If you have a craving for something that feels both indulgent and effortlessly elegant, this Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab Recipe is absolutely the showstopper you need. Imagine tender linguine tangled up in a luxuriously creamy sauce, bursting with juicy shrimp and sweet crab meat, all brightened by fresh lemon and a hint of garlic. Every bite offers that perfect balance of rich, fresh, and savory flavors that makes you feel like you’re dining seaside, no matter where you are. It’s a simple yet sophisticated dish that’s perfect for impressing guests or turning an ordinary night into a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in the harmony of a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together to create something truly spectacular. Each one plays an essential role: from the softness of linguine to the vibrant zip of lemon, creating texture, flavor, and color that complement the delicate seafood beautifully.
- 12 ounces linguine or spaghetti: Choose your favorite long pasta to soak up every bit of the creamy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing garlic and adding subtle richness.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Provides aromatic depth and a little punch.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle hint of heat.
- 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Tender and juicy, the star protein of the dish.
- 1/2 pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells: Sweet, delicate crab adds amazing texture and flavor.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine: Adds acidity and complexity, helping to build the sauce’s depth.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and rich.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty goodness and helps thicken the sauce.
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon: Brightens the whole dish with fresh, citrusy notes.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal flavor.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
How to Make Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Al Dente
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and drop in your linguine or spaghetti. Cooking the pasta until it’s al dente means it will have just a little bite left—a perfect texture to mingle with the creamy seafood sauce without turning mushy. Before draining, reserve half a cup of that flavorful pasta water; it’s gold for adjusting the sauce consistency a little later.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Toss in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, sautéing just for about a minute, until fragrant and slightly golden. Next, add the shrimp and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a lovely shade of pink and curl up delicately. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside while you build the sauce.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour the dry white wine into the same skillet and let it simmer for around 2 minutes, reducing slightly and gathering all those browned bits left from the shrimp and garlic. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, and allow the mixture to gently bubble for 3 to 4 minutes. This helps the cheese melt perfectly and the sauce to thicken into a velvety texture that will cling deliciously to every noodle.
Step 4: Add Shrimp, Crab, and Bright Flavors
Return the shrimp to the sauce along with the lump crab meat, folding them in carefully to keep that delicate crab from breaking apart. Stir in the zest and juice of one lemon plus the fresh parsley. These bright notes balance the creaminess and uplift the entire dish with freshness and a subtle tang.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now add the cooked pasta straight into the skillet with the seafood sauce, tossing everything together so every strand is lovingly coated. If the sauce feels a little thick or clingy, splash in some reserved pasta water—this trick loosens the sauce and helps it marry perfectly with the noodles. Finish with salt and black pepper to your taste, then serve the dish immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate the dish even further. Sprinkle extra chopped parsley for a fresh green pop and a brightness that instantly lifts the plate. Lemon wedges on the side invite your guests to add a citrus boost, making the flavors zing with every bite.
Side Dishes
Serve this luxurious pasta alongside a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette or a loaf of crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of creamy sauce. Fresh steamed vegetables or roasted asparagus also complement the seafood’s delicate flavors without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, consider plating the pasta in individual shallow bowls, twirling the noodles into neat little nests. Top each serving with a few whole shrimp or a crab claw for an elegant touch. Adding edible flowers or microgreens offers a beautiful, restaurant-worthy finish that will wow your dinner guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The dish stays fresh for up to two days, but Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab Recipe is always best enjoyed fresh for peak flavor and texture.
Freezing
Since this recipe features creamy sauce and delicate seafood, freezing is not recommended as it may change the texture and flavor of the crab and sauce. If you must freeze, consider freezing the cooked pasta and seafood separately in airtight containers and thaw gently before reheating.
Reheating
To warm leftovers, gently reheat the pasta in a skillet on low heat to prevent overcooking the shrimp and crab. Add a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce and keep it from drying out. Avoid microwaving for even heating and to preserve the texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine or spaghetti works beautifully, feel free to experiment with fettuccine, angel hair, or even penne for a different texture and twist on the classic presentation.
What if I’m allergic to shellfish?
If shrimp and crab aren’t an option, you can substitute with flaky white fish like cod or scallops, though the flavor will shift. For a vegetarian twist, try swapping seafood for roasted vegetables and adding extra lemon zest and herbs for freshness.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a cashew-based cream alternative and use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. These options still provide creaminess without dairy.
Is this Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab Recipe suitable for picky eaters?
It’s a fantastic way to introduce seafood because the creamy, garlicky sauce is familiar and comforting, while the flavors aren’t overwhelming. If spice is a concern, just omit the red pepper flakes to keep it mild.
How do I ensure the crab meat stays lumped and doesn’t break apart?
Gently fold the crab meat in during the last few minutes of cooking and avoid stirring too vigorously. Adding it off the heat or on very low heat helps keep those lovely chunky pieces intact.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that combines simplicity with elegance, and this Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab Recipe does just that with flying colors. Rich, creamy, and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again, whether for an intimate dinner or a festive gathering. Grab those ingredients, get cooking, and turn your meal into a celebration of the sea!
Print
Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This creamy and flavorful Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab combines tender linguine with succulent shrimp and lump crab meat in a rich Parmesan and white wine sauce, enhanced by garlic, lemon zest, and fresh parsley. Perfect for a comforting yet elegant Italian-American main course.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces linguine or spaghetti
Sauce & Seafood
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine or spaghetti until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Pour white wine into the same skillet and let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly, enhancing the flavor.
- Add Cream & Cheese: Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Combine Seafood & Flavorings: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently fold in lump crab meat to warm through without breaking it up. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley to brighten the dish.
- Toss Pasta & Adjust Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together thoroughly, using the reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley or lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- Seafood can be fresh or frozen; if using frozen, thaw properly before cooking.
- For a tomato-based variation, substitute the cream with a can of crushed tomatoes.
- Pair with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
