One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo

Imagine twirling your fork through a creamy, decadent pasta where succulent shrimp and tender lumps of crab meat blend perfectly with a velvety sauce. One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo transforms ordinary dinner nights into something extraordinary with minimal effort and maximum flavor. This luxurious seafood pasta delivers restaurant-quality results while keeping cleanup simple with its one-pot preparation method. You’ll learn how to create the perfect balance of rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce and delicate seafood flavors that will impress even the most discerning dinner guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo stands out from standard pasta dishes for several compelling reasons. First, the convenience factor is unbeatable—everything cooks in a single pot, meaning fewer dishes and more time enjoying your creation. The contrasting textures create a sensory delight in every bite: al dente pasta, tender shrimp with that perfect snap, and delicate crab meat that melts in your mouth, all coated in a silky, rich sauce.

The flavor profile achieves perfect harmony between the sweetness of the seafood and the savory depth of the garlic-infused cream sauce. Unlike many seafood Alfredo recipes that require multiple cooking steps, this streamlined method maintains all the flavor while simplifying the process.

Even better, this impressive dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it suitable for both weeknight dinners and special occasions when you want to serve something that feels luxurious without hours of preparation. The seafood pasta with cream sauce creates an elevated dining experience while keeping your cooking stress-free.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) fettuccine pasta
• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz (225g) lump crab meat, picked over for shells
• 3 tablespoons (45g) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 2 cups (475ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Romano cheese
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Pro Tips

Achieving restaurant-quality One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo hinges on three critical techniques. First, properly cook your shrimp—they should be added at just the right moment and cooked only until they turn pink and slightly opaque (about 2-3 minutes). Overcooking will result in rubbery shrimp that detract from the dish’s elegant texture profile.

Second, temperature control is crucial when incorporating the cheese into your Alfredo sauce. Remove the pot from direct heat before adding the Parmesan and Romano, then stir constantly while adding them gradually. This prevents the cheese from clumping or creating a gritty texture in your otherwise silky sauce.

Finally, timing the addition of crab meat is essential—fold it in last and with minimal stirring. Crab meat is delicate and will break apart if handled too much. This preserves those beautiful lumps that create perfect bites throughout your creamy seafood pasta. This gentle folding technique ensures the sweet flavor of the crab shines through in every serving.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you begin cooking, ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. Check the crab meat for any shell fragments. Having everything measured and ready will make the cooking process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Start the Base
In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. The aroma will be intoxicating as the garlic infuses the butter, creating the foundation for your One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo.

Step 3: Create the Sauce Base
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the fettuccine, making sure it’s completely submerged in the liquid. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is almost al dente and the sauce begins to thicken.

Step 4: Add the Shrimp
When the pasta is almost tender, add the shrimp to the pot. Gently stir to distribute them evenly throughout the pasta and sauce. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes until the shrimp just turn pink and begin to curl. Be careful not to overcook them!

Step 5: Incorporate the Cheese
Reduce heat to low and gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan and Romano cheeses while stirring constantly. This gradual addition ensures a smooth, clump-free sauce. Add the cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper, adjusting seasonings to taste.

Step 6: Finish the Dish
Finally, gently fold in the crab meat, lemon zest, and lemon juice, being careful not to break up the delicate crab lumps. Allow everything to heat through for just a minute. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving your completed One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo.

Variations

For those looking to customize their One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo, several delicious variations offer exciting flavor twists. Create a Cajun-inspired version by adding 1-2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning to your sauce base and finishing with diced bell peppers for color and crunch. The spicy kick complements the sweet seafood beautifully.

For a lighter option, substitute half the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk and add 2 cups of fresh baby spinach during the final minute of cooking. The greens wilt perfectly into the creamy seafood pasta while adding nutritional value and a pop of color.

Lobster lovers can create an ultimate seafood medley by replacing half the crab with chopped lobster meat. This luxury seafood Alfredo variation elevates the dish even further, making it perfect for special celebrations or date nights when you want to impress with minimal additional effort.

Storage and Serving

One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo is best enjoyed immediately after cooking when the sauce is at its creamiest and the seafood at its most tender. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk and warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating.

For an elegant presentation, serve your seafood Alfredo in warmed pasta bowls, garnished with additional fresh parsley, a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan, and a twist of black pepper. Pair with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the rich flavors.

For a complete meal, serve alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and warm garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of the decadent sauce. The bright, peppery greens provide a perfect contrast to the rich, creamy pasta dish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp and crab, but thaw them completely and pat dry before adding to the dish. For shrimp, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water for quicker results.

How do I prevent my Alfredo sauce from breaking?
Keep your heat low when adding cheese and never let the sauce boil after cheese has been added. Also, use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-packaged grated cheese which contains anti-caking agents.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo is best made just before serving. The sauce tends to thicken significantly when refrigerated, and reheating can overcook the seafood.

What can I substitute for heavy cream to make it lighter?
While traditional Alfredo sauce requires heavy cream, you can substitute half the cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?
For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of cheese. The flavor profile will change, but it can still be delicious with the seafood and garlic flavors.

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