If you are craving a rich, indulgent seafood pasta that is as easy to make as it is to love, this One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo Recipe will quickly become your new go-to comfort meal. Combining succulent shrimp and sweet lump crab in a luscious, creamy Alfredo sauce, all cooked together in one pot, you get a delightful blend of flavors and textures without a mountain of dishes to clean. It is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive yet approachable meal for guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo Recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each element plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, creaminess, and fresh seafood essence, making the dish irresistible from the very first bite.
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine: These noodles are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce while providing the ideal texture.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Juicy and tender, shrimp adds a delightful seafood bite and protein.
- 1 cup lump crab meat: Sweet, flaky crab brings elegance and subtle ocean flavor to the dish.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: A good quality olive oil enhances the sauté and adds a fruity undertone.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with warmth and depth, essential for balancing the creaminess.
- 2 cups chicken or seafood broth: The broth is the liquid backbone, delivering savory goodness and helping cook the pasta perfectly in one pot.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and creamy.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds salty, nutty richness that completes the Alfredo flavor profile.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Seasoning brings all flavors together thoughtfully without overpowering the seafood.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Bright and herbaceous, parsley puts the final fresh touch on this comforting dish.
How to Make One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant and golden. This step awakens the flavors and creates a savory base for the sauce, ensuring your Alfredo is anything but bland.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta in Broth
Pour in the chicken or seafood broth and bring it to a boil. Add the fettuccine or linguine and give it a good stir to prevent sticking. Cover the pot and let the pasta simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes until al dente, soaking up all that savory broth flavor.
Step 3: Stir in Cream and Parmesan
Once the pasta is tender, reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream along with the grated Parmesan cheese. As you mix, the sauce will thicken into a silky, creamy blanket that hugs every strand of pasta and prepares the stage for the star seafood ingredients.
Step 4: Add Shrimp and Crab
Gently fold in the peeled shrimp and the sweetest lump crab meat, cooking everything together for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the seafood to heat through just right without becoming rubbery, imparting that unmistakable ocean-fresh touch to your Alfredo.
Step 5: Season and Garnish
Finish by seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and a lively hint of herbal brightness that cuts through the rich creaminess.
How to Serve One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is classic and bright, but you can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of red pepper flakes to elevate the flavors even further. A little extra grated Parmesan on top never hurts either!
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to balance the richness. Garlic bread is always a welcomed companion to soak up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo Recipe in shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce and plump seafood. For an elegant touch, arrange the shrimp and crab meat on top artistically and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens when entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
Although Alfredo sauces don’t always freeze perfectly due to cream separation, you can freeze the seafood and pasta separately in a quality freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Reheat gently and stir well to bring back the creamy texture.
Reheating
Warm leftovers on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure the seafood heats evenly without overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp and crab for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before adding to the pot. This helps maintain the best texture and avoids adding excess water to your sauce.
Is it necessary to use both shrimp and crab?
Not at all. You can use just shrimp or just crab depending on your preference or availability. The dish will still be delicious with either seafood alone.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter alternative?
While heavy cream gives the best richness and texture, you can try half-and-half or whole milk mixed with cream cheese for a lighter version. Keep in mind the sauce might be less thick and indulgent.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Fettuccine and linguine are ideal because their wider strands hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully, but feel free to experiment with other long pasta shapes like tagliatelle or even penne for a twist.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth and other ingredients do not contain gluten. The cooking steps remain the same.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo Recipe is your shortcut to a restaurant-quality seafood meal that feels cozy and indulgent right at home. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion when you want a dish that impresses without stress. I promise, once you try it, this creamy seafood pasta will be on repeat in your kitchen!
Print
One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo 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
This One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo is a creamy, decadent pasta dish perfect for seafood lovers. Combining succulent shrimp and lump crab meat in a rich Alfredo sauce, this recipe simplifies cooking by using just one pot. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that delivers restaurant-quality flavors without the fuss.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine
Seafood
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup lump crab meat
Sauce & Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken or seafood broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Cook Pasta: Pour in the chicken or seafood broth and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and stir well to prevent sticking.
- Simmer Pasta: Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Simmer for approximately 10 minutes, or until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Create Alfredo Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined with the pasta.
- Add Seafood: Gently fold in the shrimp and lump crab meat, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and the seafood is heated through.
- Season: Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving to add a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Use seafood broth for enhanced flavor, or chicken broth as an alternative.
- Ensure shrimp are fully cooked but not overdone to keep them tender.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Fresh Parmesan cheese yields the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
- Can be garnished with lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
