Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab

A Creamy, Elegant Pasta That Tastes Like a Beachside Escape

Let’s be honest—there’s just something magical about a good seafood pasta. And Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab? It’s the ultimate comfort-meets-coastal dish. We’re talking tender shrimp, sweet lump crab, and al dente pasta all wrapped in a rich, creamy sauce that’s full of garlic, herbs, and a little splash of lemon to brighten it all up. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but is secretly super easy to pull together.

This pasta isn’t just dinner—it’s an experience. You can practically hear the waves and feel the breeze when you sit down to a plate of this decadent, dreamy seafood pasta. Whether you’re planning a date night at home or just craving something extra delicious, this one is a guaranteed hit. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked.

Why You’ll Love Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab

Decadent But Easy: It tastes like something you’d order at a seaside restaurant, but it’s surprisingly quick and straightforward to make at home.

Elegant Enough for Guests: This is a total show-stopper. It looks beautiful on the plate and always gets rave reviews—perfect for impressing dinner guests.

Rich and Creamy: The sauce is velvety, garlicky, and infused with just the right amount of seafood flavor. Every bite is comfort food with a coastal twist.

Customizable: You can make it your own by switching up the pasta, adding some spice, or even tossing in a handful of spinach or peas.

One-Pan Wonder (Mostly!): With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this dish keeps things simple while delivering big results.

Ingredients in Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab

This dish is all about high-quality ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. Here’s what you’ll need:

Shrimp

Plump, juicy, and tender—shrimp add a slight sweetness and a beautiful texture. Go for peeled and deveined shrimp to save time.

Lump Crab Meat

The sweet, delicate flavor of lump crab takes this dish to the next level. You can use fresh or canned—just make sure it’s high-quality and shell-free.

Pasta

Linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti work beautifully here. The noodles soak up the creamy sauce and provide that perfect twirl factor.

Garlic

A must-have. Garlic adds a warm, aromatic depth that enhances the seafood and sauce.

Butter

For sautéing and adding richness to the sauce. It’s the base that brings everything together.

Heavy Cream

To create that luxurious, velvety sauce that coats the pasta just right.

Parmesan Cheese

Melted into the sauce, Parmesan adds saltiness, umami, and a silky finish.

Lemon Juice

Brightens the dish and cuts through the richness. A little zing goes a long way!

White Wine (Optional)

Adds depth and a touch of acidity. Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Fresh Parsley

A sprinkle of green adds freshness and a pretty pop of color.

Salt, Pepper, and Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

To season and balance the dish. The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat if you want a little spice.

Instructions

This dish comes together quickly, so make sure everything is prepped and ready to go!

Cook the Pasta

Boil your pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.

Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque—about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add a little more butter and the garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. If using wine, deglaze the pan with it, letting it simmer for a minute to cook off the alcohol. Then pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Add the Crab and Shrimp

Stir the crab meat and cooked shrimp into the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer for a couple of minutes to heat through.

Add Cheese and Pasta

Stir in the Parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce is smooth. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Finish with Lemon and Herbs

Squeeze in the lemon juice, sprinkle in the parsley, and toss again. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.

Serve and Enjoy

Plate the pasta in bowls, top with extra Parmesan and parsley if you’d like, and serve it up warm. Don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 500–600 (depending on pasta type and cream used)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab

• With Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up every last drop of that creamy sauce.
• Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully and cuts through the richness.
• White Wine: Serve with a chilled glass of the same white wine you used in the sauce for a perfect pairing.

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Seafood: If possible, fresh shrimp and crab will give the best flavor—but quality frozen options work well too.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook fast! Pull them from the pan as soon as they’re pink and firm to avoid rubbery texture.
• Add Veggies: Want to sneak in some greens? Add spinach, peas, or asparagus tips for extra color and nutrition.
• No Wine? No Problem: You can swap it for a little extra lemon juice or a splash of chicken broth for acidity.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use imitation crab?
A1: You can, but real lump crab has a much better flavor and texture. If using imitation, just adjust seasoning to taste.

Q2: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
A2: Yes, but your sauce will be a bit thinner. You can thicken it with a little extra Parmesan or a cornstarch slurry if needed.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the components (cook pasta, prep shrimp/crab) ahead and assemble just before serving.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth.

Q5: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A5: Absolutely—just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Conclusion

Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab is the kind of recipe that feels like a mini getaway with every bite. It’s rich, flavorful, and comforting, with just enough elegance to make any meal feel special. Whether you’re cooking for someone you love or treating yourself to something indulgent, this dish is always a win. Go ahead—pour a glass of wine, twirl some pasta, and savor the magic.

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