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
Scale
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.
