If you’re a fan of seafood, pasta, and creamy, indulgent sauces, then Seafood Lovers’ Dream Alfredo is about to become your new go-to dish. Imagine tender shrimp, plump scallops, and succulent crab all enveloped in a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce that’s just the right balance of creamy and savory. This dish is the ultimate comfort food that feels luxurious enough for special occasions but easy enough to enjoy any night of the week. With a luscious sauce that coats every bite and the perfect mix of seafood, it’s a dish that will have you and your guests swooning with every forkful. Get ready to dive into seafood heaven—you won’t be disappointed!
Why You’ll Love Seafood Lovers’ Dream Alfredo
Here’s why this dish is totally irresistible:
- Seafood Galore: If you’re a seafood lover, this dish is your dream come true. With shrimp, scallops, and crab all in one dish, every bite is bursting with fresh, oceanic flavor.
- Creamy & Dreamy Alfredo Sauce: The rich Alfredo sauce is made with heavy cream, butter, garlic, and parmesan, creating the ultimate indulgent sauce that perfectly complements the seafood.
- Quick & Easy: Despite its luxurious taste, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a cozy dinner or a dinner party with friends.
- Customizable: You can adjust the seafood to your liking, swapping in lobster or even mussels if you prefer. Plus, you can use gluten-free pasta or dairy-free substitutes for a twist.
- Impressive & Delicious: It’s the kind of dish that looks and tastes impressive, yet it’s simple to make—guaranteed to wow anyone you serve it to!
Ingredients in Seafood Lovers’ Dream Alfredo
A medley of succulent seafood and creamy sauce—here’s everything you’ll need:
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- Butter: For a rich, velvety base for the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Adds that rich, creamy texture you know and love in Alfredo.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds aromatic depth.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan gives the sauce a nutty, salty flavor.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the sauce to perfection.
- Italian Seasoning (optional): Adds a little extra flavor complexity to the sauce.
For the Seafood:
- Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp add the perfect sweetness and texture.
- Scallops: Tender, melt-in-your-mouth scallops elevate this dish to seafood lover’s paradise.
- Crab Meat: Sweet, delicate crab meat (preferably fresh or lump crab) to finish off the perfect seafood trio.
- Olive Oil: For searing the seafood to golden perfection.
- Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a touch of brightness and balances the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
For the Pasta:
- Fettuccine Pasta: Classic pasta for Alfredo, but you can use any pasta you like, such as linguine or spaghetti.
- Salt: For seasoning the pasta water.
(Note: The full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to make this creamy, seafood-packed dish? Here’s how to pull it all together:
Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then set it aside.
Prepare the Seafood
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the shrimp and scallops to the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the seafood. Once done, remove the seafood from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the crab meat and gently heat it for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. Remove from heat and set aside with the shrimp and scallops.
Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 3-4 minutes, then stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it melts into a smooth sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using).
Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat it evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Gently fold in the cooked seafood—shrimp, scallops, and crab—until everything is mixed together.
Serve & Garnish
Serve the creamy seafood Alfredo in bowls, garnished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and extra parmesan cheese if desired. You can also sprinkle some fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 600
Total Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 140mg
Sodium: 700mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 32g
Vitamin D: 10µg
Calcium: 300mg
Iron: 2mg
Potassium: 700mg
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Seafood Lovers’ Dream Alfredo
This dish is already indulgent on its own, but here are a few ideas to complement your meal:
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread for a little crunch to go along with the creamy Alfredo.
- Grilled Vegetables: Roasted or grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini add a nice light contrast to the richness of the dish.
- Side Salad: A fresh side salad with mixed greens and a lemon vinaigrette helps balance out the richness and adds a refreshing element to the meal.
- White Wine: Pair with a crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to complement the creamy sauce.
Additional Tips
- Seafood Tip: Be careful not to overcook the seafood! Shrimp and scallops cook very quickly and can become tough if left on the heat too long.
- Pasta Tip: If you’re using a different type of pasta, make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly so it’s perfectly al dente.
- Creamy Sauce Tip: If the Alfredo sauce gets too thick while waiting, just add a little pasta water to thin it out.
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat, or a handful of spinach for some extra greens and flavor.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! You can use any pasta you prefer, like linguine, spaghetti, or penne. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: This dish is best served fresh, but you can cook the seafood and pasta ahead of time and then reheat the sauce and combine everything just before serving.
Q3: Can I use frozen seafood?
A3: Yes! Frozen shrimp, scallops, and crab can be used—just make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating.
Q5: Can I use a different type of cheese for the Alfredo sauce?
A5: Parmesan is traditional, but you could try Romano or Asiago cheese for a different twist on the flavor. Just make sure to grate it finely for a smooth sauce.
Q6: Can I add other seafood to this dish?
A6: Definitely! Lobster, mussels, or even clams would be fantastic additions to this seafood Alfredo.
Q7: How can I make this dish spicier?
A7: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce or sprinkle some cayenne pepper over the finished dish for a bit of heat.
Q8: Can I use a dairy-free version of this recipe?
A8: Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream and butter with dairy-free alternatives, such as coconut cream and plant-based butter. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
Q9: Can I add vegetables to the Alfredo?
A9: Yes, adding vegetables like spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes would be a great way to enhance the dish and add some color and texture.
Q10: Can I make the Alfredo sauce without garlic?
A10: While garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor, you can certainly leave it out if you prefer a more subtle taste or are sensitive to it.
Conclusion
Seafood Lovers’ Dream Alfredo is a show-stopping dish that combines succulent seafood, creamy Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a meal that’s rich, indulgent, and utterly satisfying, all while being surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something special, this dish is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to indulge in a seafood lover’s dream come true!
PrintSeafood Lovers’ Dream Alfredo
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Seafood Lovers’ Dream Alfredo is a rich and creamy pasta dish filled with shrimp, scallops, and crab meat, all tossed in a velvety homemade Alfredo sauce. A luxurious dish perfect for seafood enthusiasts.
Ingredients
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Seafood:
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz scallops, cleaned
- 8 oz lump crab meat (or imitation crab, if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
- Salt, for the pasta water
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water. - Prepare the seafood:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp, scallops, and crab meat with salt and pepper. Add the shrimp and scallops to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until just cooked through. Add the crab meat and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. - Make the Alfredo sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. - Combine the sauce and pasta:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. - Toss the pasta and seafood in the sauce:
Add the cooked pasta and seafood to the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat everything evenly. Serve immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, you can add a little more butter and cream.
- If you don’t have crab meat, you can replace it with more shrimp or scallops.
- You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors of the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 170mg