Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab in a Rich Garlic Sauce

Introduction

Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab is an elegant yet comforting dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your home kitchen. Tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a luxurious sauce that feels indulgent without being overly heavy. This recipe is ideal for special dinners, celebrations, or when you simply want to elevate a weeknight meal. What I enjoy most about this dish is how quickly it comes together while still feeling refined. The shrimp cook in minutes, the crab adds natural sweetness, and the sauce clings beautifully to the pasta. When I first made this recipe, I was surprised by how well the seafood flavors balanced with the garlic and seasoning, creating a dish that felt cohesive and polished. Served with a simple salad or crusty bread, this seafood pasta is both impressive and deeply satisfying.

Print

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is quick, flavorful, and perfect for seafood lovers. It delivers rich taste with minimal effort and works equally well for casual dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pasta
Long pasta such as linguine or fettuccine works best, as it holds the sauce well and allows the seafood to distribute evenly throughout the dish.

Shrimp
Shrimp provide a tender, juicy texture and cook very quickly. They absorb flavor beautifully while maintaining a delicate bite.

Crab Meat
Crab meat adds natural sweetness and a soft, luxurious texture. Lump or claw meat both work well in this recipe.

Garlic
Garlic forms the aromatic foundation of the sauce, adding depth and warmth without overpowering the seafood.

Butter
Butter enriches the sauce and enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp and crab.

Olive Oil
Olive oil prevents the butter from burning and adds a subtle fruitiness to the base of the sauce.

Cream
Cream creates a smooth, velvety texture and brings the sauce together into a cohesive finish.

Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan adds savory depth and helps thicken the sauce slightly while enhancing overall flavor.

Salt and Black Pepper
These seasonings balance and elevate all components of the dish.

Fresh Parsley
Parsley adds freshness and a clean finish, brightening the richness of the sauce.

Directions

Begin by cooking the pasta in well-salted water until al dente. Reserve a small amount of pasta water before draining.

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook gently until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.

Lower the heat and pour cream into the skillet, stirring gently to combine with the garlic and butter. Simmer briefly until slightly thickened. Add the crab meat carefully, followed by the cooked shrimp, allowing them to warm through without breaking apart.

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently, using reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Finish with Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes approximately 15 minutes, cooking time about 25 minutes, for a total time of 40 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of cream or water to maintain the sauce texture.

Variations and Customizations

Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab is highly adaptable. For a lighter version, replace cream with half-and-half or use a garlic and olive oil base. I have tested this variation, and it highlights the seafood flavors beautifully.

You can add vegetables such as spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition. A pinch of chili flakes introduces gentle heat without overpowering the dish.

Different pasta shapes work well depending on preference. Short pasta holds the sauce nicely for a more rustic presentation. Lemon zest or juice can be added for brightness, especially when serving during warmer months.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

This dish is high in protein and rich in essential nutrients from seafood. It can be adjusted for lower fat by reducing cream and cheese quantities.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Do not overcook seafood
Shrimp and crab should be just cooked to remain tender.

Reserve pasta water
It helps adjust sauce consistency smoothly.

Add crab gently
Stir carefully to keep the meat intact.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

What type of crab meat is best?

Lump or claw meat both work well.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It is best served fresh, but leftovers reheat gently.

Is this pasta very rich?

It is rich but well-balanced by seafood and seasoning.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

Yes, a small amount adds depth to the flavor.

What pasta works best?

Linguine and fettuccine are ideal choices.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free butter and cream alternatives.

Does this recipe work with other seafood?

Yes, scallops or lobster are excellent additions.

How do I keep the sauce from separating?

Use low heat and stir gently.

What side dishes pair well with this pasta?

A green salad or crusty bread pairs perfectly.

Conclusion

Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab is a refined yet approachable dish that delivers rich flavor and comforting elegance. With tender seafood, a silky sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it is a recipe that feels special without being complicated. This dish is a reliable choice when you want to impress while still enjoying the ease of home cooking.

Hungry for more?  Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!