If you’re craving a luscious, comforting dish that brings the ocean’s finest right to your table, look no further than this Shrimp Crab Alfredo Bake Recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with tender shrimp and delicate lump crab meat all nestled in perfectly cooked pasta, this bake is pure indulgence in every bite. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy yet is surprisingly simple to prepare—ideal for a cozy dinner with family or impressing friends without a fuss. Once you try this recipe, it will surely become a beloved classic in your mealtime rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Shrimp Crab Alfredo Bake Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. From the rich cream and sharp Parmesan that create the sauce’s velvety base to the fresh seafood and aromatic garlic that make it irresistible, every element plays a crucial role.
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta: Choose your favorite shape to hold onto that delicious sauce perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons butter: For a silky, savory start to your sauce and sautéing garlic and shrimp.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a fragrant punch that infuses the entire dish with warmth.
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined): Tender and sweet, they bring that signature seafood flavor.
- 8 oz lump crab meat (drained and picked over): Delicate and flaky, crab elevates this bake to restaurant-worthy status.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Creates the irresistibly creamy and rich Alfredo sauce.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty, it thickens and flavors the sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided): Melts into a gooey, bubbly topping that crowns the dish.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a touch of subtle heat.
- ¼ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning or paprika (optional): For a gentle spice that pairs marvelously with the seafood.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish): Fresh and bright, it adds the perfect color and a mild herbal note.
How to Make Shrimp Crab Alfredo Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures a non-stick surface and helps the bake cook evenly while letting the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package directions until al dente. This helps it keep a bit of bite and prevents mushiness once baked. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce and seafood.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Shrimp
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until foaming. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant—it’s the aroma that really starts to wake up the senses! Then add the shrimp, cooking them for 2–3 minutes per side just until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to keep them tender and juicy.
Step 4: Create the Alfredo Sauce
Using the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Old Bay seasoning if you’re using it. Let this sauce cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens slightly, creating that signature rich and creamy texture we all cherish.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Seafood, and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and delicate lump crab meat into the skillet with your Alfredo sauce. Gently fold everything together to coat all the ingredients evenly without breaking up the tender crab. This harmony of textures is what makes the Shrimp Crab Alfredo Bake Recipe truly memorable.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the creamy seafood and pasta mixture into your greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes until everything is heated through and bubbling with cheesy goodness. If you’re craving a golden, crispy top, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes—just keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and herbal brightness. Serve warm and watch everyone dive in, savoring every creamy, seafood-packed bite.
How to Serve Shrimp Crab Alfredo Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your dish with freshly chopped parsley as the perfect herbaceous finish. If you want an extra touch, a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan right before serving can bring out the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This rich, creamy bake pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides like a green salad with tangy vinaigrette or garlic roasted asparagus. A crusty baguette also works wonders to soak up any leftover sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets topped with melted mozzarella. You can also present the bake atop a bed of sautéed spinach or with a few roasted cherry tomatoes for extra color and a pop of freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any uneaten Shrimp Crab Alfredo Bake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to keep the sauce from separating.
Freezing
This bake freezes quite well! For best results, assemble but do not bake. Wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and remove the foil during the last few minutes if you want to refresh the melty cheese topping.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for the Shrimp Crab Alfredo Bake Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that could thin the sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives, but keep in mind the flavor and texture will be different from the traditional rich Alfredo taste.
Can I add other seafood to this bake?
Yes! Scallops, lobster chunks, or even crab claws can be wonderful additions. Just adjust cooking times to ensure all seafood is perfectly cooked without overdoing it.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Fettuccine and penne are both excellent because their shapes hold the creamy sauce well, but rigatoni, rotini, or even shells would be delicious alternatives.
How can I make the dish spicier?
Incorporate red pepper flakes into the sauce or sprinkle a dash of Cajun seasoning on the shrimp before cooking for a flavorful kick.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Crab Alfredo Bake Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that feels luxurious but is delightfully simple to make. Rich, creamy, and packed with seafood goodness, it’s perfect for treating yourself or sharing with loved ones. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to dinner staple that brings smiles to the table every time.
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Shrimp Crab Alfredo Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Shrimp Crab Alfredo Bake is a decadent seafood casserole combining tender shrimp, lump crab meat, and pasta in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfectly baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh parsley, this dish is a delightful blend of American and Italian flavors that makes an impressive main course for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Pasta and Cooking Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz lump crab meat, drained and picked over
Alfredo Sauce Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning or paprika (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the fettuccine or penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant to develop the base flavor. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Old Bay seasoning or paprika if using. Continue cooking and stirring frequently for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, creating a rich creamy base for the dish.
- Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Crab: Add the cooked pasta, sautéed shrimp, and lump crab meat to the creamy Alfredo sauce in the skillet. Gently mix everything together to evenly coat the seafood and pasta with the sauce.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the pasta and seafood mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the dish is hot and bubbly.
- Broil for a Golden Top (Optional): For a golden, crispy cheese topping, broil the dish for 1 to 2 minutes – keep a close watch to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with the chopped parsley, and serve the Shrimp Crab Alfredo Bake warm for a comforting and elegant meal.
Notes
- You can use either raw or pre-cooked shrimp; just adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms to enhance flavor and nutrition.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated, making it great for meal prep or entertaining.
