Creamy One-Pot Seafood Alfredo With Shrimp and Crab is the kind of comforting, restaurant-style dinner that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make at home. This rich and satisfying seafood pasta brings together tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, and a silky homemade Alfredo sauce, all cooked in one pot for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy One-Pot Seafood Alfredo With Shrimp and Crab
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or even casual entertaining. Everything cooks together in one pot, which means the pasta absorbs the creamy sauce as it cooks, resulting in deep flavor and a luxuriously smooth texture. The combination of shrimp and crab adds a touch of elegance without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
You will also love how flexible this dish is. You can adjust the richness, swap ingredients to suit your family’s preferences, or scale it up for guests. Best of all, it tastes like something you would order at a seafood restaurant, but it is made with simple pantry staples and straightforward techniques.
Ingredients for Creamy One-Pot Seafood Alfredo With Shrimp and Crab
Seafood
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz lump crab meat, picked over for shells
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, optional
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Shrimp can be fresh or frozen. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess water in the sauce.
Crab meat can be fresh, refrigerated, or shelf-stable. Lump or claw meat works well. If crab is unavailable, you can replace it with extra shrimp or even cooked chicken for a surf-and-turf style twist.
Heavy cream creates the classic Alfredo richness. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce will be slightly thinner.
Chicken broth replaces any alcohol traditionally used in some Alfredo variations. It adds depth while keeping the recipe family-friendly.
Parmesan cheese should be freshly grated if possible. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Seafood
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. Check the crab meat carefully for any shell fragments and set aside. Preparing the seafood first ensures everything comes together smoothly later.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
In a large deep skillet or pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pot and set aside. Do not overcook, as they will be added back later.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the same pot. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This step builds the foundation of the Alfredo sauce.
Step 4: Add Liquid and Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Break the fettuccine in half if needed and add it directly to the pot, pressing it down so it is mostly submerged in the liquid.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Reduce heat to medium-low and let the pasta cook uncovered, stirring every 1 to 2 minutes to prevent sticking. As the pasta cooks, the liquid will thicken into a creamy sauce. This should take about 10 to 12 minutes, depending on the pasta.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Seafood
Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, reduce heat to low. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp and crab meat. Sprinkle in paprika, salt, and black pepper, adjusting seasoning to taste.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until everything is warmed through. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Pro Tips for Success
- Stir the pasta frequently while it cooks to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking.
- Use a wide, deep pan so the pasta has room to cook evenly in the sauce.
- Add the seafood at the end to keep shrimp tender and crab intact.
- Grate Parmesan fresh for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of warm broth or milk to loosen it.
- Taste and adjust seasoning right before serving, as Parmesan adds saltiness.
Flavor Variations
- Garlic Lover’s Alfredo: Add an extra clove of garlic and a pinch of garlic powder for bold flavor.
- Lemon Seafood Alfredo: Stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice at the end for brightness.
- Cajun-Inspired: Add a mild Cajun seasoning blend for a gentle kick without overpowering the seafood.
- Spinach Alfredo: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking.
- Mushroom Alfredo: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy addition.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy One Pot Seafood Alfredo With Shrimp and Crab pairs beautifully with simple sides. Serve it with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up extra sauce. Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans also make excellent vegetable sides.
For a casual dinner, serve family-style straight from the pot. For entertaining, portion into warm bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley for a polished presentation.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
Freezing is not recommended for Alfredo sauce, as cream-based sauces can separate when thawed. If you do freeze it, expect some texture changes and stir well while reheating.
Print
Creamy One-Pot Seafood Alfredo With Shrimp and Crab
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy one pot seafood alfredo with shrimp and crab is a rich, comforting dinner made with tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, and a silky homemade alfredo sauce, all cooked together for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink.
- Remove shrimp from the pot and set aside.
- Add remaining butter to the pot and sauté garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and add fettuccine to the pot.
- Cook uncovered over medium low heat, stirring frequently, for 10 to 12 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Gently fold in shrimp and crab meat.
- Add paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Cook 1 to 2 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Add the seafood at the end to keep shrimp tender and crab meat intact, and stir pasta often to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 620 |
| Protein | 36 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fat | 32 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.
FAQ About Creamy One Pot Seafood Alfredo With Shrimp and Crab
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them at the very end just to warm through. Pre-cooked shrimp can become rubbery if cooked too long.
What type of crab meat works best?
Lump crab meat offers the best texture and flavor, but claw meat is also a good, budget-friendly option.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free fettuccine. Cooking times may vary, so stir frequently and monitor texture closely.
How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?
Keep the heat moderate and add cheese gradually. Avoid boiling once the cream and cheese are added.
Can I make this dish lighter?
You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly. The sauce will be thinner but still flavorful.
Final Thoughts
Creamy One Pot Seafood Alfredo With Shrimp and Crab is the perfect balance of indulgence and ease. With minimal prep, one pot, and simple ingredients, you can create a dish that feels luxurious and comforting at the same time. Whether you are cooking for family or guests, this recipe delivers rich flavor, tender seafood, and a creamy sauce that everyone will love.