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. Itโs 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. Itโs perfect for cozy nights in, or when you want to impress your family or guests with a dish thatโs both easy and elegant. Trust me, once you dig into this cheesy, creamy seafood bake, itโll quickly become a favorite. Whether youโre enjoying it solo or sharing it with loved ones, itโs a dish thatโs sure to please.
Why Youโll 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, itโs a flavor explosion in every bite.
Seafood Heaven: If youโre 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 loverโs paradise.
Comfort Food With a Twist: While Alfredo is a classic comfort food, adding shrimp and crab takes it to another level. Itโs familiar, yet elevatedโa true crowd-pleaser.
Easy to Make: Donโt 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 youโre ready to serve.
Feed a Crowd: This dish is perfect for feeding a group. Itโs 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.)
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Ingredients in Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake
This recipe is packed with delicious ingredients that make every bite incredible. Letโs 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. Itโs 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. Itโs 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. Itโs 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? Hereโs 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 theyโre 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 9ร13-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 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). 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 youโre 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 youโre 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 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) 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 youโre 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 thatโs indulgent, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. Itโs perfect for any occasion, whether youโre feeding a crowd or treating yourself to something special. So go ahead, grab those ingredients, and get ready to bake up something truly delicious!
Print
Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A creamy, indulgent shrimp and crab Alfredo bake with pasta, topped with melted cheese. This comforting dish brings together rich flavors of seafood and a velvety Alfredo sauce, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup lump crab meat, drained and flaked
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Grease a 9ร13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sautรฉ for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream, and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet, and gently fold in the crab meat and cooked pasta. Add the Italian seasoning, and stir everything together until well combined.
- Transfer the shrimp, crab, and pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs (if using) and a bit of extra mozzarella cheese for a golden crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Enjoy your creamy and indulgent Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of white wine to the cream sauce.
- If you prefer a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or substitute with a lower-fat cheese.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the dish for extra flavor and texture.
- For extra crunch, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes after baking to crisp up the topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 160mg