If you’re craving the ultimate blend of creamy comfort food and coastal flavors, Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake should be at the top of your must-try list. Imagine tender pasta tossed in a luscious Alfredo sauce, brimming with juicy shrimp and sweet lump crab, all crowned with golden cheese and baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels fancy, but comes together with ease for a weeknight treat or when you’re feeding seafood lovers at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of a great Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake is all in the ingredients: each one brings something special to the table, whether it’s rich, creamy texture, cheesy depth, or a burst of seafood sweetness. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a tip on how each makes the dish shine.
- Pasta (8 ounces fettuccine or penne): Choose a pasta shape that grabs onto the rich sauce; penne or fettuccine are perfect for this bake.
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): The classic base for sautéing, butter brings luxurious richness to the Alfredo sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Just a few cloves give layers of aromatic warmth and depth to the sauce.
- Shrimp (1/2 pound, peeled, deveined, chopped): Tender and sweet, shrimp adds protein and a seafood flavor that can’t be beat.
- Lump Crab Meat (1/2 pound, picked over for shells): Look for quality crab—its delicately sweet flavor elevates every forkful.
- Heavy Cream (1 1/2 cups): The foundation of a silk-smooth Alfredo, cream brings ultra-rich and satisfying body.
- Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, grated): Essential for that classic Alfredo flavor—nutty, salty, and cheesy.
- Mozzarella Cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): For stretch and melt factor, mozzarella helps brown the topping beautifully.
- Old Bay Seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A must for seafood, Old Bay lifts up both the shrimp and crab with a signature savory kick.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch brings slight spice and balances the creaminess.
- Salt (to taste): An essential flavor enhancer—season boldly, but let the seafood shine.
- Chopped Parsley (2 tablespoons): Adds a pop of color and freshness at the finish.
- Italian Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup, optional for topping): For a satisfying crunch and hint of herby flavor, breadcrumbs take the bake over the top.
How to Make Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil so you can cook your pasta to perfect al dente—it’ll finish in the oven, so you don’t want it too soft now. While the oven and water heat up, get all your chopping and ingredient measuring done so everything is easy to add as you go.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Drop your fettuccine or penne into the boiling water and cook it according to package directions, but shave off a minute or so to keep the pasta slightly firm. Drain it well to prevent the sauce from getting watery, and set aside while you work on the creamy, dreamy sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp, Crab, and Aromatics
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for just a minute, releasing all those fragrant oils. Toss in the shrimp and stir until it just turns pink—about 2 to 3 minutes tops. Add the crab and cook for only another minute to gently warm it up without overcooking those tender morsels.
Step 4: Create the Alfredo Sauce
Lower the heat to keep things gentle and pour in the heavy cream. Let it come to a gentle simmer while stirring in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Sprinkle in the Old Bay seasoning, some black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens ever so slightly—about 3 to 5 minutes. You want it silky but not too thick, since the pasta will absorb some sauce in the oven.
Step 5: Assemble the Bake
Add the cooked, drained pasta right into your skillet and stir gently until every noodle is coated with that luxurious shrimp and crab Alfredo sauce. Transfer everything into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. If you love extra texture, sprinkle a thin layer of Italian breadcrumbs across the top. This step is optional, but that crispy golden finish is wildly satisfying!
Step 6: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for a beautifully bubbling bake, with the cheese melted and lightly golden—especially if you added breadcrumbs.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
As soon as you pull your Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake from the oven, shower it with chopped fresh parsley to add a burst of color and herbal freshness before digging in. Let it cool for a few minutes so everything sets just enough for easy slicing and serving.
How to Serve Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is classic, brightening every bite and adding gorgeous color contrast. If you want to get fancy, a little extra Parmesan or a few lemon wedges on the side will really highlight the seafood. For a touch of heat, consider a dash of red pepper flakes.
Side Dishes
Since Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake is rich and indulgent, pair it with something crisp and fresh like a simple green salad or lightly dressed arugula. Roasted asparagus, lemony broccolini, or even a pile of garlicky green beans will balance out the richness perfectly. And don’t forget a warm loaf of crusty bread to sop up any leftover sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake into an elevated dinner party centerpiece by serving it family-style in a big, beautiful casserole dish, or try individual ramekins for a restaurant-style touch. For extra visual flair, top each portion with a whole shrimp or a sprinkle of additional fresh herbs just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of baking. Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake will keep well for up to 2 days—the seafood is at its best when fresh. Reheat only as much as you’ll eat right away to keep things tasting their best.
Freezing
While it’s possible to freeze portions of Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake, the creamy sauce can sometimes separate after thawing. For best texture, assemble the unbaked pasta and sauce in a freezer-safe dish and freeze up to one month, then bake fresh (allow extra time if baking from frozen). Avoid freezing after baking if possible.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers gently in a covered baking dish at 325°F until warmed through, or microwave in short increments, stirring between intervals. Adding a splash of cream before reheating will help bring back the sauce’s silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use imitation crab instead of real crab?
Yes, you can substitute imitation crab if that’s what you have on hand. The taste will be a little milder and sweeter, but the bake will still be delicious and satisfying.
What if I can’t find Old Bay seasoning?
No worries! You can use a combination of celery salt, paprika, a pinch of cayenne, and black pepper for a similar effect, or simply add your favorite seafood seasoning.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even some chopped bell pepper can be folded into the sauce for extra flavor and color without overpowering the shrimp and crab.
Is it okay to prep Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the entire bake up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake as directed—just add a few extra minutes since it will be cold from the fridge.
What’s the best way to make this dish gluten-free?
Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit the topping all together. Be sure your crab and shrimp are also gluten-free with no added fillers.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tasted Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake, you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand for every cozy night in or special celebration with friends. There’s just something irresistible about that blend of creamy sauce, cheesy pasta, and tender seafood. Gather your favorite people, put this dish at the center of your table, and watch it disappear—there’s no better way to enjoy good food and great company!
Print
Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a decadent seafood delight with this Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake. Creamy and rich, this pasta dish is loaded with shrimp, crab, and cheesy goodness, baked to perfection for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 pound shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped)
- 1/2 pound lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: Sauté garlic in butter, add shrimp and cook until pink. Add crab, cream, cheeses, seasoning, and simmer.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, then transfer to a baking dish.
- Bake: Top with breadcrumbs and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked shrimp and canned or fresh crab meat for quicker prep.
- For extra flavor, mix in sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- You can swap fettuccine with shells, rotini, or your favorite pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
