Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake

Ready to indulge in something rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying? Let me introduce you to the ultimate comfort food: Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake. Imagine the creamy, garlicky goodness of Alfredo sauce enveloping succulent shrimp and tender crab, all baked to perfection with a crispy, golden topping. It’s like everything you love about seafood and pasta came together in one perfect, melt-in-your-mouth dish.

This bake is the kind of meal that feels luxurious without being overly complicated. It’s perfect for cozy nights in, or when you want to impress your family or guests with a dish that’s both easy and elegant. Trust me, once you dig into this cheesy, creamy seafood bake, it’ll quickly become a favorite. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing it with loved ones, it’s a dish that’s sure to please.

Why You’ll Love Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake

This dish is a total game-changer for so many reasons:

Rich & Creamy: The Alfredo sauce is indulgent, velvety, and packed with flavor. Paired with tender shrimp and sweet crab meat, it’s a flavor explosion in every bite.

Seafood Heaven: If you’re a fan of seafood, this dish is a dream come true. It combines the best of both shrimp and crab in one decadent bake, making it a seafood lover’s paradise.

Comfort Food With a Twist: While Alfredo is a classic comfort food, adding shrimp and crab takes it to another level. It’s familiar, yet elevated—a true crowd-pleaser.

Easy to Make: Don’t let the indulgence fool you! This bake is easy to prepare with simple ingredients, and you can make it ahead of time to save on prep work when you’re ready to serve.

Feed a Crowd: This dish is perfect for feeding a group. It’s hearty, filling, and satisfying, making it ideal for dinner parties, family meals, or gatherings with friends.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Ingredients in Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake

This recipe is packed with delicious ingredients that make every bite incredible. Let’s break it down:

Shrimp

Succulent shrimp adds that sweet seafood flavor that pairs so well with the rich, creamy sauce. Choose large shrimp for a meaty bite that stands up to the Alfredo.

Crab Meat

Lump crab meat brings a delicate sweetness and tenderness that balances the boldness of the shrimp. It’s the perfect partner to the rich Alfredo sauce.

Fettuccine Pasta

Fettuccine is the perfect pasta for Alfredo. Its wide ribbons catch all the creamy sauce, making each bite extra satisfying.

Heavy Cream

The base of the Alfredo sauce is heavy cream, giving it that luscious, smooth texture. It’s what makes the sauce so rich and creamy.

Parmesan Cheese

Grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor to the sauce, and when baked, it creates that golden, slightly crispy top that everyone loves.

Garlic

Garlic brings that aromatic depth of flavor that adds an extra layer of savory goodness to the sauce.

Butter

Butter is essential for the creamy texture of the Alfredo sauce, creating a velvety base that coats the pasta and seafood.

Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella brings meltiness and gooeyness to the bake. It’s the perfect cheese to help everything come together with a luscious, cheesy finish.

Italian Seasoning

A blend of Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme adds an earthy, fragrant flavor that brings all the elements together.

Salt & Pepper

Just a pinch of salt and pepper enhances the natural flavors of the shrimp, crab, and sauce.

Instructions

Ready to make this indulgent, creamy bake? Here’s how:

Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Cook the Seafood

In a large skillet, melt a little butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re pink and opaque. Add the crab meat and cook for another minute, just to heat through. Remove the seafood from the skillet and set it aside.

Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Combine the Ingredients

Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and crab to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Stir gently to combine, making sure the pasta and seafood are coated with the creamy sauce.

Assemble the Bake

Transfer the pasta and seafood mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for that golden, cheesy crust.

Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. If you want an extra crispy top, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end.

Serve & Enjoy

Once the Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6-8
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake

This dish is a meal in itself, but here are a few ideas to round out the meal:

Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping into that creamy Alfredo sauce. The perfect side to scoop up every last bit of sauce.

Crisp Salad: A fresh, crunchy salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the ideal contrast to the richness of the Alfredo bake. Something like a Caesar or a simple mixed greens salad would do the trick.

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or roasted tomatoes bring both color and nutrients to your plate, balancing out the creamy richness of the bake.

Wine Pairing: A light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the seafood and creamy sauce.

Additional Tips

Seafood Substitutions: If you’re not a fan of crab or shrimp, you can easily substitute with chicken, scallops, or any other seafood you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Make It Ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it ahead of time, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.

Make It Spicy: If you love a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce for an extra kick.

Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! You can swap the fettuccine for penne, rigatoni, or any pasta you prefer. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the baking time slightly depending on the size and shape of the pasta.

Q2: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A2: Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the Alfredo sauce is made with a gluten-free flour or thickening agent. This dish can easily be made gluten-free without sacrificing any flavor.

Q3: Can I freeze this dish?
A3: Yes, this dish freezes beautifully! Assemble the bake, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Q4: How do I know when the bake is done?
A4: The bake is done when the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the sauce is fully absorbed into the pasta. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Q5: Can I use frozen seafood?
A5: Yes! Frozen shrimp and crab work just fine. Be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

Conclusion

This Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake is a true showstopper. The creamy Alfredo sauce, tender seafood, and perfectly baked pasta come together to create a dish that’s indulgent, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to something special. So go ahead, grab those ingredients, and get ready to bake up something truly delicious!

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