If you are craving something indulgent yet fresh, creamy yet bright, then this Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab Recipe is going to steal your heart. It’s a luscious combination of tender shrimp and sweet crab meat enveloped in a velvety lemon-infused cream sauce that clings lovingly to perfectly cooked linguine. Every bite bursts with savory seafood goodness elevated by a whisper of garlic heat and a zing of lemon that wakes up your taste buds. This dish feels like a special occasion on a plate, yet it’s surprisingly easy to whip up any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role—from creating the silky sauce to building the perfect texture. Simple but thoughtfully chosen, they come together to deliver a beautifully balanced and satisfying seafood pasta.
- 8 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta: The ideal noodles to hold the creamy sauce with just the right bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a fragrant base that softens the garlic and layers flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds the essential savory aroma that complements the seafood perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A subtle kick that livens up the dish without overpowering it.
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined: Tender and juicy, the star seafood element that cooks quickly.
- 6 oz lump crab meat: Sweet, flaky, and luxurious, it elevates the dish instantly.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The rich, luscious base that binds everything together in creamy bliss.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds depth and a slightly nutty flavor to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brings a bright, refreshing zing to cut through the richness.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Intensifies the citrus notes with fragrant oils.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Offers just the right amount of background warmth.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: A fresh, herbal finish that adds color and brightness.
How to Make Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your linguine or fettuccine according to the package directions. This step ensures your noodles have that perfect al dente texture that stands up to the creamy sauce. Drain the pasta, but make sure to save half a cup of the starchy pasta water—it’s a secret ingredient for loosening the sauce later and helping it cling beautifully to every strand.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Shrimp
In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking gently for about 30 seconds until you can smell that irresistible garlic scent filling the kitchen. Now, toss in the shrimp, cooking them for two to three minutes on each side until they turn a vibrant pink and become opaque. Perfectly cooked shrimp should be tender but not rubbery, so keep your eye on them as they cook.
Step 3: Add the Crab Meat
Next, stir in the lump crab meat, gently folding it into the skillet to warm through for one to two minutes. Be careful not to break up the delicate crab pieces too much—those tender flakes add lovely texture and flavor that make this dish special.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in grated Parmesan, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture cook for two to three minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens and wraps around the seafood in a silky embrace. The lemon zest and juice brighten the cream and keep the flavors lively and fresh.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta directly into your skillet. Toss everything together carefully, coating each strand with that luscious sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce feels too thick, ensuring it reaches that perfect consistency that clings beautifully without being heavy. Finish by sprinkling the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of green and herbal freshness.
How to Serve Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but for an added pop try topping with lemon zest curls or a few extra red pepper flakes. A drizzle of good quality olive oil or a light dusting of Parmesan cheese right before serving can create a gorgeous final touch that impresses both eyes and palate.
Side Dishes
This creamy seafood pasta shines best alongside crisp, garlicky bread and a vibrant green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette. The crunch and acidity of these sides balance the richness perfectly, elevating the whole meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab Recipe in shallow bowls to showcase all the beautiful seafood nestled among the noodles. For special occasions, consider plating with lemon wedges on the side or working in small clumps of fresh herbs or microgreens to add visual interest and texture contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (and that’s always hard to come by!), be sure to cool the seafood pasta quickly and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to two days, with flavors intensifying and melding beautifully overnight.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the cream sauce can separate upon freezing and thawing, altering the texture. However, if you want to freeze, wrap the pasta tightly and consume within one month. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator to minimize sauce separation.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of cream or pasta water to bring back the sauce’s creaminess. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but can sometimes make the shrimp tough, so stovetop warming is preferred for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta in this Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab Recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine or fettuccine are traditional and work best for the sauce, you can use spaghetti, tagliatelle, or even short pasta like penne if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind the texture differences.
Is it okay to substitute canned crab meat?
Yes, canned lump crab meat works well and is a convenient option. Just be sure to drain it thoroughly to avoid adding excess liquid to the sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a cashew-based cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast. This will change the dish somewhat but keep the rich, creamy texture intact.
What wine pairs well with this seafood pasta?
A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the citrusy cream sauce beautifully and enhances the delicate seafood flavors.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth and a background note of spice without overwhelming the dish. You can omit them if you prefer no heat, or increase slightly if you like a spicier kick.
Final Thoughts
This Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab Recipe is a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create a dish that feels both indulgent and approachable. Whether you’re cooking for company or treating yourself to a special meal, this pasta delivers in taste, texture, and that comforting wow factor. Don’t hesitate to dive in and enjoy the wonderful flavors of seafood, creamy sauce, and bright lemon all in one delightful bowl.
Print
Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A rich and creamy Italian-American seafood pasta featuring succulent shrimp and tender lump crab meat tossed in a zesty lemon garlic cream sauce with Parmesan cheese, perfectly seasoned and served over linguine or fettuccine.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta
Sauce and Seafood
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 oz lump crab meat
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, then set the pasta aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Add Crab Meat: Stir in the lump crab meat and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until heated through.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing well to coat it fully with the creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water gradually if needed to loosen the sauce to desired consistency.
- Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Notes
- Use fresh or well-drained canned lump crab meat.
- For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of white wine before adding the cream.
- This dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a fresh green salad.
