creaminess)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
• Freshly grated Parmesan (for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook fettuccine or linguine until al dente.
2. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set pasta aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Seafood

1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add shrimp and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
3. Add crab meat to the same pan, sauté 1 minute, then remove and set aside with shrimp.

Step 3: Build the Cream Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and softened (2–3 minutes).
2. Pour in heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella (if using). Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Return shrimp and crab to the sauce. Stir to coat.
2. Add pasta to skillet and toss everything together.
3. If needed, loosen sauce with reserved pasta water.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan.

Variations

• Swap linguine for penne or tagliatelle for different texture.
• Use scallops or lobster chunks instead of shrimp/crab.
• Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra layers of flavor.
• Make it spicier with Cajun seasoning or hot sauce stirred into the cream base.

Cooking Note

• Don’t overcook the shrimp – they finish quickly and can become rubbery.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
• Gently fold in the crab meat to keep the lumps intact and tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy seafood pasta with garlic bread, a simple green salad, or grilled asparagus. Pair with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. For a special touch, finish with lemon zest or a drizzle of truffle oil just before serving.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving seafood for too long to maintain tenderness.

Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 550

Protein: 34g

Sodium: 640mg

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to cut calories. Try whole wheat pasta or chickpea pasta for added fiber. You can also reduce cheese or omit mozzarella for a lighter version while still keeping the sauce creamy with just Parmesan.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking shrimp or crab – this leads to chewy texture. Cook just until done.
• Skipping the reserved pasta water – it helps emulsify the sauce and coat pasta evenly.
• Using pre-shredded cheese – these often have anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Not seasoning the cream sauce – always taste and adjust before serving.

Conclusion

This creamy shrimp and crab pasta is the definition of indulgence made easy. It’s rich, garlicky, and brimming with tender seafood — everything you want from a gourmet dinner in under 30 minutes. Whether for a date night, special occasion, or self-care meal, this pasta promises big flavor with minimal effort. Bookmark it, cook it, and share it — it’s one to remember!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use frozen seafood?
A: Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid watery sauce.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: It’s best served fresh, but you can make the sauce and pasta separately and combine before serving.

Q3: Is imitation crab okay to use?
A: Yes, it works fine in this recipe and is budget-friendly.

Q4: How can I make it gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your sauces and cheese are labeled gluten-free.

creamy shrimp and crab pasta

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• Author: Mery Johnston
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Creamy Shrimp and Crab Pasta is a rich, elegant seafood dinner made in just 30 minutes with garlic, Parmesan, and tender seafood.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

8 oz fettuccine or linguine

1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/2 lb lump crab meat (or imitation crab)

2 tbsp butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 small onion, finely chopped

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional for extra creaminess)

Salt & pepper, to taste

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

Freshly grated Parmesan (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of water and drain.

2. Sauté shrimp in butter for 1–2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté crab meat 1 minute in same pan. Set aside with shrimp.

4. Add garlic and onion to skillet. Sauté 2–3 minutes.

5. Pour in cream, bring to a simmer, then stir in Parmesan and mozzarella.

6. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

7. Return shrimp and crab to sauce. Add cooked pasta and toss.

8. Use pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.

9. Top with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese for a smooth, non-gritty sauce.

Don’t overcook shrimp or crab — they should stay tender.

Fold crab gently to keep lumps intact for better texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Pasta
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 640mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 210mg