Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab

 

Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab – A Luxurious, Easy-to-Make Delight

There’s something magical about seafood pasta — the way the flavors of the ocean blend with creamy sauces or rich olive oil, the tender bite of pasta, and the elegant presentation. This Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab recipe is a perfect example: simple enough for a weeknight dinner, yet indulgent enough to serve for a special occasion.

Imagine plump shrimp, sweet crab meat, garlic, and herbs tossed with perfectly cooked pasta — it’s the ultimate comfort-meets-luxury meal.

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🦐 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30–35 minutes.

• Flavorful: Garlic, lemon, and herbs enhance the natural sweetness of the seafood.

• Versatile: Can be made with any combination of shrimp, crab, or even other seafood like scallops or lobster.

• Crowd-Pleaser: Elegant enough for guests but simple enough for family dinners.

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🧾 Ingredients

For 2–3 servings:

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 small shallot, finely chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• 8–10 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 6 oz (170 g) cooked crab meat

• 1/4 cup white wine (optional, for deglazing)

• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Garnishes:

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Lemon zest

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add garlic, shallots, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.

3. Cook the Shrimp

Add shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.

4. Make the Sauce

Pour in the white wine (if using) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Let it reduce for 1–2 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Combine Seafood and Pasta

Add the crab meat and cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Toss gently to combine.
Add cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.

6. Finish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for a restaurant-quality seafood feast at home.

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🍽️ Tips for Perfect Seafood Pasta

• Use fresh or frozen seafood: Thaw frozen shrimp and crab properly for best texture.

• Don’t overcook shrimp: They cook quickly; overcooked shrimp become rubbery.

• Adjust sauce consistency: Use pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.

• Customize: Add cherry tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and color.

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🌊 Why This Recipe Works

The combination of shrimp and crab offers a balance of textures and flavors — the shrimp provides a firm, succulent bite while the crab adds sweetness and richness. The garlic, butter, and lemon sauce elevate the dish without overpowering the delicate seafood.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner or impressing guests, this Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab is sure to delight.